The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1932-07-11

should be made. but cancellation Is
out Of the question. It would not be
fair to the taxpayers of this country
or to the Europeans themselves, even
though the latter will press strongly
for 1t.
The background OF the Lausanne
pact seems to indicate desire on the
part of Europe that the United States
pay for the World war.
Without reviving the question Of
who won the war" it can be said
without controversy that america con-
tributed largely to victory. The two
million men which we sent to the
front in France, plus the industrial
resources of this nation, were enough
to swing the tide in favor Of the al
lies.
All We got out OF the war was the
loss of IS 900 men, the expenditure Of
billions Of dollars on our own army
and the now doubtful satisfaction of
making the world safe for democ-
racy."
When the peace treaty was signed
at Versailles, the United States asked
and got nothing. The other nations
got substantial grants Of land and
billions in indemnity already have
been paid.
The history of the war shows that
we had no part in starting tour
participation came at the finish and
at time when it appeared that the
allies would be defeated. In addition
to the money which they borrowed,
France, England, Italy, ct al, owe the
United States a debt of gratitude.
That they have asked for cancella-
ton at all comes from them with poor
grace. After all, it was their war, not
ours
Before the United States listens to
any plea for revision or cancellation,
it might make pointed inquiry as to
how Europe can maintain the heav-
lest armament in history. If they
cannot pay their just debts now, Euro
pean nations could do>so by scaling
down their expenditures in prepare
ton for the next war. Until those
expenditures are greatly reduced and
there is proof that Europe's swords
are being beaten into plowshares, the
people of the United States will moi
turn heedful ear to Europes cry OF
poverty. 1t is too much like a mar
riding up in Rolls Royce, piloted by
uniformed chauffeur, to ask for {
crust of bread.
The plain fact seems to be tina
Europe feels it can bamboozle Amer
lea into playing Santa Claus som'
more and thereby giving our erst
, while allies opportunity to repair tt
their secret chambers and laugh VI
their sleeves.
If the foreign powers feel that wa.
, we should not be insulted. The his
tory of the recent past justifies thei
attitude, for our diplomacy has beer
of sort to win nothing but contemp
from nations which can maintain
. huge armies and navies and, at tn
same time, plead for disarmament
, The whole thing is ghastl
joke and a satire upon the fine Tito
pianism which America has displayed
but that is no reason why Americ,
should continue to blind herself t,
the real facts.
It would seem that we should in
sist on payment in the interests o
. peace, even though all Europe shout
"Shylock" at us.
r The easier we make it for them t.
escape the burden of the last war tn
more anxious will they be to start tn
i, next And the sooner we yield t
their opportunities. If at all, tn
. sooner the next big war will come.
Then, too, irrespective of all ques
tons of justice, there is that of abilit
, to pay. America is not an inexhausti
BILE gold mine, as all of us we'll know
v Not only is it unfair for Europe
ask us to pay for the World war bu
+ it is practically an impossibility 70
, us to do it.