Evening star., 1932-07-24

reduction or cancellation. to take it a
success But there must be all rea-
sonable assurance that it will be a sue
cess. No partial. incomplete program,
leaving unsettled problems hanging
ever. would justify either reduction or
cancellation. There is no altruism on
the part of governments. Nothing could
be better illustrative Of that than the
Imperial Conference at Ottawa. 1t is
natural that it should be SO. individuals
may practice altruism. But when you
are dealing with the public interests
and public rights, the interest Of the
public is the criterion.
Those who urge that the reparation
settlement Justifies reduction or cancel
lation do not, it seems to me, give
proper weight and consideration to the
distuI bing effect Of other unsettled
problems. The taxpayers OF this coun-
try at one time cmceled some S6,OOO,-
100000 of this debt upon the theory
that it would restore economic condi-
tions in Europe and greatly benefit the
United States. But their hopes were
not realized. Two many Of the war
problems were left unsettled.
Il know Of no way to bring about or
bring into effect "a program such as
would justify the reduction or cancel
lation of the debts and bring about q
better condition. economically and
financially, than by means OF an eco
nomic and monetary conference, con-
ference which would be permitted to
deal with reparations and debts, dis
armament. the re-esta blishment of the
gold standard 81 nations now being on
the gold Standard, the stabilizatlon OF
silver in the Orient, and possibly other
questions l do not overlook tariffs
but these will. in my Judgment, have
to be adjusted through the action OF
the respective governments which Will
be made possible after the adjustment
of other problems"
Hopeful Of Better Days.
Humanity has suffered long enough
from the cruel and intolerant' policies
springing out of the World War, Sen
ato- Borah said. and a continuation OF
these policies will soon bring the world
to the danger point. But. he ADDED
optimistically: Il can but believe that
there is evidence of change
Il feel that the outlook for relief
from the conditions Of today Is brighter
than at any time since the war Degan
These sacrifices. known TO every people
are beginning. it seems to me, to can
out the best there is in man, and tney
are struggling to get control OF the Situ-
alton.
Trouble. when deep enough. duty
when stern enough, always reveal MD
den human resources and undiscovered
virtues both as to leaders and as to
the multitude. as the sea gives up lts
treasures to the storm which searches
its lowest depths. The great leaders OF
the world have not appeared in days OF
ease and comfort and sunshine. And
the people are patient and long su1er-
ing. But there also comes time when.
if the leaders fail. the people point the
wav. God knows there has been suffer-
ing enough. and it is not too much to
hope and to believe that better condl-
tions are not far off. This is man
mace depression. Nature has not failed
us. We are not the victims OF famine
or flood Seed time and harvest and
the industry of the people have con-
stantly attended all through this de-
preston We are the victims of un-
wise and vicious policies. That IS now
admitted on every hand. And in the
admission there is prophecy OF wiser
policies and better things"