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Hokitika Guardian, 17 September 1919, Page 2

.Probably President Wilson is having a more strenuous time in his platform tour of the United States convincing the people of the necessity of ad-

opting the Peace Treaty, than he did in putting his American views on peace before the Peace Conference. The Senate is disposed to “let down” Pre-

sident Wilson on the ratification of the Peace Treaty, which act would be a severe set back, nob alone for the necessary settlement of the war, but

as some finality through the agency

of the League of Nations, to war itself. At present it is President Wilson’s task to arouse public opinion oil the side of peace, just as lie had to to before.to arouse public opinion on the side of war. And, apparently, the present task is more difficult than the former. Peace, an insecure peace of course, has now been reached, and the folk are content to jog along in the same old method of international intercourse, without regard to what might happen in respect to little wars, which are in themselves the incentives to greater wars. It is clear that the force and effect of the League of Nations rests primarily upon the (English sppaking peoples. Great Britain and tho United States at one, and there is a great naval and military force combined with economic power and ability to control food supplies and munitions of war, which could direct the world’s peace. It is esesntial these two great nations should primarily adhere one to the other for the, maintenance of peace. Pence idannot 'be maintained without power to enforce authority, ind that jpower is amply possessed hy he two great nations referred to. .Realsing this tho . people of the United 3

tates must come to understand where their duty lends in regard to tlio ratification of the I’eace Treaty.

Mn Hoover who is regarded in somo quarters ias the Democratic nominee tunied> to Europe after performing in succession of President Wilson for tho next presidential election has rcnrodigios i'll the endeavour to revictual (he continent. He had read his countrymen a lesson about food hoarding for profiteering and predicted a world wide decrease in food prices before long. He out, the economic fallacy in hoarding food sunnlfes, when the goods Un p..nt, usefully abroad, and so establish trade and financial credits

- thus eliminating "'■v ovil rosnlls from over production, or jeopardising the financial side of the business by endangering the rate

of exchange. Mr Hoover seems to be of opinion that normal conditions can is ratified and the nations settle down to comply with the conditions. In this unity of action it is necessary for the United States to take part, and this advice suggests that the sooner the act is consummated the better for the world’s domestic requirements. It is being pointed out from both a British and French poiut of view that Germany is beginning to comply with many of the financial conditions of the peace treaty in regard to reparation, and this should be a helpful sign to induce the recalcitrant Allies to complete their part in the peace bargain also. It is highly .necessary that the Unified (States 'should' associate itself in the ratification of the treaty if some of the smaller states are going to be brought to a sense of their responsibilities in regard to rehabilitation. If a jspeedy /ratification of the treaty will assist towards greater production and the ultimate decrease in food prices then it is manifest so desirable a red lit cannot be brought to pass too soon for the comfort, convenience, and contentment of the masses.