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Hokitika Guardian, 2 July 1920, Page 2

The new Governor of Germany is setting' about his great task in a different spirit to that manifested hitherto. The new Premier (Herr Fabrenbach), in hjs address to the Reichstag held forth the olive branch to the Allies, and spoke of claiming their goodwill by convincing them that Germany realised her position and plight, and had no dreams of revenge. Ho recognised further tho heavy burdens imposed by the treaty, and

admitted that the German Government had no alternative but to try and fulfill its engagements. He announced that Germany must carry out the disarmament and repatriation stipulations. It is satisfaetorv to note that the Premier

will go in person to the Spa Conferelite to be held probably next week, and one professing such goodwill should exercise n greater influence than has manifested itself here-to-fore. If this is the outcome of the recent elections then ' they were worth waiting for, and the Allies will see at last some finality to the delicate overtures which have been going on now for so many months. Herr Fahrenbach professes to be out to endeavour to rehabilitate Germany, and Iby that means alone can the nation meet its treaty obligations. There is the promise of a new atmosphere being j created, and if the distrust can he drop. 1 ped and confidence restored, Germany j will make headway faster than by trvj ing to trick the Allies at every turn. J By now the latter have the full measure of Germany, and her ability to

j pay, so that it is not likely there will jbe much delay on that point. If the j chastened spirit is manifested by the German representatives, it will go a long way to conciliate the Allies and help in arriving at a common understanding for Germany to meet her pencil The Democratic Convention now pro eeeding at San Francisco for the selec tion of a candidate for the Unitec States Presidency is all important to tin world at large. The immediate fate o the League of Nations, and the gen eral effect of the Great Peace Treat; hang to a great extent on the outcome If a Wilsonian candidate, such as M McAdoo be chosen, then all looks ex tremely well for the United States rc I dpeming her word and her good name l for there is a general feeling if tli j right man can be put forward, the poll ! j,ig will go in In's favour eventually. Th Republican sentiment has been the p« dominating political factor in the Uni' ed States. Such Presidents as Jcffei son, Monroe, J. L. Adams, Lincolr Grant, Hayes, McKiidev, nnd.R-oose.ve. were all Republicans, and they were a names to conjure with. The DemocwU are not so rich in records. Cievelan and Wilson, both of whom have hn two terms of office, are the most no able in late years. But it is the pn sent rather than the past which ecu cer ns now, and a new condition of .a fairs prevail. President Wilson an his entourage who went to Europe spe iaily to deal with the Peace Treaty, le their mark on that great documer They .signed it in the end on behalf their country without any reservation but the American Senate has since r fused to ratify the Treaty and acce the constitution and scope of the Le gue of Nations which is embodied in tl document. This attitude has delay the enforcement of the peace condition and has prevented the League takii up its tasks with jth.e promptitude ai influence it should. The Senate eonti ues obdurate, and till the president election is determined the fate, of t Treaty in America will not be knov finally. For this all-important reaso the result of the contest itself is world-wide interest and even concern.