The Guardian AND EVENING STAR, With which is incorporated “ The West Coast Times.” FRIDAY, MAY 13th, 1921. AN ACCEPTANCE.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 May 1921, Page 2

The Guardian AND EVENING STAR, With which is incorporated “ The West Coast Times.” FRIDAY, MAY 13th, 1921. AN ACCEPTANCE.

AtTKit long months of parleying and prevarication, Germany has accepted the terms of the Allies’ ultimatum affecting the payment of the war indemnity. It seems to be a case of discretion being the better part of valour, though the valour so far displaced must have been largely a matter of bluff. No doubt Germany was encouraged in that mood by the cross purposes of the Allies revealed from time to time, coupled with the “splendid isolation” assumed by the United States. Indeed the latter appeared to be such a favorable disposition to the cause of Germany, that Germany loo’ked for some favors to America in the matter, and appealed for interposition, even advocacy, in the mitigation of the monetary payments. The United States, however, came down from it* pedestal of isolation, and Hot oiily refused to favour Germany, hut gave advice to Germany to pay up and he good; while best of all, as a demonstration of the Unity of purpose among the Allies, which was the real factor in winning the war, America again entered the Supreme Council—and here we have the l>est guarantee of a permanent peace, In the long last this has come to be recognised ns a necessity, and as the only means whereby the disastrous times in Europe and elsewhere (including America) are to be returned to stable peace and steady production. German statesmen were of course not unanimous in their decison, hut’ it was clear that the members of the Reichstag were alive to tbe situation, and recognised the alternative of military occupation if the ultimatum were n jeeted. France has long been ready for such an eventuality, believing that now is the time to make Germany realise her obligations incurred under the war—which was her own making. It is well that the previous precipitate attitude of France was not persisted In. The good judgment of Britain and Italy, the Prime Minister of both of which counselled a last final effort, has been justified; hut no doubt America again openly taking sides with the Allies has been most helpful. Perhaps tliis yvas in sight when France gave way and if so the “Big Four - ’ are to be congratulated’ on their sound sense in the matter. Gormany from all accounts is making an industrial recovery from the effects of the war better than any of her late opponents, so that it will be realised a peace settlement on sound lines will be very advantageous to Germany as a means to rebuild her broken fortunes The German press are philosophic in their comment on the yielding to the Allies. “It is not cowardly to yield to necessity,” says one paper, and adds: “On the contrary, reckless deeds are often due to IL< lack of a certain kind of courage.” If the nation would adopt this chastened spirit there is the prospect of a quick recovery comparatively speaking, from the toll the Allies demanded. Germany, we may be sure, has yielded solely because the power of the Allies to enforce their demands is recognised. This is some evidence of the breaking of the military power of Germany, and the removal of this menace to civilisation will he one of the greatest aids to the permanent peace the world should now be craving for. The immediate future is the brighter for prospects now opening up.

moderation and eoinjmon sense with which Britain faces her national troubles. “As if to emphasise the truism of the complimentary remarks, the cable the same day conveyed a synopsis of Hon. tY. Churchill's London speech whereat he said, speaking of the very grave coal crisis at Home, “the Nation must assert itself but when it has asserted itself it must show it does not wish to triumph over any section. We remember (he proceeded) the part the miners took in the war and no vindictive triumph should enter int-o the settlement.” There we have ' the example at once of both “the courage and endurance of the nation, coupled with “the moderation and commonsense” with which the leaders of the nation are facing the tremendous crisis of the moment. And it is well that it is so. It shows that the nation is living np to its traditions, and this is hit off again by that pleasant light touch of the French newspaper, which referring to the British Prime Minister’s burden of world affairs, is now haunted by “the fear that the Australia cricketers are going to win the Tests.” This spirit shows the safety valve of tbe nation, and explains at once just why there is that courage, endurance, moderation and commonsense which has so impressed the Japanese Prince. After all they are the assets, the national c-hnreterists which made our nation great, and are maintaining its greatness. It is not a new development. It is grown out of our selves as it were, and is the very safe and sure foundation on which the con. stitution of the great Empire is fouml-

SiR F. D. Bell, Acting Premier and Minister of Finance, is nothing if not outspoken. Those who know him best (friend or opponent) like him best because lie does not mince his statements, hut speaks his mind boldly. This is it characteristic of his which has long been on the surface, and it is nothing to be ashamed of. It is a very good human trait, and if all statesmen were bent that wav, there would be less misunderstandings and bad blood about simple issues than there is to-day. We are prompted to reflect in this strain because of Sir Francis Bell’s simple and direct reply to the deputation 1 which waited upon him the other day regarding the curtailment of employment on public buildings. The Hon. Minister was frankness itself. He said the position shortly was that lie as Minister of Finance held the keys of the Treasury, hut the Treasury was bare

there was simply nothing in it. Could anything lie more frank than that definite statemnt, and unpalatable though it was to both the deputation, and the public at large, the very frankness of the statement takes the edge off the situation, and a smile is produced as one conjures up the vision of the Minister inserting the key into the national safe, opening the door, and then revealing emptiness. There is of course more than one moral which could be painted to adorn this tale. There is the obvious one, naturally, that the Reform administration has brought matters to a pretty pass indeed when the country is •dthout funds— but we will let that pass for the present. What is of moment is the stoppage and dislocation of the country’s machinery, and it would be interesting to know what Goverhment is attempting to do to relieve the position. Evidently the Ministers are patiently awaiting the result of Mr Massey s visit to the London market. It is now clear more than ever why it was considerd necessary for Mr Massey to hurry off to England.