The Daily News THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1919. SOPHISTRIES AND GRIM REALITIES.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 February 1919, Page 4

The Daily News THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1919. SOPHISTRIES AND GRIM REALITIES.

However much, the strong points in President Wilson may be admired, it is impossible to be blind to his failings. Possessing a really wonderful grasp of many problems connected with international affairs, he yet fails to comprehend some very patent principles whereon great issues depend. It may be that the lines along which he analyses cause and effect are academical rather than practical, hence his tendency to worship ideals. Admitting that no really great man can be completely equipped unless he possesses ima- | gination, we are forced to contend that the time of grim realities is not a favorable season for allowing ideals, however lofty and alluring, to usurp the functions of sound judgment and farsighted statesmanship. There are two ways of facing a menace—by stern measures or byweak—anditwould seem that President "Wilson evinces eytreme reluctance to adopt any course of action based on compelling force. He is such a pronounced disciple of the "suaviter in modo" school that he was extremely reluctant to aid the Allies in their efforts to rid the world of the horrors of military despotism, and even now, after frequently expressing his horror at the Germans, he appears to be throwing aside all his horror and mistrust so as to pursue a policy that has for its object the reinstatement of Germany among the friendly Powers, although, unless he is wilfully blind, he cannot fail to see that the Germans are bent on outwitting the Allies if they possibly can. The extraordinary attitude he has taken up over the question of imposing more severe armistice conditions on Germany is beyond the comprehension of most common sense people. So far, he has successfully dominated the Peace Conference and been raised to a lofty pinnacle in the councils of the nations, and it would almost seem as if his mature reasoning powers have become affected by the elevation. Otherwise, how is it possible to account for his sophistries in relation to Germany's breach of faith in refusing to carry out the armistice terms? President "Wilson, states a recent cable, asserts that it is the Allies' own fault if they failed to include sterner terms regarding the demobilisation of the German fotces in the original armistice, therefore it would be unfair to introduce new terms, and he suggests making Germany, by negotiations, demobilise her forces in return ?«r raw material. It passes comprehension how, with the experience the President possesses of German nature and methods, he could make such a preposterous proposal, which practically means that Ger'many should be bribed to perform duties which she has solemnly agreed to carry out in return for the Allies refraining from smashing her armies into fragments. To blame the Allies for not making more drastic terms is puerile in 1 he extreme. The terms were sufficiently comprehensive, but no conditions, however stringent, would have made any difference if they were studiously ignored, and that is the ease with Germany. Where the Allies showed weakness was in allowing the slightest deviation from the conditions, in which stated periods were fixed for performance of the obligations imposed, but in view of President Wilson's present extraordinary policy, it may be assumed that he would have been one of the first to insist on an extension of time. Apparently the Germans have a far more accurate understanding of the working of President Wilson's mind than have the Allies, and they are evidently using that knowledge to suit their own ends. It will afford them great satisfaction to learn that President Wilson considers it unfair to introduce new conditions, and they will feel thoroughly justified in curtly refusing to observe these new! terms. In other words the Presi-1 dent will lead them to victory and give an added stimulus to their aggressive attitude, and then will arise a crisis which may undo all the good work of the Peace Conference, unless the Allies take a firm and determined stand, even at the risk of the retirement of President Wilson from the conference. That such a denouement may happen is forecasted in the csble message which stated • "Observers watch interestedly-, mixed with anxiety, the apparent drift of the gouacil Jowaida that .tense moment.

which seems inovltablo, when the Allies dislike of President Wilson's policy will compel them to tell him they cannot any longer deal with sophistries amid grim realities."

President Wilson appears to be so wrapped up in his ideals that he fails to realise that ashes of the war are still smouldering and may be fanned into flames by a change in the atmosphere of the Supreme War Council. Experience and common sense both point to the need for still treating Germany as an enemy and insisting on the armistice terms being such as will absolutely prevent a recrudescence of war. It is far better to be harsh now than to risk the consequences of misplaced leniency towards those who only understand the significance of force. The danger of vacillation is too great, and Marshal Foch should be given a free hand and the whole-hearted support of the Allies in bringing the Germans to their senses. President Wilson will best advance the cause he has at heart by refraining from interference with the military authorities in matters wholly within their province. IMPROVING NEW PLYMOUTH. It is held in some quarters that because of the past lack of system and indifferent borough work the present streets loan Bhould be turned down. If this attitude were generally followed no town, district or country would ever develop or prosper. A state of stagnation would ensue, for if is true that nothing can stand still; either it must go forward or backward. New Plymouth has undoubtedly suffered m the past through bad engineering and administration. These, however, have been rectified, and the new work that is being done shows that the council has tt'ken to heart the lessons of the past. Many of the streets are crying aloud for repairs, but the bigger works have had to be attended to first. These are now well in hand, and before long the repair work can be overtaken. The new schema provides for permanent improvements. Starting from the inner area, where some of the footpaths and streets are in a very bad condition, it is proposed to gradually extend to the outer areas. All will be attended to in time, but a start has to be made. The borough has an engineer and staff who have proved their competence, and they can be entrusted witli the proposed new works with every confidence. If the loan is turned down it will do New Plymouth a great deal of harm, for it will show outsiders that ratepayers have no confidence in their own town. And at a time when the Harbor Board is asking the country ratepayers to sanction a big loan for the extension of the harbor, which must considerably accelerate the town's development, such an act of folly would have serious and far-reaching consequences. As a matter of fact, New Plymouth need not fear approving the loan. The work lias to be done sooner or later, and it is far more economical and equitable to do it right away out of loan money than to strike an extra rate and spread the work over two or three years.