The world’s racial problems found a centre in Austria-Hungary, whose affairs, therefore, became very prominent.  A chemist can enclose in his retorts different substances and observe how, following the eternal laws of nature, the processes of nature take place.  In a similar way during past decades the effect of unsolved racial antagonisms might have been studied within the Habsburg Monarchy and the inevitable explosion anticipated, instead of its being allowed to culminate in the world war.

In putting forward his Fourteen Points Mr. Wilson obviously felt the necessity of settling the world problem of nationality and recognised that the Habsburg Monarchy, once arranged and settled, could serve as a model to the world, as hitherto it had afforded a terrifying example.  But to begin with, he overlooked the fact that in the settling of national questions there must be neither adversary nor ally, as those reflect passing differences, whereas the problem of nationality is a permanent one.  He also ignored the fact that what applies to the Czechs applies also to Ireland, that the Armenians as well as the Ukrainians desire to live their own national life, and that the coloured peoples of Africa and India are human beings with the same rights as white people.  He also failed to see that good will and the desire for justice are far from being sufficient in themselves to solve the problem of nationality.  Thus it was that under his patronage, and presumably on the basis of the Fourteen Points, the question of nationality was not solved but simply turned round where not actually left untouched.  If Germans and Magyars had hitherto been the dominating races they would now become the oppressed.  By the terms settled at Versailles they were to be handed over to states of other nationality.  Ten years hence, perhaps sooner, both groups of Powers as they exist at present will have fallen.  Other constellations will have appeared and become dominant.  The explosive power of unsolved questions will continue to take effect and within a measurable space of time again blow up the world.

Mr. Wilson, who evidently was acquainted with the programme of the Pact of London, though not attaching sufficient importance to the national difficulties, probably hoped to be able to effect a compromise between the Italian policy of conquest and his own ideal policy.  In this connection, however, no bridge existed between Rome and Washington.  Conquests are made by right of the conqueror—­such was Clemenceau’s and Orlando’s policy—­or else the world is ruled on the principles of national justice, as Wilson wished it to be.  This ideal, however, will not be attained—­no ideal is attainable; but it will be brought very much nearer.  Might or Right, the one alone can conquer.  But Czechs, Poles and others cannot be freed while at the same time Tyrolese-Germans, Alsatian-Germans and Transylvanian-Hungarians are handed over to foreign states.  It cannot be done from the point of view of justice or with any hope of its being permanent.  Versailles and St. Germain have proved that it can be done by might, and as a temporary measure.