WILLY-NILLY

An impression prevails in many quarters that the United States is seeking world dominion. In the eyes of Europeans, if there is anyone who ought to know, it is Sir Auckland Geddes, former British ambassador to Washington. When, therefore, he says in his Page Memorial lecture that the British Pacific dominions "are apt to look to Washington, and Washington with inviting eyes looks back on them." the authority of his voice will seem to establish the fact. Speaking from the same platform from which Premier Baldwin urges a proper solution of Anglo-American relations, one seems to hear the convincing roar of the British lion himself.

The opinion voiced in London is more current in Europe than Americans realize. Hans von Raumer, leader of the People's Party in the German Reichstag, has just sounded a warning to Europe of the American menace. Italy remembers with bitterness how steady was American opposition to her claims to Trieste and Flume. French newspapers have hardly finished congratulating themselves upon the election of Coolidge as staving off for four years more America's desire to meddle in European affairs.

If these powers will persist in having it so, they ought at least to see what a bashful, reluctant, stubborn fledgling they are forcing to assert unsought dominance. Alexander and Napoleon craved world dominion and went in search of it. But Uncle Sam is having it rammed down his throat.