27 JANUARY 1917, Page 3

It may be pleasant for the Pacificists to imagine that

democracies are fissiparous, and that you have only to ask to receive the answer : " Erring sister, go in peace." As a matter of fact, democracies are far more tenacious of their territory than autocrats. When Mr, Wilson tells us that he wishes " frankly to uncover realities " we are sure he is sincere, but we are also sure that he will find things under the cover which will surprise him, including those we have mentioned. However, it must not be supposed that we have any quarrel with Mr. Wilson's excellent generalization. He tells us that no peace will endure which does not recognize that " the ferment of spirit of whole populations will fight subtly and constantly " against any peace in regard to which the will is in rebellion. We abound in this sentiment. The trouble is how to give it strength and substance in a wicked and selfish world.