AS THE LAMPS GO OUT

As the legions of a momentarily resurrected Rome march along the plains of Ethiopia, in defiance not only of Haile Selassie but of the opinion of the world, one course of action alone remains to be taken. Sanctions, a word which in the hands of journalists has run the gamut of meaning from embargos to war, must be placed upon the international gangster to bring him to his knees.

It is hard to believe that France by her recalcitrant attitude is sticking a veritable dagger into the back of the League of Nations of whom she herself has been for so many years the protector and godmother. To point out the glory which will belong to Geneva if the African war is curtailed would be redundant. To say that insincere action on her part during the current crisis is suicide is a truth which Europe gloomily faces.

If the World War were not lesson enough, events of the last ten years should be adequate to show France on which side her bread is buttered. To flirt promiscuously with a Fascistic government may be a temporary expedient, but it certainly can never be a love match. Even if John Bull does not offer much, democratic Marianne should realize that for the rest of her life her head belongs on the same pillows as that of her present unromantic suitor from across the channel.

All this talk about protection for independent Austria should be shelved for the time being in the face of more pressing business. England and Germany may appear to be better friends than France desires, but in the event of another Fascistic explosion on the part of Mr. Hitler, it seems incredible that England would act any differently than she is doing at the present time.

Proving to this unbelieving world that his word is better than his bonds, Mussolini has embarked upon what be hopes will be she royal road to empire. Only stringent action on the part of the few remaining rational nations of Europe can stop this Roman holiday before its author's dream has come true.