Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-12-29
CALLS THEM FARCE
Col. Roosevelt DenounCes the
Arbitration Treaties.
MAKE NATION HYP0CRITE
Course on Russian Treaty, He Says,
Shows Insincerity.
SAYS CONGRESS DID RIGHT
But Is Unable to See How Senate
Can Now Confirm the Taft
General Treaties.


the OUTLOOK.
Il cordially approve the action taken
by Congress in abrogating the Russian
treaty, because men must vote and act
on the situation as it actually confronts
them, and in the actual event congress-
men had but two alternatives, namely,
to abrogate the treaty, or to submit to
the continuance of conditions which have
become intolerable to our national self
respect. and which represent a contin-
| ufng wrong, especially to American citi-
zens Of Jewish faith.
Il still believe that in so serious mat
ter 1t would have been well first to en-
deavor to secure decision by The Hague
court on the Interpretation of the existing
treaty. 1 am confident that such a de-
cision would. Of necessity, have been in
our favor: and, if so. it would have en-
abled Russia to retire from an untenable
position with good grace and no loss of
self-respect-an object that should always
be held in view in dealing with any for
eign nation with which at any time we
have difficulties. while If the decision as
to the Interpretation of the clause in
question had been adverse to us, we
would then at once have abrOgated the
treaty, and have been clearly right In so
doing. This was the position held by that
distinguished diplomat Mr.. Oscar Straus.
either nation looking toward any other
method Of settling the matter than the
one actually adopted. Congress was con-
fronted by the simple fact that unless the
treaty were abrogated conditions would
remain as they now are: and, under the
circumstances, Congress acted wisely and
properly In declaring for the abrogation.
Terms It Hypocrisy.
"But this action was taken while the
universal arbitration treaties are pending
In the Senate. These treaties are avow-
edly championed as being Of the kind we
are TO enter into with all nations, and as
supplanting the existing arbitration
treaties which we have with almost all
nastcns. including Russia as well as Eng
tanA and France. These treaties, IL
ratified by the Senate unamended, will
expltCitfy promise, will explicitly pledge,
the honor and good faith Of the American
nation, to arbitrate precisely such ques-
lions as that which at this very moment
to arbitrate in the case of Russia Under
these circumstances, to ratify the general
arbitration treaties would put the Ameri-
can people in an attitude Of peculiarly
contemplate hypocrisy, and would right
ly expose us to the derision OF all think
Ing mankind; for We should put ourselves
In the position of making sweeping and
ins1ncere promises, impossible OF per-
/
own actions We showed that we would
certainly not keep such promises. nor
translate them into action. / believe that
we can normally arbitrate the question
OF the Interpretation Of a treaty, even if
only as the preliminary to adopting the
very serious action Of denouncing such
treaty. But / do not believe that we can
arbitrate, with the intention of abiding
by the arbitration. such questions as
treating all our citizens alike, without re-
gard to their creed. in the matter of
passports, or such questions as the Mon
roe doctrine the admission of Asatic i'm
migrants In mass, or the refusal by the
states to pay bonds, or many other SIM
liar matters. In short, I do not believe
that we can afford to arbitrate questions
of vital interest and national honor, or
questions Of settled American govern
mental policy.
Foolish or Tinid.
ing as regards the abrogation of the Rus
sian treaty shows beyond possibility of
doubt that II we were SO foolish or so
timid as to agree. as an abstract matter.
by general arbitration treaties, to arbi-
trate such questions, we should instantly
repudiate the agreement whenever a con-
crete case arose in which any consider
able number OF our citizens took an active
interest. Under such circumstances to
proceed with the ratification of the gen
be not merely farce, but a farce played
at the expense of our reputation for ma
tional good faith and sincerity I believe
most earnestly in peace. and in taking
ineiy tell in favor of peace, and l oppose
these treaties because II unamended, they
would tell against peace and would put
US as a nation In an attitude of unctuous
and odious hypocrisy. Both the Lodge
and the Root amendments should be
adopted: the treaties would then cease to
interest. and Cholding in view the abro-
CATION of the Russian treaty. would be
relieved from the present taint Of evident
! insincerity. although even then they
would represent very small advance
over our present position.
Make Country Ridiculous.
1t is possible with sincerity and pa
triotism to favor the arbitration treaties
(although I personally disagree with this
| view). 1t is possible with sincerity and
| patriotism to oppose the arbitration
| treaties. But 1t is neither sincere nor
patriotic to make believe to support the
| to try to get the country to commit itself
to this principle, and at the same time to
| take part in or to cOnntve at the repu-
diation by this country of the principle SO
that it is possible to reduce that princi-
pie to practice. In other words, it will
put this country into a position both RI
diculous and discreditable to pass the
proposed general arbitration treaties at
the same time that we denounce our gen.
eral treaty with Russia.
The other day the lower House, with
but one dissenting vote. passed a resolu-
ton in favor Of the abrogation of the
treaty. Among those who voted for this
motion are many men who are against
the unamended arbitration treaties.
These men occupy a sincere and con-
sistent position; II is the position with
which 1 personally agree. The one dis
senttng vote was that cast by q gentle
man who announced that he was In
favor Of the general arbitration treaties,
and therefore could not consistently
take position wholly incompatible with
favoring them. Although do not agree
with this gentleman. feel that his posi-
ton showed both courage and sincerity.
But surely all men who think clearly
must unqualifedly condemn any man
who advocates the general arbitration
treaties without at the same time fear
lessiy showing his sincerity by denounc-
Ing the proposal to arbitrate the Russian
treaty without submitting its interpreta-
ton TO arbitration. The Senate by vote
has Joined in abrogating tho Russian
]. lcontinusd on Eighth Pags.l