The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-01-22
MR.. BRYAN'S TREATIES.
How the Little Powers May Put Us ~
the Mercy Of the Great.

To THE EDITOR OF THE SrN--Str. TIE
SUNS Washington news Of yesterday gives
the substance OF the treaties which MI.
Bryan has negotiated with nine nations.
seven OF them OF Central America or the
West indies. as follows:
The parties hereto agree that all ques-
lions OF whatever character and nature In
dispute between them shall, when diplo-
matte efforts fail. be submitted for investi-
CATION and report to an international com
mission (ths composition to be agreed upon,
and the contracting parties agree not 10
declare war or begin hostilit'es until such
Investigation 10 made and report submitted
The despatch says further:
Mr.. Bryan has u supplementary PROPOSE
ton which he Is willing to include In the
treaties II desired by the other contracting
parties. to the effect that the Governments
signing the treaty shall agree not to In
crease their military or naval preparations
during the period Of the investigation Of
any dispute between them.
Suppose that the Government Of Colom-
bia, for example. accepts both clauses
offered In this convention, while that OF
Japan accepts neither: and thereafter,
there being "A small matter Of dispute
now pending and ready for the purpose.
Colombia formally demands the submis-
sion OF IL to investigation as provided by
lea Is then In honor bound for period
Of not less than some months. possibly
even for Il year or more IL Colombia be
dilatory. mot to Increase" her military
or naval preparations
What an opportunity for Japan IT, as
many suspect. she wants our racine
possessions Japan. II she so chooses. may
rush war vessels to completion. buy every
lighting craft the world has to sell. secure
fleet of transports and quantities OF
guns and ammunition. recruit and drill
every available man her country pos
sesses. and be ready to make war on the
United States at the drop Of hat. and
with her customary lack of warning ana
perhaps even without the subterfuge OF
an excuse. Meanwhile We may make no
slightest move toward preparation save
by breaking faith with Colombia and
achieving the dishonor OF repudiating a
treaty by means OF which We sought to
establish ourselves as the moral leaders
OF the world.
II seem, hardly credible that Mr..
Bryan, ejGer as he is known to be In
furtherance of the worlds peace. Is SO
bereft OF sense of proportion as to seek
TO commit our Government to an agree
ment by virtue of which any little two by
four nation which never has had navy.
and probably never will have. might put
us at the mercy OF any one OF the great
Powers which In the end may refuse to
bind itself after the Bryan manner
No wonder Mr.. Bryan Is inclined TO
postpone ratification OF these uplifting
treaties until he has collected quite a
batch OF them" as your correspondent
has II. Meanwhile let us pray that the
batch may be very complete Indeed,
and that every nation OF the world may
entertain toward us no sentiment but af-
lection and pity for the simple minded
faith Of our people. Most certainly there
will be a magnificent smash OF this lofty
ideal business one Of these days II the
Secretary doesn't lower his eyes from
the clouds and watch his step
FRED MErcALY.
PLAiSrIELp, n. J.. January 90.