El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1916-05-26
Urges Membership of the
U. S. in League; Would
Curtail War in World.

Washington, D. C., May 26-American
advocates Of an international fedora
ton to curtaiI war after the present
European struggle, met here today for
the first assembly Of the new League to
Enforce Peace. William Howard Taft,
president Of the league. and Newton D.
Baker, secretary OF war. were on the
days program and president Wilson's
address at the closing session Saturday
night will be a significant utterances
II is thought About 1000 persons, IN
Guiding presidents OF universities rail-
roads and commercial, labor and farm
organizations. attended the meeting
Speakers only referred incidentally TO
methods Of ending the present war.
since the program includes only the
minimizing Of future contests which
might be adjudicated by an internal
tional court All urged that the United
States become a party to the suggested
agreement They pointed out that
would be curtailed. for the international
league would allow combat only II the
courts decree we're not accepted BY any
Edward A FfIene. Boston merchant.
declared European nations at the end
OF the present war. would be favorable
10 the league TO enforce peace
Urges L. 5. Membership.
Acceptance OF membership by the
United states in world court IN which
the joint powers would use their armed
and economic forces to enforce its de-
cree in the interest Of international
peace was urged by former president
Taft
His address was closely confined to
the technical legal questions involved
tail the power and authority Of the
president or congress. by limiting the
constitutional discretion OF the latter
body to declare war
Mr. Taft explained that the leagues
platform proposed compulsory submis-
sion to the world courts OF all disputes
not settled by diplomatic negotiations
and which are JUST able questions"
Refers to Peace Treaties
Referring TO the so-called Bryan
peace treaties with England and France
Mr. Taft said il was argued that the
arbitration stipulation in them was a
delegation OF the authority OF the presi-
dent and senate over our foreign rela-
tons.
But upon reason and authority this
objection is untenable,' said Mr. Taft.
Since the jay treaty OF 1894. Mr.. Taft
stated. some American nation had been
a party to 81 international treaties OF
which the United States was involved
in tWo-thirds.
IN 10 OF these, which were boundary
treaties" Mr.. Taft continued. 1T was
never suggested that the government
was delegstinE any power at all 20 the
tribunal A submission OF a judicial
question is not delegation of power
10 an agent-it is a submission OF an
issue 10 a judge and il is a misnomer
to call such a submission a delegation
Says Bryan's View Untenabie.
Turning TO the question Of the duty
OF a nation belonging to the proposed
world court 10 use the army and navy
in enforcing its DEGREES upon other
members should they 20 70 war in de-
fiance Of the courts DEGREES. Mr. Taft
took issue with former secretary OF
state Bryan regarding Mr.. Bryan's con-
tention that a constitutional amendment
would be necessary before the United
States could obligate itself in this re-
spect-
7 venture to think his view is wholly
without foundation" Mr.. Taft said
Referring to this nations treaty with
Panama. guaranteeing Panama's indie
pendence. Mr.. Taft stated IL meant the
United States is under obligation TO
make war to defend Panama.
This duty can only be discharged
through the action OF congress in de-
war" ne asserted Does that
deprive congress OF its power TO declare
war? It seems 70 me the question an
answers itself"