South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1916-05-26
Former President, Speaking
Before League to Enforce
Peace, Defends ConSti-
nationality Project.
TAKES SHARP ISSUE
WITH BRYAN'S VIEW
Declares Treaty Would Not
NulIify Power of Congress
to Declare War.
Cites PreCedentS.
InternntionaI 80 Servlce |:

International News Service.
WASHINGTON. May 26 - In a
lengthy address. replete with legal
citations and statements Of precedent,
former president William Howard
Taft today defended the plan for the
establishment Of a permanent court
10 decide all 'justifable questions"
arising between nations. as fathered
by the League 10 Enforce Peace.
As president of the league, the
former chief executive. presided over
the first annual convention Of the
organization and replied in detail 20
the objections that have been raised
in various quarters against its plan.
The convention is one Of the most
notable ever held in Washington and
will come 10 climax tomorrow
night when Pres't Wilson is expected
10 discuss international arbitration
and indicate why ne does not con
slider the time ripe for renewal of
his original offer OF mediation 10 the
European belligerents
Calls Plan Valid.
In opening his address Mr.. Taft
explained that he had been assign
ed 10 reply 10 the constitutional oh
fections raised against the first and
third planks in the platform of the
league The first provides for the
establishment of a permanent court.
and the third for the enforcement Of
the decisions of such permanent
court by the military and naval
forces Of the signatories 20 the con-
vention. In connection with the first
Il
that It would be impossible 20 decide
what questions are and what are not
''iustifable" and also that the pres
ident and senate have no authority,
under the constitution. 10 enter into
such an agreement. The court would.
Mr.. Taft explained, decide this ques-
ton itself upon its merits The
right 10 enter into such an agree
ment. the speaker argued. is certain.
RE said
The United States Is a nation.
and from a foreign standpoint a
sovereign nation. without limitation
OF its sovereignty II may there
fore through its treaty-mak king
power. consent TO any agreement
with other powers relating TO sub
iects matter that are usually consid-
cred and made the subject Of treat
les"
Cites PreCedents.
Mr. Taft then cited various pre-
-edents which he explained. showed
me undisputable authority Of the
president and senate 20 enter into
arbitration treaties along the lines
suggested by the league. The sem
ate already was on record. he said.
as favoring the establishment OF
permanent international prize court.
Taking up the objections 30 the
third plank permitting the use or
the military and naval forces OF the
signatorv nations 20 enforce the de-
frees of the court which. 10 rs
claimed. violates the constitution by
laking away from congress the
pover 20 declare war. Mr. TAFT took
sharp issue with former Sec'y Of
state william Jennings BRYAN The
latter recently declared at the Lake
Moh0nk conference that the plank
violated the constitution.
Denies Bryan View.
In this connection Mr.. Taft said:
Il venture 20 think that this view
Is wholly without Iouuud tion Al
though it's not necessary. / am will
,rg 20 accept the assumption that
some kind OF a council should he
appointed BY the powers TO make
me announcements when the time
had come for the use of economic
and military forces against the
-ecalcitrant member. Does that take
away from congress the power TO
declare war; IL does not II the
var is a foreign one IL could not be
Begun under the constitution until
congress had declared war'''. Con-
rress might decline to exercise its
power and declare war. What would
b. me effect ~ that To would
merely be = breach OF faith on the
part ~ the United States ard We
would not 90 to war+s" II congress
falls 10 declare war and thus comply
with the binding obligations created
sv the merchandising power. then II
merely breaks The contract of the