Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1918-12-07
Heated Debate ON Proposal
Fails to Draw Crowd in the
Galleries and Only Thirty
Senators in the Chamber
LEWIS AND BORAH
OPPOSE THE SCHEME
Senator Borah Declares That
the League Favored by the
British Resembles an Old
Ladies Quilting Society
tsv aoRmNe JoURNAL setcr.. ,t.sep w,ae


Washington, Dec. 6,--There was a
general discussion in the senate to-
day on the proposed league of nations
with Senators Lewis of Illinois, Walsh
of Montana and Williams of Missis-
sippi, democrats, supporting such an
organization, and Senators Borah of
Idaho, republican, and Reed of Mis-
souri,. democrat, opposing it. Few
senators followed the discussion, the
average attendance during the dav
being about thirty.
The resolution of Senator Culnnins
of Iowa, republican, proposing an
polntment of a senate committee to
go to Paris to keep the senate inform
ed on events at the peace conference.
was not brought up today because Of
the absence of its author. The senate
adjourned tonight until next Tuesday,
when the war revenue Dlll will be
taken IN with the right IT way given
1t. Peace discussion, however, is ex-
pected to continue during The debate
on this measure.
Senator Lewis opened the debate
today by delivering a prepared ad :
dress. he asserted that public opinion
ts.i.at lisan armed force must be re-
lied upon to enfore the DEGREES OF the
league of nations and said that the
successful operation of the league
may give greater cause for apprehen-
sion than its failure because of the
demands that may be made by one
group of nations on another. He said.
however, that he believed the benefits
to be derived by all nations from the
league would compensate for any sac
rifices that might have to be made.
Replying to Senator Lewis Senator
Borah declared he had yet to dis
cover any person who is willing to
follow the league to where they ad-
NIT 1t will go If followed to its logi
cal conclusion"
The important questions involved
in forming the league. Senator Borah
said, are those of jurisdiction and
power of the tribunal and the en-
bodiment in it of the necessary powers
to enforce its ruling NO man." he
continued, has yet been willing to
say that he would give this tribunal
the power to render judgments and
to give the police force to enforce it,"
How Enforce DEGREES.
Senator Borah asked what would
the league amount to unless it were
given power to enforce its Judge
ments.
And If it does render a Judgment
for the purpose of preventing war;
interjected Senator Reed, "and has
the power TO enforce that Judgment,
how is it going to enforce that 3udg-
ment without making war;"
Exactly" replied the Idaho sena-
tor.
Senator Borah said that A. J. Bal
four, British foreign minister, has
been quoted as favoring the league
of nations, but he said the kind of
league proposed by the British states
man seems to me as nothing more
than an old ladies' quilting society"
Reading from statement on the
league made by Mr.. Balfour last Aug
ust l, Senator Borah said the foreign
minister rejects the preparation for
an international court and enforce
ment of DEGREES through economic
pressure, ridicules universal disarm-
ament and regrets universal arbitra-
ton.
Former Ambassador Bryce and the
Earl of Cur2on also appear to think
that the league should not have mill
tary forces under its control nor pow
er to limit nations armament" said
the senator.
Supporting the league, Senator
Walsh suggested Senator Borah de-
sired to have the United in position
for another territorial grab"
The senator understands me just
right" Senator Borah replied. Pm
willing to leave to this country it's
policy to be determined by the intel
ligence of the people. I'm willing TO
trust their sense of justice and right
rather than a tribunal of other coun-
tries.
Oppose Outside Influence.
DO the people of the United States
want their interests determined by
Turkey and Asia and races of Europe
absolutely different in national aspi-
rations and ideals. or to do business
under the policy Of the father of their
country--to keep free from entang-
ling European alliances? 2" asked SEN
ator Borah.
Senator Walsh said he, too, opposed
allowing small nations TO have an
equal voice in debating armament or
other vital policies of the great pow
ers and that representation in the
league was one of it's principal prob
lens. But he pointed out that if the
United states submits its important
questions to the league. the same OBJ
legations would he placed on other
signatories.
"And give Costa Rica, Nicaragua
and Bulgaria, for jnstance. The right
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