The Daily Missoulian. [volume] (Missoula, Mont.) 1904-1961, 1918-03-18

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only to look at the present war to see
OF how little avail was the League OF
Nations that stood behind Belgium.
For another instance, let us examine
the Treaty OF London, made between
the entente allies after the war, and
which stipulated that none Of the par
ties should make peace without the con-
sent and agreement OF the others. Rus
sia was a party to that treaty, but what
happened? 4 series Of unusual events
occurred in Russia, government was
overthrow and you find the new gov
eminent setting up n claim that the
Treaty of London does not bind it be-
cause made by another government
Treaties Broken.
Before the war we had Il series of
Hague treaties, which. in a sense. were
a League of Nations defining numerous
questions under international law. They
laid down the most solemn rules for
observance in case war broke out. No
body had to sign those treaties against
their will. But the war has shown that
they were Of no avail. for Germany
forthwith claimed the right to disre-
gard any or all Of them.
Unless some far reaching changes
are made. then. mere agreement
among nations to stop war is not any
thing on which any nation could safely
rely.
There are difficulties also regarding
the composition of a League Of Ma
tons. Are all nations, regardless OF
size. to have the same voice and vote?
Are the British self governing domin-
ions to be separately represented? How
are YOU to prevent what we in English
politics call log rolling--.that method
OF operations whereby vote for some
thing that you want and you vote for
something l want?
No Executive Power.
what Ia TO be the executive side of
the league. and what the police power
to enforce decisions? The reason our
law courts are able to settle disputes
between individuals is that there stands
them the high sheriff. who can
call out the whole army and navy, If
necessary. to see that the courts de-
crees are observed. Who Is. to be the
high sheriff for the League Of Nations?
1T may be possible to reach mutual
agreements between the nations as to
But 1t will not be easy.
How are you to prevent an aggressive
nation from arming It's police or other
internal forces, and thus creating an
army useful when the time comes for
purposes OF aggression?
Limit Arman,snts.
Nevertheless, am inclined to think
that the first great step toward n
League of Nations should be Limitation
of ornaments.
Then there Is the question OF the
economic weapons possessed by various
weapons as powerful and as
real even IL less tangible, than the
and naval arm. 1t has already
been pointed out that the economic
weapon might be one of the most pow
crful and effective means of enforcing
the decisions OF the league OF nations
against any one nation which might be
tempted to break the bounds
Il have pointed out all these diff
culties, not with an idea Of discourag-
Ing or opposing the idea of league
of nations. but to show that. in my
opinion, 1t will be impossible to work
out the idea II any power or powers en-
ter on the attempt with n feeling of
predomtnance, aggression. or anything
but sincere desire to be rid of the
evil of bloated ornaments and that
militarist organization which leads to
aggression. ts..
Good Nucleus Now.
Whatever happens. there ought to be
a good nucleus for the future league
of nations In tho continued and ex-
banded friendship OF those countries
now fighting together in the cause of
the entente.
"The greatest promise for the future
peace Of the world is to be
found, I believe, in the union today of
the Anglo-Saxon races, and in the fact
that they came into war. not to help
each other. but because they were
driven into Il by common ideals Of
freedom and common hatred of tyr
amy. m ..... .@s s.~Eeseas $50
II look upon the maintenance of the
alliance and friendships OF this war
as matter for which every member
Of the entente ought to strive with
every power. Nobody can contemplate
without uneasiness a peace which
evolves no permanent settlement of
the world. II an unstable peace were
made, 1t would be necessary for the
great powers. although confronted Mt
home with problems OF reconstruction
the like of which have never been
known before. to turn aside from those
problems, to leave them in chaos, and
To grapple rather with the problems
0! preparation for future wars.
THE engines OF destruction evolved
by science In this war are such tina I
one can easily picture in Imagination
the entire determination of civilization
If no way Is found Of putting an end
TO the destructive development of or
ganization and equipment.
Must Win War.
The aim of every statesman in
every country. then, ought to be 10