The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-12-07
LEAGUE OF NATIONS PROPOSAL
 FULLY DISCUSSED BY SENATE
Plan Is Supported and Op- posed by Both Republicans and Democrats in General Discussion Yesterday

Washington, December 6. There was general discussion in the Senate today on the pro- posed league of nations with Senators Lewis of Illinois, Walsh of Montana and Will hams of Mississippi, demo- crats, supporting such an or ganization and Senators Borah of Idaho, republican, and Reed of Missouri, democrat, oppos- ing it. Few senators followed the discussion.
 The resolution of Senator Cummns of Iowa, republican, proposing appointment of a Senate committee to go to Paris and keep the Senate informed on events at the peace conference. was not brought up today because of the absence of it's author. The. Senate adjourned tonight until next Tuesday, when the war reve- nue bill will be taken up with right of way given 1t. Peace discussion, however, is expected to continue during the de- bate on this measure.
 LEWIS OPENS DEBATE
 Senator Lewis opened the debate today by delivering a prepared address. He asserted that public opinion rather than armed force must be relied upon to en- force the decrees of the league of na- tions, and said that the successful oper- ation of the league may give greater cause for apprenension than it's 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 sacrifices that might have to be made.
 Replying to Senator Lewis. Senator Borah declared he had yet to discover any person who is willing to follow the league to where they admit 1t will go If followed to it's logical conclusion The important questions involved in forming the league, Senator Borah said, are those of Jurisdiction and power to enforce it's rulings.
 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."
 MUST HAVE POWER
 Senator Borah asked what would the league amount to unless it were given power to enforce it's judgment.
 And if it does render a judgment for | 10 pur of i,,ta jected Senator Reed. and has the power to enfore that judgment, ho wis it going to enforce that judgment, how is 1t going ing war;
 Exactly replied the Idaho senator
 Senator Borah said that A. J. Balfour British foreign minister, has been quoted as favoring the league of nations, but he said the kind of league proposed by the British statesmen seems to me as nothing more than an old lady's quilt ing society,"
 Reading from a statement on the league made by Mir. Balfour last August T. Senator Borah said the foreign min ister rejects the proposition for an in- ternational court and enforcement of de. crees through economic pressure, ridi- cules universal dsarma and regrets universal arbitration.
 Former Ambassador Bryce and the Earl of Curzon also appear to think that the league should not have military forces under it's control nor power to limit na- tions' armament, said the senator.
 Supporting the league, Senator Walsh suggested Senator Borah desired to have the United States in a position for an- other territorial grab.
 WOULD TRUST PEOPLE
 '.The senator understands me Just about right" Senator Borah replied I'm willing to leave to this country it's policy to be determined by the intelli- gence of the people I'm willing to trust their sense of justice and right rather than tribunal of other countries.
 Do the people of the United States want their interests determined by Fur key and Asia and races of Europe ab- solutely different ih national aspira tions and ideals, or to do business under the policy of the father of their country to keep free from entangling European af- liances?" asked Senator Borah.
 Senator Walsh said he, too, opposed al- lowing small nations to have an equal voice in dictating armament or othef vital policies of the great powers and that representation in the league was one of its principal problems. But he pointed out that if the United States sub mits it's important questions to the league the same obligations would be placed on other signatories.
 And give Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Bulgaria. for instance. the right to de- ternine the size of our army and navy?" asked Senator Borah.
 Disarmament, Senator Walsh replied. should not be dictated by the smaller ns tions, but, he declared, 1t is necessary preliminary to the leagues establishment. It should be effected, however, by sep te treaty. he said.
 "Who is to control this tribunal?' asked Senator Borah What say are the people of this country to have as to what control they are to have? Who is going .to keep it from getting under the con- trol of a Bismarck
 Senator Williams of Mississippi. demo- crat. concluded the days debate. reiter- sating arguments in favor of the leagues esta blishment.
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