The sun., 1918-10-19
Warns That Senate Would Alb
dicate Its Functions in
Matter of Peace.
OPPOSES A FREE HAND
Believes Also That Allies
Should Be Fully Consulted
in All Steps Taken.
Special Despafch to TIE Sun.

As We approach the settlement of the
terms upon which this world war is to
Be ended 1t is useful to discuss the exact
functions which the President has in
that settlement
As Commander In Chief Of the. Army
and the Navy he may make an armistice
and arrange the details Of the suspension
Of hostilities or a military equalization.
He has full power and responsibility In
however. his power Is much more linz
tied. What the limitations are ought to
be emphasized in view of a resolution in
troduced in the Senate on Thursday by
Senator Lewis OF Illinois
Senator Lewis proposes that the Senate
shall now approve whatever course may
be taken by the President In the matter
OF his replies and In his dealings with
the German and Austrian Governments
In response to the demand Of either for
peace or armistice. He would further
have that body resolve that II indorses
and approves whatever methods the
President may employ to achieve the re.
split Of victorious peace and the estab-
lishment Of the principles for which we
wage war. He would bind the Senate to
Endorse any determination the President
may reach as to the manner best calcu-
lated to preserve the dignity Of the ma
ton and its complete vindication in war.
Abdication of Senate's Functions.
It Is within the bounds Of moderation
10 say that this resolution. II adopted,
would be a complete Rbdication of the
Senate's functions in the matter Ct peace.
The President is not the treaty making
power of this Government all by himself.
The Constitution fixes exactly who con-
etitute the treaty making power. The
President initiates treaties, but they do
not become effective and binding until
after two-thirds vote of the Senate
The Senate has sometimes approved a
definite proposal Of a treaty in advance
OF Its making. but II has never before
attempted to bind itself to approve some
thing which IL left to the discretion Of
the President thereafter to formulate.
The President has made addresses and
sent several messages to Congress in
which he discussed what the terms of
the peace should be: but It must be dis
tinctly understood that those expressions
OF the Chief Executive were only an
announcement Of what at the time he
would be willing to incorporate in a
treaty. which could not become effective
until two-thirds Of the Senate had con-
CURED with him.
The people Of the United States have
right to the Independent opinion of the
Senate on such a momentous question.
Its members would violate their consti-
tutional duty II by the Lewis resolution
they were to surrender to the President
their power to pass on what the Presi-
dent may thereafter do as a part of the
treaty making power.
Moreover there are other limitations
In he
United States which the President in his
conduct of our foreign relations In this
great crisis must In honor observe. We
nave been fighting this war with our allies
Great Britain, France. Italy and Bel
GUM. 1t does not make any difference
whether We call ourselves belligerents
associated together in this war or allies.
Certain honorable obligations growing
out of the fact Of the association are the
same.
Great Britain and France and Italy
and Belgium had been fighting our bat
tie for three full years before we came
Into 1t. They had made enormous sacri-
Noes Of life and treasure not only in be-
half of themselves. but in behalf of us
and In behalf of the world Our coming
into the war has made possible the VIC
tory now imminent. This is true in the
same sense in which the reserves of an
army win victory after those who have
borne the heat and burden of the day on
the battle front have held the foe for the
the final stroke.
Should Consult with Allies.
But the fact that we came in late and
turned the fortunes of the war does not
In the slightest degree minimize the
credit Of our allies who fought so long
without us in our behalf, or our graft
IN ha oh hA1
that should weigh upon US in the con-
siderate treatment of them In settling
the terms OF peace. The President, as
our commander in chief, and as the
tnitiator OF inchoate treaties. should take
no step and make no communication with
our enemy until after consulting those
who represent our brave. self-sacrificing
partners and comrades.
II 1t be true that the note OF the three
inquiries directed TO the German Gov
eminent was sent without consultation
with them. this would seem to have been
q slip that ought not to be repeated 1t
would have been wiser IL the President
had replied that he could only act In
those matters after consultation with his
allies.
Neither the United States nor the Chief
Magistrate is the arbiter in the settle
ment Of this peace. The nations united
In carrying on the war against Germany
are equally interested In the outcome,
and by every rule. being engaged In a
common cause. one of the parties should
take no independent action that may
affect the present or future interest of
the others In respect to the war or the
peace.
Danger of Separate Action.
or course the obligation Is not absolute
% as to prevent one nation from with
drawing from the war. or insisting on
different terms from those which the
other nations may seek. But the obliga-
ton OF honor reaches certainly to the
point that all must be consulted and
heard before any one of them takes ao-
ton which may prejudice the Interest of
all or any OF the others. Not only does
honor require this course but the salts
factory winning Of the war requires It.
The war Is not won until the form
OF its settlement Ia assured. Separate
action by one OF the Powers engaged
against Germany, without consulting the
others. plays into Germany's hands. It
Is the best means of introducing a cieay-
age between the nations allied against
her. Such cleavage would enable her
20 escape the just punishment which
should be melted out 10 her. The allied
nations. including our own. should pre-
sent united diplomatic front against
their enemy for the same reasons that
led to the glorious union of the armies
under Foch