Highland recorder. (Monterey, Highland County, Va.) 1877-1972, 1919-05-09
CONFEREES ADOPT
LEAGUE DRAFT TT
No Changes Made in Revised
Covenant at Conferences
PIenary Session.
PRESIDENT MAKES MOTION.
Belgium, Brazil, Greece and Spain on
Council With Five Great Powers.
Maxine Protests - Says Race
Question May Become Acute.

Parls.-The revised covenant Of the
league of nations was adopted by. the
olenary session of the peace confer
ence without division and without
amendment. The covenant was moved
by President Wilson. o..
The President in his speech said
that Sir Eric Drummond of Great Brl'
tain had been named as the first secre'
tary general of the league
Baron Maxine for Japan and Leon
Bourgeois for France spoke in favor
respectively of the racial equality and
international army amendments, but
these amendments were afterWard
withdrawn, and it is understood that
they have been left for decision by the
league of nations itself.
Premier Clemenceau announced the
withdrawal Of the amendments, and
President Wilson's proposal that the
covenant of the league Of nations be
adopted was carried.
There was not more than mo-
ment's pause In honor Of the creation
Of the league, the conference then pro-
eeeding with the regular program.
The text Of the labor principles for
insertion in the. treaty was adopted
For the first time at the conference
sessions Italy was not represented, and
the five beats of Premier Orlando and
his colleagues at the right of NJ. Gle
menceau, the presiding officer, remain
ed vacant. The other delegations pre-
sented full ranks, and the scene was
stirring as the French premier opened
the session.
President Wilson was recognized at
the outset for a detailed explanation
of the new covenant Of the league.
His speech was without oratoricdl eff
fort and confirmed the explanation OF
textual changes, most Of which have
already been noted, and named Bel
gfum, Brazil, Greece and Spian on the
League Council and also on the com
mittee to prepare plans for the hrsl
meeting Of the league.
The name of Italy appears as one OF
the members Of the league and OF the
five great powers represented in the
League Council.
Baron Maxine, head of the japanese
delegation, in a brief speech called
renewed attention to the japanese
amendment on racial equality. He
said that the race question was a
standing grievance, which might be-
come a dangerous issue at any time
The Japanese government and people
Baron Maxine declared, felt poignant
regret that the amendment had not
been incorporated in the covenant
and announced that an effort would
be made to have the principle of racial
equality adopted as part Of the docu'
ment. -
Paul Hymans, representing Belgium
expressed the regret Of the Belgian
people at the selection Of Geneva as
the seat of the league Of nations, while
approving the high aims of the league.
The amendments Of NJ. Bourgeois
representing France, were not pressed
M. Clemenceau then put the question
Of the adoption Of President Wilson's
motion, which prevailed without a
formal vote, and the covenant was de-
clared adopted.
The South American representatives
expressed approval at great length be-
fore the covenant was adopted. Dur.
ing this part Of the afternoon distinct
restlessness was noticeable, President
Wilson walking over to a friend, and
Premier Lloyd George disappearing
from the room.