The daily Gate City and constitution-Democrat. (Keokuk, Iowa) 1916-1922, 1919-02-05
Uncle Sam as Godfather.

world"
Uncle Sam as Godfather.
by Robert j. Bender, United Press
staff Correspondent
PARIS, Feb. 5.--The impression was
growing today that the United States
must assume the role OF godfather to
many of the small countries and com
munities willingly, or unwillingly II
the league OF nations is to achieve all
that is intended. Not only have these
peoples begun to look to America as
protector but the big powers are
showing a disposition to regard
America as the one nation which can
ercise mandatory rule over ctrtain
territories without engendertng inter
national jealousies.
President Wilson appreciates that
one of his hardest tasks would be TO
convince the American people that
the United States must be willing to
take large share of the response
bility and expense of aiding small ma
tons Yet Great Britain, France and
Italy certainly are opposed to assurn-
ing the whole burden, including mill
tary and naval expenses. And the di-
rect appeal of some of the war strick-
en- communities to the United States
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES the question
plainly before America as to whether
she is ready to support the presi-
dents plans for the league Of nations.
The president is expected to out
line the situation fully to the Amer-
can people after his return from
France, probably through an address
to congress and possibly later in pub
lie speeches in various parts OF the
country. The first difficulties in form.
alton OF the league have been over.
come through general acquiescence in
it's broad principles, but the real test
OF its success will be in the reports Of
the committees which are handling
actual formation and application OF
these principles. Despite recent indi-
cations that Wilson might not find il |
necessary to make second trip to
Paris, it was learned today that there
Is a possibility he will desire to re- |
turn and personally see that there is !
no miscarriage OF his ideas. particu- /
larly as regards the league OF nations. /
Fixing Up Constitution.
PARIS, Feb. 5.-The special com.
rnittee which is drawing up the con-
sitution for the league of nations
agreed Professionally last night to the
preamble and two of the articles, it
was officially announced today. Salts I
factory progress is heing made on 9th
er parts of the draft
Pressure on America.
IBy j. w. T. Mason. Written for The
United Press.]
NEW YORK, Fe5. Europe is
bringing constantly increasing pres
sure to bear upon Americas peace Dell
egates to persuade them to consent to
tie United States becoming an agent
or the league for the administration of |
part Of the former territory OF the Gen.
trial powers.
Not only are the American peace
delegates themselves being subjected
to this influence, but persuasion from
abroad is being exerted directly upon
the American people. Europeans are
saying that since President Wilson de-
nlands a new form of colonial admin-
istration which would make the league 4
OF nations the guardian OF many unde-
veloped parts OF the earth, the United
States cannot, IN fairness refuse to
shoulder part Of the expense and re
Each nation accepting
from the league any part of the world
to govern will have to finance the gov
eminent itself and provide the
governing officials by its own de.
vices. new ethical responsibility to |,
mankind will thus belong to this form
OF administration and Europe is clarg
own moral leadership If President Will
son rejects a mandate from the league
of nations to spread abroad American