The sun., 1919-03-12
BRYAN PICKS FLAWS
IN WILSON LEAGUE
Approves 1t i'm General, but
Makes Suggestions for
Amendments.
NOT FAIR ENOUGH TO L. s.
He Objects to Basis Of Repre-.
sentation and Terms of
Admission.

WAsHINGToN, March 1l.-From his
sick bed in the home OF one Of his friends
here, William Jennings Bryan, former
Secretary of State in tho Wilson Cabinet,
issued a statement tonight outlining his
attitude toward the League Of Nations
covenant The statement follows:
The League Of Nations is the greatest
The idea OF substituting reason for force
in the settlement OF International dis
putes is in itself an epoch making adj
vance. The constitution OF the league.
as announced, provides Tor three things
which constitute in themselves an ad-
vantage. the Importance of which can
scarcely be estimated
"Deliberation before war-the investi-
CATION of all disputes OF their kind and
character before hostilities begin. This
almost ends war The idea is taken from
the thirty treaties negotiated by the
United States with three-quarers OF he
world. Our nation, therefore, gives to
the peace league its greatest piece OF
machinery.
Second. The reduction of ornaments
will make 1t impossible for nation to
prepare for war without notifying the
world of its intention.
Third. The abolition of secret trea-
ties. which will do much to prevent the
combinations which lead to war. II the
than provide these three things our ma
ton would be justified in supporting it
to the utmost.
ut is not to be expected that so great
an idea as the League OF Nations would
be made perfect in detail In so short
time There are defects that should be
corrected, and the fullest discussion OF
proposed amendments should be invited.
The newspapers Of Great Britain France
and Italy are not backward in the ex-
presaion OF their views as to changes
that should be made. Why should the
American people be silent? Ours Is the
nation most influential in the league
and most powerful because most disin-
terested. Its people should help by free
and frank discussion to peTect the
league. The President has done tpe best
he could. but he will be aided by intolli-
gent criticism from those friendly TO the
idea
suggests Amendments.
II venture to point out certain amend
rnents that should in my Judgment be
made in the interest OF stronger and
better league. First. the basis OF rep
resentation liz not fair TO the United
States A comparison OF voting strength
will show that while our nation ia the
most powerful in the combination
whether measured by population, wealth
or moral influence, 1t has no larger vote
than nations much inferior In popula-
tor, wealth and influence. This in
equality ought, II possible, to be cor
rected. for justice is the only founda-
ton upon which any institution can
rest in permanent security.
Second the terms OF admission to
nations that may desire to join here
after are not fair. To require two
thirds vote TO admit a new nation sug-
gests the social club where few
blackballs may keep out an uncongenial
applicant. This world league Is for the
world The President has well said that
our nation is not interested in a league
unless all nations are in 1t. The quail
fcation for admission ought to be hxed.
and then II ought to be made as easy
as pOsSlUlc iOE NIOSt WHO are QuallHtu
to gain admission. Under no circum-
stances should the consent of more than
a majority be required for the admission
OF any qualified nation.
The faults of the constitution are
found to be in its Indebtedness rather
than in things positively Objectionable.
For instance, 1t is not stated with suf-
ticient clearness that the Monroe Doc
trine is preserved Our nation is not
asking to be permitted to assist in the
settlement OF European disputes. and
therefore it ought not to be asked to
give up its paramount influence In the
western Hemisphere as condition
precedent TO its entry into the league.
Question of Msndatorie..
Then, too, 1t is not stated with suf-
hcient clearness that a league member
is not required to become a mandatory.
II ought TO be definitely stated that a
nation asked to become a mandatory is
al liberty to accept or decline. Again
1t should be made clear that the league
is not TO interfere in the internal az
fairs of the nations belonging TO tho
league The league is for the settlement
or international disputes, not for the
adjustment of differences between a ma
ton and it's own people.
-Nti'NiAti ildlLtl lIdt SnOuId be made
clear-and nothing can be more important
than this-iS that each nation has a right
TO decide for itself whether It will under
take the things advised by the General
Council The language OF the constitu-
ton, while not definite, would seem 10
indicate that no nation is required to
furnish force TO back up a decision OF
the council But no doubt should be left
on this subject.
This nation cannot afford to allow a
council IN which It has so small a voice
TO cars IT into war against ~, will
The constitution OF the league would
seem to imply the right OF the council
to compel the declaration OF an economic
boycott by the members OF the league
This is not quite so serious as the decla
ration OF war, but economic bovcott ts
likely to develop into a war and an eco
nomic boycott may be pecuniarilv ad
to the nations that want 70
declare IT, Our interests NAV not be
Identical in this respect. and we ought 10
have right TO say at the time whether
we would declare such boycott.
II venture to suggest that the scope
Of the leagues work might we'll be ex-
tended beyond what lie now contemplated.
substitute for war must he able to
deal with every situation that can be-
come a cause OF war.
The council should consider the claim
and advise upon II. and the force OF pub
lie opinion should be used to secure such