South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-04-14
Other Editors Than Ours
AMENDING THE COVENANT.
louisville COurier-.JOurnalO


The New York World Of the third publishers
its Paris correspondent, Herbert Swope what he
vouches for as an outline of the changes made in
the covenant of the League of Nations since Prest
Wilson returned TO Paris.
The changes many, though only few are of
marked importance. They the result o sugges-
tions received from all quarters and thoroughly
sidered in line with the that the commits
sion animated by no pride of authorship. but
willing To incorporate any idea that tended
toward the strength and clarity of the instrument
Up the date of the dispatch epecifc recognition
of the Monroe doctrine had not been accepted for
inclusion in the covenant, though Mr.. Swope de-
cared that it almost certain that this would
he done
one of the most important amendments is made
article ", in these words:
Except where otherwise expressly provided in
this covenant decisions at meetings Of the body
of delegates of the council shall require the
of all states represented at the meeting"
This removes all doubt on the point whether
majority unanimous vote would be required TO
bind the members Opponents OF the league or this
country have made their hercest attacks it
the ground that might be easily Out-voted.
peciaHy by Great Britain and her colonies thus
putting us "a the mercy of combinations of
weaker powers. This amendment completely spikes
the guns Of the American ASSISTANTS of the league
who have sought to smash it by such lombard
ment.
To article Ky which provides disputes be
tween two submitted to arbitration shall
be submitted 10 the council Gin the revision
longer called the executive councf). that If the
report is unanimously agreed to by the members Of
the council other than the parties to the dispute the
contracting parties agree that they will not go 10
war with any party which complies with the recon-
mendatons. this material amendment is made:
IF the dispute is thus settled the council by
ma jority vote shall make and publish report con-
tanning a statement Of the facts of the dispute and
the mendations which deemed just and
proper with regard thereto"
Full publicity is thus insured. And publicity and
delay amply provided by the covenant are in them
selves sufficient prevent most
Another revision which cuts the ground from be-
meath the feet Of American opponents OF the league
is made article NIX. covering the question Of
manufactures An amended clause of this article
reads
The best method of giving practical effect 20 this
principle is that the tUteage Of such peoples should
be intrusted advanced nations who by reason
Of their resources their experience their geogra-
phical position best undertake this responsible
and who willing TO accept IT, and that this
tutelage should be exercised by them as manufactures
behalf Of the league"
This provision leaves for further dis
treSs the part Of little Americans who are so
alarmed lest should he obliged TO do something
for anybody except ourselves We should not be
charged with a mandatory unless willing
TO accept IT, and, OF congress including the
Round Robineers OF the senate. would have the de-
cision whether We're willing.
The amendments. while many. not radical
though they meet the main objections 10 the cove
which have been loudly voiced over here. As
revised. Mr. Swope reports. the instrument still
retains the elasticity that the president sought 20
endow IL with. that be built 10 the
new needs OF new generations was the case with
federal constitution.