New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-03-02

erations is determined not by ourselves
but by the executive council in which
we have seemingly at most but one
Voce out OF nine, no matter what we
think OF the merits of the controversy,
no matter how we view the wisdom of
a war or the cause we arc bound bv
this covenant to 20 to war when and
IN the manner the executive council
determines.
Conflicts Are Sanctioned
"Thus it is seen that in this alleged
instrument of peace war is localized in
seven cases and made compulsory in
three.
Thus the proposed covenant. in
stead of abolishing war, actually sane
tons breeds and commands it. More
over, it absolutely requires that every
future war shall be potential world
war and that we shall be an active
participant in every such war. We
are thus thrust fully into the terrible
cauldron of European politics, and
every outbreak in tn Balkans (cven
domestic if it threaten international
war; VIII call for some expenditure
| OF treasure, for some shedding Of
! Anne rican blood, for some loss of Amer
lcan lifc. 1t is idle to say and fatuous
TO hope or believe these outbreaks will
not occur, for ambitious mon b. not
hesitate to waste life in order to pun
lyh an enemy or gain a goal.
The plan, therefore, fails TO meet
the first test
Would Save
We como now to the second question
| proposed, Do the provis ions OF the
proposed covenant strike down the pro-
copth OF tho Coustitution a mere list
ing Of some of the moro conspicuous
PROVISIONS Of each shows that it does.
hder the Constitution the Con-
gress OF the United States has the cx-
elusive power to declare war. The pro-
posed covenant puts the power of de-
clarng war in the hands of the cx-
ecutive council, in which, it is true, we
nave voice, but not the constitutional
voice. Thus, whether Congress wishes
or not, whether the people wish or not
we may be forced into war, with all its
SACRIFICES of life, in a cause in which
we nave no real concern and with
which we may be out Of sympathy, I'M
der the penalty that if we do not 90 to
war we shall by breaking a covenant Of
the league bring war upon ourselves by
the balance of the world. Undcr the
Constitution the Congress of the
United States has the exclusive power
to raise and support armies and to pro-
vide and maintain navy The COW
enant provides that the executive coun-
ell shall formulate plans limiting the
SIZE of our army and navy.
People to Lose Control
"if we act in good faith under this
agreement we shall, Of course, adopt
the armament limits which as a mem
Der of the executive council We shall
have assisted IN formulating.
"IhcrcNltcr, no matter what our
necessity or what it's urgency, no mat
ter what Congress- or the people them.
selves may think the situation re
quircs, we cannot raise single man
beyond our limit save and except it be
approved by the executive council. IN
which we are one of nine participating
states.
ar war were abolished this might be
tolcrAblc, but with war lcgAlizcd even
between members of the league and
actually commanded in certain con
tingcncics. this may spell for US over
wholming disaster.
"Undcr tho Constitution treaty be
comes effective upon its ratification
with the advice and consent thereto
Of the Senate. Uuder the covenant no
treaty becomes binding until it has
been registered with the Secretary
General Of the league.
Vital Powers Endangered
at seems reasonably certain. moro
over, that situations calling for un-
constitutional action by this govern
ment might arise under the provisions
Of Article Is, relating to financial and
economic measures Of support, and
Article 20, relating to freedom of
transit and equitable treatment for
commerce, because under these pro
visions tho league might demand the
making Of laws which in The sound
discretion Of Congress ought not to
I've made, and yet Congress miYht nnd
itself under the compelling force Of
war with the entire league to enact
such legslatlon. And nest to the
powers OF war no powers IRE more far
rp0ching or vital than those which con
trel tho financial aud economic life Of
the nation.
zone olhor multor demanding con.
aidcrntion, tho question of mandates.
may be appropriately denlth with here.
The provisions Of the covenant relnt-
ing 10 this albioet arc $50 loosely drawn
lpurposoly or othcrWiHcl lhpi nno can
not toll just now tho mandatory states
are to be soloetod.
Mandatcs Garry No Power
ut is clear. however. that tho pro
tocting state. the mhndalary Will have
IN the matter no choice or voice othur
than That which il oXorcisus IN tho
body Of Delegates or IN the executive
council or as u member of tho high
contracting partition, whichever mul,os
The choice,
"liut no matter who picks The man
dnloiy power, clearly acme one beside
oureclNca has the power to aAY whether
and when our boys and hoW many of
Att i. Ia. al.