Imperial Valley press., 1919-10-08

conditions. The United States found it neces-
sary TO suspend its traditional policy and to pro-
icct itself into the European conflict in ordOer to
bring it to q successful close. Having finished
the job, the question now is Shall we withdraw
from European politics and resume our former
policy, or shall the temporary alliances formed
for the purpose Of winning the war be now made
permanent? Which ever way the question IS de-
cideG, is bound to produce mOmentOus results
vita!ly affecting the future Of the American peo-
po, Il is all important therefore, that right de-
ciaion should be made.
The question is bigger than any party, and is
being so considered and discussed by most intel
liGent people. 1t is matter on which | believe
honest people can and do differ and | accord to
every man and woman the right to reason out
and come to their own conclusion. In fact be-
licye it is their duty to do so.
careful analysis seems to fix the principal
dividing point on the league question in the point
Of view O fthe Individual. Those persons who from
education, experience or personal inclination lay
emphasis upon the rights Of their nation will in
q majority Of cases be found hesitating to enter
the LEAGUE Those who in their minds and hearts
lay emphasis upon the rights of humanity will in
general be found favoring the league. The first
class are called selfish prOvincias by their Op-
n0pentS because they desire to know exactly what
the new obligations are going to cost the United
States in blood and money and how and in what
way the United States is going to be benefited
by their expenditures.
They want to know how much of Americas
rights and sovereignty is going to be transferred
to the League Of Nations. Their motto is: Amer
ica first, other nations second'% The other class
seeks to do good for humanity in general; they
are for The small nations and for all the down
trodden and oppressed people of the earth with
out regard to the cost to themselves personally or
to their country They are related to the Cru
saderS Of old and from their ranks are recruited
the missionaries of today. The first class believe
in preserving American institutions. American
liberty and American ideals with all the purity OF
their original conception or worthy example tC
all people. They are unwilling to compromise
American principles in orders to reach an agree
ment with the ideals Of European or Asiatc ra
tions. They believe America can best fulfill its
destiny untrammeled by foreign alliances, holding
itself free to meet future emergencies as they
arise and to be able to decide its course of con-
duct on its own conscience as it has done in the
past. The issue then, in part at least is Nation.
alsm VS.. InternatiOnaliSm.
The other class are not only willing but desirous
of sharing American ideals and American liberty
with all nations what ever we have of moral as
sets they are willing to pool with other nations
Tor the benefit of mankind They are willing tt
trust the future to council of nations and a par
lament Of man.
This lS as we have said big question and ar
important one, and one therefore. which the peo
pie should carefully study and fully understand
II the League of Nations is adopted til G
people should understand all t he obliga
tons they will then have assum ed. As it is tht
tradition Of our nation to make good its word, VIZ
should know just what we are agreeing to dc
wren we SIGN the League of Nations covenant.
believe the President and the Senators have per
formed great public service in carving on the
present debate in public thereby giving the people
the benefit of the study, thought and conviction
OF our best minds on this very important subject
IE fact believe any thoughtful discussion car
rled on in rational manner without personalities
or partisan feeling to be helpful at this time anc
nope our readers will receive his series O
articles in this spirit >,
Article number two will be published tomor
row. MERRILL D. DAVIS