The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-03-12


 enlarge the proportionate votin make it clear that each membt whether it would support decl council.
 While pointing to imperfections MT. Bryan urged they should not be allowed to lead to rejection of the plan, declar- ing risks to be run in accepting the league were less than those involved in rejection and returning "to the old ways of blood and slaughter
 Mir. Bryan dictated the statement from his sick bed at the home of friends, where he has been confined for nearly three weeks. He said the league of na- tions idea, "the greatest step toward peace in thousand years" was taken from the 30 arbitration treaties negotiat- ed by the United States while he was Secretary of State. It was not to be expected, he said, that so great an idea would be made perfect in so short a time. and added while President Wilson had done the best he could,' he would be helped by intelligent and friendly crit icism from the American public.
 TEXT OF STATEMENT The statement follows:
 "The league of nations is the great est step toward peace in thousand Fxears. The idea of substituting reason tional disputes is in itself an epoch mak- Hing advance. The constitution of the Hleague as announced, provides for three ufhings which constitute in themselves Ian advantage, the importance of which f can scarcely be estimated.
 l.trN- l.. E~- &tion of all disputes of their kind and Icharaeter before hostilities begin. This Xamost ends war. The idea is taken from 1 Nthe 30 treaties negotiated by the United Estates with three-quarters of the world NOur nation, therefore, gives to the peace league it's greatest piece of machinery. HSecond the reduction of armaments will | make it impossible for nation to pre- pare for war without notifying the world | Uof it's intention Third, the abolition | nof secret treaties, which will do much Ii o prevent the combinations which lead K Q war. If the league of nations did noth- r nt more than provide these three things Hour nation would be Justified i'll sup porting it to the utmost.
 Tt is not to be expected so great an dea as the league of nations would be made perfect in detail in so short 8irne There are defects that should be Corrected, and the fullest discussion of |&prcposed amendments should be invited. lThe newspapers of Great Britain, Francs AnG Italy are not backward in the ex- pression of their views as to changes
 hat should be made.
 NO CAUSE FOR SILENCE
 .Why should the American people be silent? Ours is the nation most influen- tiai in the league, and most powerful because most disinterested
 Its people should help by free and
 IA aa p1l6 The President has done the best he eould, but he will be aided by intelligent criticism from those friendly to the idea,
 1T venture to point out certain amend nents that should, in my judgment, be nade in the interest of stronger ana |oetter league. First, the basis or repre- Eer,tation is not fair to the United States. k comparison of voting strength will EEow that while our nation is the most ,owerfuls in the combination, whether
 4easured by population, wealth or moral
 fluence, it has no larger vote than ma
 ions much inferior in population, wealth
 nG influence. This inequality ought, II
 possible. to be corrected, TOT justice IS
 he only foundation upon which any ln-
 titution can rest in permanent security
 "Seoond the terms of admission 10
 ,a lions that may desire to join here
 fer are not fair. To require two
 hjrds vote to admit new nation sug- rests the social club, where 1eW piack
 ,alls may keep out an uncongenial ap-
 ,licant. This world league is for the
 world. The President has well said our
 ation is not interested in league un-
 ess all nations are in it. The qualifica-
 ;on for admission ought to be liked ana
 Ten it ought to be made as easy as
 possible for those who are qualified to
 ain admission. Under no circumstances
 Eould the consent of more than a ma
 ority be required for the admission or
 nv qualified nation.