The Logan Republican. [volume] (Logan, Utah) 1902-1924, 1919-01-14

commission In Paris his is wholly de-
sirable. 1t is reported from Paris that
the American commissioners have adj
mitted the senate powers within their
comprehension and that measures will be
taken to advise the senators of policies to
which our diplomatic representatives
may be about to try to commit the future
of the United States. .
If the Senate had be quiescent this rec
ognition Of its real powers might have
come too late. 1t may even now be fu-
tile recognition, one seeking to avoid the
fact. In that case there is certain to be
trouble. -.
The United States senate may be made
to appear for the time being in Paris, an
inconsiderable body. 1t cannot break its
way into the peace conference. 1t may
seem to be standing outside in the cold
with it snose flattened against the pane
of glass. But when the peace commits
sioners have done their work the attitude
of the United States will be determined
in the senate, its subscription to agree
ments must have approval and sanction
there and The Tribune has been contend
ing that it would be verse than folly to
representatives Of the country to get
completely out of touch with the Ameri-
can opinion which will be expressed, de-
clared and given effect III the senate.
Our peace commissioners are not plen-
,ipotentiaries. They are agents who must
report to determining authority. That
authority is the senate. If there is d.
vorce of diplomacy and real authority
now there will be trouble later.
1t is good thing to have called the at
tention of the peace commissioners early
to this fact. 1t may have come unpleas-
antly to their attention, but the unpleas-
antness had bettre be met now than later.
We have been as inslstent as we could
in supporting the determination Of sena-
tors to develop the senate opinion. The
senate opinion will represent as nearly as
anything can the real voice of America,
the real purpose and intent, and it is the
real purpose and intent which will be
written into any agreements to which
America pledges its faith and trusts its
fate.
1t is healthy sign that our represen-
tatives in Paris have been brought to
'sentatives in Washington are thinking
and saying. Paris eventually must deal
with thought and expression in Wash
ington. We cannot deal safely with one
set of representatives pulling in one di-
rection and one set in another.
1t is good fight to make, for complete
declaration of senatorial opinion, and
god fight to keep up. The senate will
make itself felt in time il it insists upon
its power and indicates in advance what
the extent and direction of it will be.
1t is reported from Washington that
the league of nations is to be examined
extensively in senate debate. No more
important subject could engage the SEN
ate attention just now. The speeches of
Knox and Lodge have had circulation in
Europe and have received attention
there. A senate definition of Americas
purpose in world league and of Ameri-
cas- ideas of preserving peace by agree
ment will further clarity European no
tons Of American opinion.
The men in Paris will do well to keep
one ear attentive to what is being said in
Washington. Thus more may be learned
of American intent than might be from
the diplomatic representatives of the ma
ton in Paris.
There is no guaranty that the latter
will assuredly say what the nation wants
or means. There is an absolute certain
ty that tire senate will do so.Chicago
Tribune.