New-York tribune., 1919-03-16
New YOrk's
Two Senators
Attack League
Wadswortli at Luncheon in
BROOKLYN Says Code of
Laws Should Be Basis
Then Nations Should Join
calder Pledges Full Consid-
Grafton by Senate Be-
fore Plan Is Approved

Attacks were made on the covenant
i the league OF nations and criticism
II President Wilson's programme was
sxpressed by the two Senator's from
Nsw York yesterday at the luncheon of
,be Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce.
csnator James w Wadsworth vigor-
ously opposed the granting of the
oowers conferred by the covenant on
.he executive council of the league, and
rreed that time for serious considera-
lion by the American people be taken
before entering into such an interna-
sional agreement.
Il am not opposed to league of ma
siops," he said, but before embarking
m a Journey of this kind let some con-
ference of the nations write code of
International law. Let the law be
written in such a way that every ma
ton will swear allegiance and adher-
ence TO it. Then make your league.
Bring it together TO support the law"
Senate Pledged by Calder
Senator William NJ. Calder declared
President Wilson never should have
left the United States, and added: "The
American people need and arc going to
hsse information about this league of
nations. The Senate will make sure
the people understand and agree to it
before we viii approve its adoption"
Erigadier General George w. Win.
gate, of Brooklyn, recently returned
from command of a brigade of field ar
tillery in France, differed with the
views expressed by Senator Wadsworth.
Iirigadier General II. C. Marshall, in
charge of cantonment construction in
this country, told of the work of the
construction division of the army.
Senator Wadsworth, after asserting
that the league of nations was the
most important question which had
confronted the United States since the
framing of. the Constitution, said in
part:
81 contend that in a discussion of
this question before gathering of
American citizens who think of Amer
lea first there is no room for partisan
ship.
Defends Americas Aloofness
Il do not think it unfair or inaccu-
rate to say that during all these years
We have been q nation the American
PEOPLE have been the happiest people
or earth, and do not think it inaccu-
rate 20 say that at least a good portion
Of their happiness has been due to in
ssting upon avoiding part in the in
sriguss and politics of an older civiliza-
ton
In attacking the functions of the ex-
ecatige council Of the league Senator
Wadsworth said
: eThe executive council is the all
governing body. 1t is the head and
iron5-ef superstate. 1t is to guide
and control the destinies eventually of
oil the nations of the earth. In fact, an
examination of the document shows
eonelusiyely that the executive council
Is left to make its own rules, to lay
aown It's own principles, to sit as
eourt' to exercise legislative and ad-
stances
ASKS If 1t Means Freedom
is this democracy, this proposal:
ooes this mean greater freedom to the
soria! The contention is made quite
ot.en to-day that because the words
aoYlce' and recommendation are the
words used in clothing the executive
.ouncii with power, when the executive
soahcli did recommend to country to
we men and money in order to reduce
= leealcitrant state to subsection. that
'osnlfy need not comply.
), mat suggestion is unworthy Tha
aaiIsd States, nor any other country
W earth, should enter into a contract
" MS kind unless it is solemnly de-
ssusa m its inmost conscience that it
WI follow out the contract in spirit
- @efl as in letter"
~ ms criticism of the Administration
aseaator Calder said: 81 am CONVINCED
saas hasi Congress should be in session.
e'icve that the President should have
remained ma in this country.
y. tne President believes that he is
sss ny ohiy one iir to handle matter of
...ls magnitude, ne should summon Con
go "a together and let it send it's
aaaalrs Z to him for approval wherever
~ may be. The railroad question, the