Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1919-07-07
ARTICLES XxILXXv

ARTICLES XXII-XXN
Until this poin, the provisions OF ;he
covenant have dealt almost exclusively
with the organization Of the League
and the prevention of war. Article
xxi and the three that follow are con
eemed with improving conditions in
which the people Of many counties
take, or ought to take, an interes,.
German Colonies.
The first Of these articles deals with
traces hitherto ruled by Germany and
her allies and not vet qualified to gov
crn themselves, It's object is tw0-fold.
First, to protect and assist peoples on
their way TO complete independence; 10
guard them from dangers, and guide
them while still inexperienced in the
ue of popular government. Duiing that
period they would be likely TO make
mistake which might expose them to
external and internal pcrils. The second
object is to prevent selfish exploitation
of backward peoples and natural re-
sources. These colonies were won by
all the nations that helped to uin the
war and all have a right and duty to
demand that the native inhabitants
shall not be maltrcated and that one Of
the victors shall not moaopolizc to the
exclusion of other countries any raw
products essential to the industries of
the world.
These things are properly placed un-
der the control of the League; and if
so the plan of mandataries acting under
contract with the League, ana render
ing an annual report Of their steward
ship to the council, with permanent
commission to supervise the Gdndnistra-
tion, seems well devised for the purpose.
No nation need accept mandate anless
it pleascs, but if it does so 1t accepts
the trust under the conditions pre-
seribcd by the League. The whole plan
marks a great step forward in the rec
ognition of the common responsibility
Of civilized nations for the weaker peo-
pies of the earth; in contrast With the
principle of exploitation for the nation
al benefit Of those who can succeed in
coaqucring and owning them, or who
can by purchase, bargain or force of
arms obtain transfer of thCm from
their formermasters. To establish the
principle, to provide for inspection and
publicity is a long advance, and may
be expected TO have its effect upon
the government of all natives races
whether under the control Of the League
or not.
International Responsibilities
Article XXIII carries the conception
Of responsibility, instead OF exploita-
tion, still farther, applying it to the
conditions Of labor, the treatment of
all native races, the white slave trade,
the traffic in opium and other danger
Gus drugs, the trade in arms in disorder
" regions, fair commercial opportunity,
and the prevention of disease. Every
one familiar with the difficulty Of lcg
ulating these things properly dnder the
pressure Of competition will appreciate
the importance of concerted ac;ion. In
such matters the work Of the League
must be consultative and advisory, be-
cause over the legislation ana admins
tration of its members in their owni
countries it has no control. But the
members themselves covenant to do
these things and ii the case Of labor
TO endcavor to maintain fair and hu
name conditions not only in their own
country, but also in all others TO which
their commercial and industrial rcla-
iions extend. They agree further to
maintain for that purpose the necessary |
organizations. The pub |
hcity which will result cannot ful 10
be Of great value, and the total effect |
may be expected to be large and highly |
beneficial.
Matters of Common Interest.
Article NXIV deals with international
bureaus for the administration of mat
ters of common interest. Few persons
have any conception how many Of these
exist. The best known is the universal
postal union, but there are many othen
relating to telegraphs, wireless, agri- |
culture, railroads, river ngsigatiOn, in
dustrial and literary property, santa
tion, crime, scientific subjects, and 9th
or things Some Of them include all |
civilized countries, some only those |
neghbors directly concerned. There
are also a number Of commissions Of