The Maui news. [volume] (Wailuku, Maui, H.I.) 1900-current, 1919-10-10
CANW WE TURN poWN THE LEAGUE OF NAr1ONs2

1--WE are indeed blind if we do not realize that the fate and future
of China, that great continental nation, are inextricably bound up with
minister to China, in an address before the Honolulu AID Club last week.
DR.. Reinsch might well have gone further and stated that we are blind
if we do not realize that we are just as indrssoluby linked with all the
rest of the world as we are with China.
Opponents of the league of nations base their objections very large
y on the ground that it will compel this nation to play al active part in
the affairs of the world. They say that the quarrels and dissentions of
other nations are none of our business. And they draw frightful pictures
Of the cost in lives and treasure we must sustain if we attempt to do
our part in preserving the peace world.
1t is argued that because the league covenant is not all that could
be desired we should have none of it-that we should get back into our
shell as quickly as possible and let the rest of humanity go hang, if it
We can keep out of the league of nations, it is true. But if we
do the league must fail and the nations in self protection will again
Immediately begin the formation OF defensive alliances, to the end that
the situation will be the same as before the war, except in worse degree.
at each others threats when something disturbs the deicaey adjusted
balance of power.
its own business until the fat is in the fire and it is too late.
1t is proposed that the United States shall assume the mandatory
under the league of nations, of Turkey, Armenia, the disputed Grecan
islands, and other portions of the Near East. The plan is meeting with
fierce rdicue and condemnation by the antileague element at home.
But if we do not take this responsibility, what then?
1t is certain that none of the great powers of Europe can assume
the role. Not one would be acceptable to the rest, on account of the
influence and power that would go with such control Nor would
the domination of any European nation be acceptable to the smaller ma
tons involved; whereas American rule would be joyfuiy welcomed.
The years OF horror in Armenia under Turkish rule were possible
only for the reason that no European power could Interfere without
treading on some of its jealous neighbors' toes; and t is hard to see
how the old condition is to be avoided if we adopt the hands-of policy.
The question therefore is whether or not we are willing to play a
mans part in the future. Are we willing to turn our backs and to
close our eyes and ears to the misery of the weak nations of the world
Or are we willing to use the power and influence of a great people to
the end that justice may prevail for all men?
The first part is that of a coward or a Stacker. To take it would
cause brave men to hang their heads in shame for their country. Far
better wereit that we suffered in loss of men and money, if with knowl-
edge that we were preventing suffering to others and doing our full
share in lifting humanity to a higher level.
Impractical? Visionary?
Perhaps. But there is more in this world than material success.
And some of the greatest, most epoch-making movements in history
were inspird by visions.