The sun., 1919-04-08
those who preferred to mako q political
issue OF the league constitution.
Not n Question OF Partnership.

Senator Lenroot's reply TO the Nebras-
kan's implied charge that IL was the po-
litical tactics OF the Republicans that
was responsible for the opposition to the
constitution ms originally presented was
quick and direct. Said Afr. Lenroot:
ANY man who considers this a ques-
tion for partisan consideration Is I'M
worthy OF American citizenship. The
Republicans have been more outspoken
than the Democrats, but charges OF par
tsanship are most unjust The only
reason that the Republicans have been
more outspoken than the Democrats Ia
that President Wilson is the leader OF
the Democratic party.
II will say this. II IL was not for
partisanship not half dozen Democratic
members OF the United states Senate
would be supporting the league constitu-
tion In its original form"
Senator Lenroot began:
II shall endeavor to analyze the pro-
posed constitution OF the league as orig
inally presented. 1 do this for two rea-
sons.
"First-Because while II Is now certain
that many substantial and important
amendments will be adopted by the
Peace Conference we do not yet know
exactly their final form; and,
ceOOtlu, ptCdubo WlBn 10 snow now
well founded was tho protest by mem
bers of the United States Senate and
distinguished men in all walks of life
to the constltution in Its original form
was one of the thirty-nine Senators
who signed the so-called round robin
declaring the constitution Of tho league
as then presented, was not IN their
opinion acceptable. and suggesting tina,
the treaty OF peace with Germany and
the League OF Nations should be con-
sidered separately. II has already been
demonstrated that the action then taken
was justified. for the amended constitu-
ton will much better safeguard Ameri-
can rights and American interests.
hope that when finally presented to the
Senate they will be so well safeguarded
that the treaty may be ratified.
VIII Not Prevent Wars.
II am in favor of League OF Ma
tons. l think 1t would be a calamity II
at the end OF this terrible war some
concert of nations cannot be agreed
upon that will lessen the possibility. OF
of wars in the future. But We should
not deceive ourselves into the belief that
any League of Nations. however formed
can preveN wars. So long as selfishness
is part OF human nature. so long as
peoples differ In ideals. Government
temperament and racial chara cteristic,s
wars will be probable, and no treaty, no
league can insure against them.
I'VE must not rely too much upon
promises and covenants. We were
shocked at Germlny's violation Of the
neutrality Of Belgium, of regarding the
treaty as scrap of paper. but when
the real aims and purposes of the Ger
man autocfacy were unfolded before us
We were not surprised at her breach of
a solemn obligation. They set out 10
conquer and dominate the world. They
were determined upon theft OF the terri
tory OF others.
"A man who will steal will not hest
tate to lie, and SO 1t is with nations
II the time should ever come again when
any nation or combination OF nations
are bent on conquest ard feel strons
enough to succeed no covenant in any
League OF Nations will hold them back.
Wars OF this character cannot be pre-
vented BY promises. A stronger COM
bination of Powers in league will
deter them for a time, but IL by intrigue
combinations can be made so that the
contending forces are somewhat evenly
balanced another world wal is probable.
DEMOCRACY Only Preventive.
The only preventive for this is the at
titude OF the peoples OF the different ma
tons securing and maintaining a demo-
cratic form of government. But there
is another class OF war that can often
be prevented by a League of Nations
where honest disputes exist between ma
tons and each believes II is fighting for
right and justice. Ir such cases cove
nants to submit tribe dispute to arbitration
or TO the League OF Nations and agree
ments not TO go to war until a certain
time after the submission OF the dis
pute, will, in a large ma ority Of cases,
prevent war. II nations have nine
months 10 cool Off after beginning a
quarrel II Is altogether likely that the
dispute may be amicably settled. So It
seems to me that we should be In favor
of League Of Nations provided that
our own liberties and our own rights
necessary 10 the perpctuity of this re-
public are not surrendered, and pro-
vided the obligations imposed upon us
are not greater than We ought to bear.
Another fact that we should frankly
recognize is that our entry into a League
Of Nations will be very expensive for us,
and under the constitution as originally
proposed the cost would be enormous.
Some gentlemen, and among them my
distinguished colleague Senator Hitch
cock, have asserted that IL we do not
have a League Of Nations we shall be
burdened with vast expenditures for
military purposes for all time. Bot l
confidently assert that exactly the con-
trary Is true. The League of Nations
will cost us more than II we stand alone,
but am not urging that rs an objection
to the league. 1 am merely stating a
tact.
Calls fer a Great Army.
Under this constitution unamended
We would be Obliged to maintain a large
standing army and send our soldiers to
every quarter OF the globe. Our soldiers
would be called upon to police a part
OF Europe. and whenever and wherever
war broke out we would have to con-
tribute our quota In addition We would
be called upon to maintain a larger
navy than the American people ever
dreamed OF.
THE naval bill that failed of passage
on the 4th OF March doubled our three
year programme. n programme that was
adopted when theworld was at war But
now that the enemy is defeated and
there is no danger OF war upon us from
any quarter and with a League OF Ma
tons in prospect designed TO prevent
war President Wilson and his Secretary
OF the Navy insist upon doubling our
present programme, and Secretary Dan
iels gives as the reason that our obliga-
tons under the proposed League of Ma.
tons will make 1t necessary. unless gen.
eral disarmament Is secured. which /
shall show will not be secured by this
league.
Quotes Daniels as Authority.