The sun., 1919-03-20

DOAES HENhOSE.
radically different kind Of league from
that which Il projects misses the mark
altogether.
This misunder standing Of the nature
OF tho league proposed and of the func-
tons Of Its organs Is the foundation of
most Of ths objections raised against the
covenant. II tho United States h not
subject to the orders OF tho Executive
Council or under any obligation to adopt
its recommendations II Is senseless to
talk OF our being ruled by a body in
which we have only one vote out of nine
The opponents of the league set up an
imaginary scarecrow OF their own crea-
ton and then fire at II with great salts
faction to themselves. Their shots do
not touch the real mark. although they
may trouble the innocent bystander.
Another DOGGY OF an equally I'M
substantial kind Is that England has
in the body OF delegates six votes to our
one II tho only functions Of this body
are to talk, to select the four other States
TO be represented on the Executive Coun-
Gil, and TO make unanimous recommended
tons after inquiry into . dispute, the
number OF votes therein are not Of much
British self-governing colonies arc ad-
mitted as members of the league, II is by
10 means certain that Great Britain can
always control their votes: and on the
other hand--tell IL not in Gath-who
but tho CnAed States would practically
control to-day the votes Of Panama, Of
Nicaragua, Of Hayti and Of Santo Do
mingo?
Answers U. 8. ObJectory.
Let US now turn to tho particula~
objections made to the entrance Of the
United States into this league, Or in
deed into any league to maintain the
peace OF the world First or last, the
opponents Of the covenant always seek
for an argument in Washingtons Fare
we'll Address. Curiously enough. I have
Eever heard washington's opinions, or
practice. which must be we'll known,
quoted against prohibition or some other
modern innovations. 1t Is even more
strange to hear Senator Borah urge the
authority of Washington against q
League Of Nations, but say that II the
Saviour of mankind should revisit the
earth and declare for such a league he
would nevertheless oppose 1t. To the
ordinary man that Senator's ideas of
authority In matters OF opinion are per-
picking. No sensible man would for n
moment assert that il, owing to a change
Of conditions In the modern world, he
were convinced OF tho utility and wis
dom OF a departure from the policy OF
Washington and the great statesmen Of
his day he ought nevertheless to vote
against that departure because OF opln-
ions expressed century ago.
Senator Lodge has told US that we
Df n "a i,, oh pla 1T,
policy laid down by Washington and
followed for a hundred years. and there
is good sense In the caution. 1t does not
mean that We are to be chained down
to immobility by the traditions OF the
past regardless OF changes In conditions.
That would be wholly contrary to the
American spirit and to the character Of
Washington himself. who was one of the
greatest innovators in history, for the
reason that he fixed his vision, not upon
the past but on the facts OF his day and
the problems OF the future. Senator
Lodges caution means only this. that the
burden OF proof always rests upon those
who advocate something new. We accept
that burden OF proof. and seek to show.
what | believe the great mass of our
countrymen feel: That the time ha.
come when the nations should cooperate
to put an end TO war so far as possible
that from this humane effort the United
States should not stand aloof and that
the principles embodied In the Covenant
of Paris, with such amendments as can
no doubt he obtained. provide the hest
means available for the creation OF such
a league. This IL what We are striving
to prove. and ! believe that We shall
prove 1t to the satisfaction OF the Amer
lean people.
"As our senior Senator. and as the
leader of the Republicans In the Senate.
We ha', . right ~ Bsk~ Mr.. lodge 'tw u
questions: First, whether he will. or Will
not, vote for the Covenant OF Paris, pro-
vded IL Is amended as lie wishes: and.
SECOND, what amendments thereto he de-
sires.
"A further objection to the covenant is
that II contains no provision for with
drawal from the league. II this is a &C.
rious cause OF reluctance to its ratiHoa-
ton there would probably be no great
hesitation in adding a clause that any
member might withdraw on giving a
reasonable notice--let US say a couple OF
years--provided all its obligations were
fulfilled UP to the time it withdrew.
No Voice I'm Internal Affairs.
Another objection brought forward by
the opponents OF tho league is that Ash
attic immigration. the policy of a protec-
tive tariff, or some other matter Of vital
domestic interest. may form a subject OF
dispute with another nation, may be
brought before the Executive Council for
inquiry and decided against us. II would
seem to be clear that the trainers OF the
covenant did not intend to submit to the
interference of the council the internal
anal OF the members OF the league, and
assumed that the council would In such
questions follow the recognized principles
OF International law.
at can hardly be supposed that Eng
land. for example, intended that any
nation should be entitled, by raising a
dispute, 10 ask the council to inquire
into the government Of the natives of
India, and make recommendations for
change: or that France intended 10
authorize an inquiry whether or not she
was justified In repeating the concordat
with the church; or that Italy contem-