Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1919-03-12
Former Secretary of State
Sees in Program Greatest
Advance Humanity HaSI
Made in Thousand Years,
PROPOSED CONSTITUTION
MUCH TOO INDEFINITE
Many Features Are Pointed
Out Which Should Be Cor
reCted, Based on His Own
Thirty-one Treaties,


Jennings pryan issued statement
here tonight indorsng the league of
nations, but suggesting amendments
to the proposed constitution which
among other things would preserve
specifically the Monroe Doctrine, on
large the proportionate voting power
Of the United States and make 1t
clear that each member nation miEht
decide for itself whether ii would
support DEGREES of the leagues gem
eral council.
While pointing to impesfections
Mr.. Bryan urged that they should
not be allowed to lead to rejection OF
the plan, declaring that risks to be
run in accepting the league We're less
than those involved in rejection and
returning to the world ways of blood
and slaughter.
Mr. Bryan dictated the statement
from his sick bed at the home of
friends, whore he has been confined
for nearly three weeks. He said the
league of nations idea. 'the greatest
step toward peace in a thousand
years." was taken from the thirty
arbitration treaties negotiated by the
United States while he was secretary
of state, -, 1t was not to be expected,
he said, that so great an idea would
be made perfect in detail in so short
time and added that while Presi-
dent Wilson had done the best he
could he would be helped by intel
ligent and friendly criticism from the
American public.
Text of Statement.
The statement follows:
"The league of nations Is the
greatest step toward peace in a thou
sand years. The idea of submitting
reason for force in the settlement Of
international disputes Is in itself an
epoch-making advance The const'-
tuition of the reaguo as announced
provides for three things which con-,
stitute in themselves an advantage,
the Importance of which can scarce
ly be estimated. First, deliberation
before war--the investigation of all
disputes of Their kind and character
before hostilities begin. This almost
ends war. The idea Is taken from
the thirty treaties negotiated by the
United states with three-q quarters of
the world, Our nation, therefore,
gives to the peace league its greatest
piece of machinery Second the re-
duction of armaments will make II
impossible for a nation to prepare
for war without notifying the world
of its intention. Third, the abolition
of secret treaties, which will do
much to prevent the combinations
which lead to war. II the league of
nations did nothing more than pro-
vide these three things our nation
would be justified in supporting 1t to
the utmost.
Defects Apparent.
ut Is not to he expected that so
81 eat an idea as the league of nations
would he made perfect in detail In
so short time. There are defects
that should be corrected and the
fullest discussion of proposed amend
ments should be invited The news
papers of Great Britain. France ana
1taly are not backward in the aN,
preston, of their views as to changes
that should be made Why should
tie American people he silent? Ours
is the nation most influential In the
league, and most powerful because
most disinterested It's people should
help by free and frank discussion to
perfect the league The president
has done the best he could. but hn
will be aided by intelligent criticism
from those friendly to the idea.
II venture to point out certain
amendments that should in my judg-
ment be made in the interest of
stronger and better league.
First, the basis of representation
Is not fair to the United States.
comparison Of voting strength viii
show that while our nation is the
most powerful in the combination.
whether measured by population,
wealth or moral influence, 1t has no
larger vote than nations much in
ferior in population, wealth and in
fluence. This inequality ought, IL
possible, to be corrected for Justice
is the only foundation upon which
any institution can rest in perma-
mcnt security
Black Balls Too Easy.
Second, the terms Of admission 10
nations that may desire to join here
after are not fair To require
two-thirds vote to admit a new ma
ton suggests the social club, where
a few black balls may keep out IN
uhcongenial applicant. This world
league is for the world The pres'-
dent has well said that our nation is
not interested in a league unless all
nations are in it. The qualification
for admission ought to be fixed and
then 1t ought to be made as easv as
possible for those who are qualified
to gain admission. Under no circum-
fGontinnsd On Psse TWo'5