Arizona republican., 1919-03-12
BRYAN SAYS IDEA
 OF LEAGUE FROM
 HIS 3O TREATIES
While He Favors General
 Plan, Would Amend for Definiteness; Monroe Doc Urine not Adequately Pro
 tected; Adoption Is Less Dangerous Than Rejection

WASHINGTON. March u-Wn- liam Jennings Bryan issued a state ment here tonight indorsing the league of nations. but suggesting amend ments Co the proposed constitution. which among other things would pre- serve specifically the Monroe doctrine, enlarge the propOrtionate voting power of the United States and make it clear that each member might decide for itself whether it would support de- crees of the leagues general council.
 While pointing Co imperfections, Mr. Bryan urged that they should not be allowed to lead Co rejection of the plan. declaring that risks Co be run in aC- cepting the league were less than those involved in rejection and returning to ''the old ways of blood and slaughter
 Mir. Bryan dictated the statement from his sick bed at the home of friends. where he has been con- fined for nearly three weeks. He said the league of nations idea, "the great est step towards peace in a thOus- and years was taken from the thirty arbitration treaties negotiated by the United States while he was secretary Of state. It was not to be expected, he said that so great an idea would be rsade perfect in detail i'm so short time, and added that while President Wilson had done the best he could" he would be helped by intelligent and friendly criticism from the American public
 Issues Statement
 The statement follows:
 The league of nations is the great est step towards peace in a thousand years. The idea Of substituting reason for force in the settlement of inter national disputes is in itself an epoch making advance. The cOnstitu- ton Of the league as announced, pro- vdes for three things which consti- tute in themselves an advantage the importance of which can scarcely be estimated Deliberation before war the investigation of all disputes of their kind and character before hos tilities begin.
 This almost ends war.
 "The idea is taken from the thirty treaties negotiated by the United States with three quarters of the world. Our nation therefore gives to the peace league it's greatest piece of machinery. Second. the reduction of armaments will make it impossible for a nation to prepare for war with out notifying the world of its lnteu- ton. Third. the abolition Of secret treaties. which will do much to pre- vent the combinations which lead Co war. IT the league of nations did nothing more than provide these three things our nation would be Justified in supporting it to the utmost
 "It is not to be expected that SO great m idea as the league Of nations would be made perfect in detail in SO short a time. There are defects that should be corrected. and the fullest discussion Of proposed amendments should be Invited. The newspapers of Great Britain. France and Italy are not backward in the expression Of their views as to changes that should ue made. Why should the American peo- pie be silent7 Ours is the nation most influential in the league and most powerful because most disinterestcd. It's people should help by free and frank discussion Co perfect the league. The president has done the best he could. but he will be aided by intel ligent criticism from those friendly to the idea.
 Would Make Amendments
 NtNANit AN HHlNl NNl ftEihlIl amendments that should in my judg- ment be made in the interest of a stronger and better league. First. the basis Of representation is not fair co the United States. A comparison of voting strength will show that while our nation is the most powerful in the combination. whether measured by population. wealth or moral influ- ence This inequality ought. if pos sible. to be corrected, for justice is the only foundation on which any institu ton can rest in permanent security
 Second. the terms of admission Co nations that may desire to join here after are not fair. To require a two thirds vote Co admit a new nation sug gests the social club where a few hlackballs may keep out an uncon genial applicant. This world league is for the world The president has well said that our nation is not interested m league unless all nations. are in
 (COntinued on Page Two)