New-York tribune., 1919-06-12
The Knox Resolution


The Knox resolution might well have
distinguished more clearly between that
which is abstractly desirable and that
s which is actually attainable. AS the
proposed declaration is drawn the two
things are intermingled.
49, Mr.. Knox argues that the covenant
should have been separate instrument.
Agreed. Peace has been delayed by the
efforts to dovetail elements that do not
mortise well-by time wasted in labors
to mulsify the naturally immiscible.
But it has been done. With the con-
sent, if not the approval, of representa-
tives of other nations the Presidents
plan to negotiate the peace and the
. covenant together, and to use the peace
part as hammer to drive through the
covenant part, has been accepted
In the presence of this fact, of this
fdit accompli, will it be profitable to dis
euss the wisdom of the union? The mar
riage has occurred. The ceremony has
been held; the milk is spilled; the water
is over the dam.
.. 1t is true, as explained by Senator
Knox, it is still possible for the peace
conference to decree a divorce. A few
lines saying that any nation may, with
out prejudice, reserve for future con-
~ sideraton the question of league of
nations would do it. But will the con-
ference insert such a provision? Is
there reasonable prospect of inducing
it so to do?
= The conference as to covenant matters,
for obvious reasons, assemblies beneath
the Presidents hat. 1t is not likely to
amend as asked. 1t can; but indications
are that it won't. It's members are con-
strained to recognize the President as the
spokesman of America, and so accepting
him it follows that his advice will be
taken.
Is there probability of reaching the
= conference by first persuading President
Wilson? Senator Knox will doubtless
admit the chance is negligible. Not to
speak of stubbornness and self-suffi-
cheney, nor of legitimate arguments that
there is little prospect for league un-
g less established as a part of the peace
treaty, the President is perhaps not un-
willing to go to the country on the issue
Of league or no league. Many of his
friends secretly pray that the Senate
shall blunder into course which will re-
= vive dropping partisan hope and excuse a
third term candidacy.
Should the Senate pass the Knox reso-
luton and it is ignored, what then? The
ID choices are two. By a majority vote
there can be formal amendment. But
amendments will be to the treaty as
a whole, and the usual procedure would
be to refer them to the other powers.
Such reference would suspend, it would
- seem, the whole peace treaty and per-
haps call for reassemblage of the con-
ference.
The alternative is to ratify and insert
reservations in the ratifying resolution.
IF not objected to the treaty would then
be In effect at once. Not by accident has
it become the American habit to make
Z reservations when ratifying. The method
z has the merits of simplicity and direct
ness, of precisely attaining the end
sought Though in practical effect
e. e. reservation often amounts to an amend
~ fnent, it has a different status in inter
national law.
Mr.. Knox is willing to have this coun
try go to the aid Of civilization if again
= = eravely imperilled, but is unwilling to
assume the duty of acting in every petty
quarrel. This matter could be covered
by a reservation easily drawn.
The reservation method has not onlv
the advantage Of bringing peace speed
ny, but saves the good parts of the cove
nant.