The Idaho Republican. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1904-1932, 1919-08-12

concrete argument in support of his
proposition. He has not even at
tempted to do so. The simple fact,
of which obviously none can be more
painfully cognizant than himself, Is
that he has none to offer. Such O
tour as has been heralded would
prove a CHASTITY failure. He would
get nowhere with his emotional in
vocations and he now apparently
knows that also.
Will he continue his secret "clari-
flying counsels" with Republican SEN
ators, in fragrant violation of his own
Wanted maxim of open covenants
openly arrived att" Perhaps. Thus
far his efforts to wheedle even those
reputed to be the weakest-kneed have
availed nothing; and yet what better
method could be devised Of marking
time? For that is what the president
is now doing. He is cropping vaguely
for a way out and none appears to
even his glorified vision. Sensible
men presist, despite his trumpeted
derision, in keeping their feet on the
earth beneath them and their eyes on
the ground ahead.
Summing up: The only weapon in
negotiation or diplomacy whose use
Mr.. Wilson understands or has ever
welded effectively is power and he
has lost that. The war is over. The
senate no longer fears him and the
country is with the senate on the
issue of American independence.
These are the immutable facts.
What the president is going to do
about it remains a question which
we doubt If he himself could answer.
AS we have remarked, he obviously
and rather hopelessly, we suspect, is
seeking a solution of the perplexing
problem with whic hhe has brought
problem with which he has brought
praying for inspiration.
What ought he to do? is the more
pertinent query; and the true answer
we venture respectfully to suggest,
may easily be derived from the frank,
clear and concise statement Of Mr..
Hays.
l.. There must be effective reser
yations.
Surely the president realizes that.
2. Guaranty of the Monroe Die
trine beyond the shadow of a
doubt
The president holds that such
guaranty is afforded with full assent
of the other powers by the covenant.
If so, since ratification cannot be Sc.
cured otherwise, why should he not
acquiesce in mere change in
phrasing?
8. Either eliminate Article X en-
tirely or $50 modify it that our own
congress shall be morally as we'll as
legally free, after specified period
to decide" whether upon occasion
our troops shall be used abroad.
All admit that congress cannot be
deprived Of its legal right to make
or refuse to make war at any time.
The doubt is as to it's moral right to
reject a call from the league after
having subscribed to the covenant.
Mr.. Hays insists rightfully that this
full prerogative shall be clearly pre-
served, but only if desired latter
specified period" of time. That is to
say, he grants the propriety of re-
tanning only the technical right,
which cannot be relinquished any
way under the constitution, during
the progress of readjustment, as
part of the aftermath of the war it.
self. Why should not such pro-
vision satisfy the president as serv-
ing all immediate purposes and leav-
ing to future generations determine
ton of their own duties and obliga-
lions under conditions which cannot
now be forseen?
A.. Control of immigration, tariffs,
etc.
Again the difference is one OF
Dhrasing only. The president urges
that the covenant does guarantee
such control, also with the under
standing and consent of the other
powers. Then what can be the OBJ
lection to making that fact clear by
language of whose
there can be no doubt?
5. Right to withdraw without
1indrance or conditions.
Opinions of advocates of the league
liffer as to whether the covenant
,onfers this unqualified privilege.
Senator John Sharp Williams, as we
note elsewhere, thinks not, but Sena-
Tor Swanson, after consultation with
he president, asserted positively that
mo authority is given anywhere to
compel the retention of member
after giving the required notice OF
1t is not necessary
10 argue the question. The mere
divergence in opinion of these two
distinguished covenanters suffices to
establish the doubt. Assuming, as
doubtless we may assume correctly,
hat the view of the president coin
,ides with that Of his designated
it is difficult to discern
any good reason why he should re-
fuse to concede simple Qualification |
If expression designe dto resolve all |
Now that is all there is of the |
whole matter. Mr.. Hays naturally |
would not presume to pledge the Re-
publican senator and could not, Of |
commit the Republican party |
but as chairman of the Republican
National committee he speaks with a
certain authority, and in this in
stance, undoubtedly depicts the at
.itude of not only the senate and thu
party but of the country. II SO, 1t Is
indeed cup to the president" to
show whether he is wise enough to
need immutable facts and big enough |
o put aside personal pride and stand
'orth before his fellows. as in years |