Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1919-04-28

Washington, April 2S.-Publica-
>tion by the State department today
orr the revised covenant of the
league of nations gave the text of
document to the American people
several hours in advance of its pre-
sentation to the peace conference in
plenary session at Paris. The sub
stance of the covenant including
material changes designed particu-
larly to meet criticisms in the
United States. had been disclosed
two weeks ago through an official
summary, but many members OF
the senate. officials and other stu
dents of the nations foreign rela-
tions had withheld final judgment
pending careful analysis of the
complete text.
Carries "HOnroe Clause"
Apparently these observers found
that the official summary had given
a fairly comprehensive outline Of
the document. especially of the
amendments. The new article spe-
officially exempting international
engagements and regional under
standings, "such as the Monroe Doc
trine," had been quoted yerbatum.
The summary also had outlined
amendments exempting national do
mestiC questions from the jurisdic-
ton of the league. providing for
withdrawal of member nations upon
two years notice, leaving it to
member states TO decide what arm
I'd force, if any. they will contribute
O any force which the league may
etermine is necessary to enforce
>-s findings, providing that manda-
tories shall be given only to states
willing to accept them and stating
definitely that armament reduction
programs become effective when
approved by the states concerned.
Meets Demands, Belief.
Most of the congressional leaders
were out of the city today, including
Senator Lodge of Massachusetts.
who will be the next chairman OF
the senate foreign relations commit
tee, and Senator Hitchcock of Ne
braska, retiring chairman
In the revised covenant of the
league of nations the four chief OBJ
jectiOns urged against the cOven-
ant by American opponents of the
league are met.
l. The validity of the Monroe doe
trine is specially recognized.
2. 1t is provided that a member
of the league. after two years no
tice of its intention, may withdraw
rom the league. provided that all
of its international obligations and
all of its obligations under the COW
enant shall have been fulfilled at
the time of its withdrawal
8. To meet the criticism that
there would be an inequality of
voting power, Great Britain with
her dominions have eight votes to
one for the United States, it is pro-
vided in the new covenant that de
cisions at any meeting of the as
sembIy or the council shall re-
quire the agreement of all the mem
bers of the league represented at
the meeting"
A. No member of the league can
be made a mandatory for the gov
ernment and administration OF any
colony or territory unless it be will
ing to accept such trust. This puts !
it squareIy up to congress as to 7
whether or not the United States (
shall undertake the trust of gov
erning any foreign people.
Corrections Cabled.
Two cabled corrections upon the |
text of the annex to the covenant /
were received today by the state |
department. In the list of original /
members the name OF New South /
Wales is eliminated and that OF
New Zealand added. The word no
was inserted at the beginning of tEe
last sentence to correct an obvious /
error in transmission.