New-York tribune., 1919-04-15
Borah's Fight
OnLeagucNot
To Be Halted
Poindcxtcr Also Declares
That New Draft Fails
TO Meet Criticisms of
Directors i'm the Senate
Ncw York Tribune
tEr,k -

Washington Bureau
WASHINGTON, April Ia. - Senate,
Borah, of Idaho, on his return to the
capital to-day after an extensive sneak.
ing tour in the West, declared that th.
reported revisions in the draft of the
league of nations were not sufficient T,
warrant any change in the Fundamental,
objections to the proposal which he en-.
tertalns and that he will continue his
opposition to its acceptance BY the
Senate
Characterizing the amended league
proposa as mot a league of peoples
not league of free nations, but a
league OF diplomats. of officials, of i'm
perlallsts," Senator Borah declared that
IT still failed to recognize the principle
or self determination, and, in conse-
quence, was "simply vast machine
based on military power to oppress and
mold in subjection all small nations
ana to sterilize all progress"
"A lew Senators now in WASHINGTON
refused to discuss the document at
present, and not all those who would
talk agreed with Senator Borah.
Chamberlain Favors League
senator Cham berlain, of Oregon, ex-
pressed the opinion that the covenant
as amended, was practicable instru-
ment and would be acceptable to the
Senate. Senator Harding, of Ohio, Re
publican, preferred to wait until the
plenary session Of the peace confer
ence had accepted the new draft be-
tore discussing it. Senator Poindex
ter OF Washington, replied by wire
from Washington that his objections
to the league had not been eliminated.
Senator Borah's statement follows:
1T Is difficult to discuss in detail
the effect of the changes in the pro
posed constitution in view of the fact
that we have not the language of the
instrument. but only some ones con-
struction
proposed league would commit us 10
alliances with European and Asiatic
powers and oblge us to take part in
the ordinary conflicts and turmoils of
Europe
Second That we still assume the
tremendous obligation of guaranteeing
the territorial integrity and political
independence of all nations members
Of the league
Third That under the voting ar
rangements Of the league control of the
entire machinery of the league remains
IN the hands of European and Asiatic
powers.
"Fourth-Thc whole matter of dis
armament rests. as it is now, with the
Judgment and discretion of each ma
ton. Of course this is no disarma
ment at all
"Fifth-If the jurisdiction and power
Of the executive council remains the
same as heretofore then the language
preserving the Monroe Doctrine is in
appropriate and wholly inadequate.
SiXth-Ihe league still fails to pro-
vide any machinery for the application
of the principle of f-determination.
without which there never can be peace.
"Seventh-lt still fails to provide any
check or control whatever upon the
part of the people over the five or nine
men within whose unlimited and unde-
fined discretion rests the question of
peace or war. tt still leaves it in the
power of those five or nine men to
commit US to war"
Thinks Senate Will Approve
Senator Chamberlain, of Oregon.
said
The reservation for the Monroe Doc
trine, the exclusion of the proposed
clause for racial equality, the provision
1or two years notice of withdrawal
anu ehdO aIecllng the limitation OF
armament have removed the most seri
Gus objections to the league The cove
nant, believe. will come to the Senate
in such form that it can be accepted as
a part OF the treaty of peace
Senator PoindeXter's statement fol-
lows:
Regarding the reported amendments
to the league of nations constitu-
tion as cabled from Paris yesterday.
would state:
First. if the provisions for unani-
nous vote include the votes of parties
to an international dispute, recurring
their agreement on any action, it Of
course leaves the league meaningless
and powerless, as the agreement
makes action of the league unneces-
sary. If the parties TO the dispute are
not allowed to vote. then their vital
affairs are under the control of an
alien tribunal, in which they have no
voice, total surrender Of SOVEREIGNTY
as to such matters.
Members Forever Controlled
Second, the provision that a mem
ber can withdraw only after two years