The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1919-02-24
WOULD ASSURE WORLDWIDE DEMOC-
RACY.


The constitution of the league of nations IS
generally recognized as a covenant which would
,-i,-e 70 The world a reign Of peace and justice.
Tllcre ere doubts as to the possibility Of enforc-
ing It's provisions. Just as successful operation of
the cons tuition OF the United States was doubt
oj y.fcn first offered standard of govern
i chi. but, like the constitution which first
..ya freedom TO The people, the covenant now
pa3e- consideration by the powers Of the world
il lcs@ly sound It's framed in the interest of
aii -ad 2crat1st the interests OF none.
Nc1 restriction is found in its twenty-six ar
ifes tlal would interfere with the legitimate
1i a:.ts of any cation need cause apprehension
HI. those uto would seek only that to which they
are entitled With respect for the rights of their
r-Ipil5ora.
Through regulation Of armament and limita-
ton % military forces to actual police require
I-erts. the abolition of would be assured
vH-h speedy anl concerted action to correct VIC
la1ion Of this provision Of the constitution
Doubt j. expressed as to whether the nations
Il, Europe would agree to strict limitation OF
the.1 armament but it is conceded that if they
% agrce the provision for enforcement would
prove amply effective 1t is stipulated that in
case any nation ignores its agreement and goes
w wa. all the others are bound to cooperate al
once. Immediately all trade and communication
would DC shut off with the recacitrant member
,.nd hat nation would be isolated and blockaded
The document completely covers the relations
o. nations with each others. It curbs the strong
and ambitious and protects the weak.
X is to be agreed among all the signatoriea
that all treaties they may have entered into are
abrogated in far as those may be inconsistent
with the constitution of the league. It is stipu-
lated that in the future no treaty shall be bind
ing until it has been submitted to the secretary
Of the league and published. This would put ar
end to secret diplomacy and would permit every
nation to know what every other nation is doing
new experience which will prove long ster
forward for the welfare of the world.
The high contracting parties promise to en-
deavor to secure and maintain fair and humane
conditions of labor for men, women and children
and equitable treatment for the commerce of al
nations. They are to agree that the peoples for
merly under Turkish and German rule shall have
freedom and sef-government fitted to their ca
pacity and under the protection of manufactures
best able to assist them
Some republican senator have already stepped
forward with the assertion that immediately the
United States takes part in the government OF
the people of Asia and Africa, the Monroe Doc
trine is thrown in the discard. The whole spirit
OF the covenant, however. is fortification OF
that cardinal American principle.
Provision is made for body of debates K
represent all the nations that are members Of the
league. Every nation shall have at least one del
agate and none shall have more than three. Al
executive council is provided for and shall consis
Of the delegates of the United States Great Bri
tain, France, Italy and Japan together with those
of four more nations to be designated by the
body of delegates.
Thus, the great burden of responsibility viii
be placed upon the five great nations while the
smaller powers will have representation and
voice in the actions of the executive council.
The constitution is the solid foundation upor
which the nations of the world may organize fol
practice of the Golden Rule. Its strength would
be in its recognition of the spirit of fair dealing
and justice. Its adoption would make possible
Americas hope for worldwide democracy.