New-York tribune., 1919-01-18
Punishment of
War ProyOkers
Urged by Bar
Report to State Association
Asks Criminal Court for
Trial of Great Offenders
Hughes Sounds " arning

Saws 1t v Guild Be Folly for
Allies Noi to Decide
on international | a W
Recommendation that the Allies
consider themselves already eonsti-
:a,ed as league of nations and that
tais league institute "a criminal court
Tor the trial of great offenders against
International law' were made at the
annual meeting yesterday OF the New
lorS State Bar Association
Tie recommendation were in the
form OF special report from COM
mittee composed of Everett z. Wheeler.
Francis Lynde Stetson Adelbert Mott
and jeremiah Keck The report pro-
roses that the league which "already
exists and has achieved results un-
rrecedented in magnitude might
sercafter admit other nations The
Hansburgs aud Hoheuzolerns are not
specifically mentioned, but in refer
snce TO tine great otfenders' it is sug-
sssted
There is fear that they might be
SLOWED TO escape. This must not be
tolerated."
Hughes Sounds Warning
Charles T. Hughes, president of the
association, who presided in his an
iual address also sounded warning
for the need of "a body of interna-
tional law"
The present relations of the Allies.
sharing the victory won by their united
.Eorts. furnish a basis for future
cooperation. and this is an opportunity
vhich it would be folly to neglect. -
ala Mr. Hughes.
other spea3ers were John Lord
e'P,ian. who addressed the members at
afternoon session held at ~ West
rcvy-four.h Street. and David Jayne
FILL former Ambassador to Germany.
uao spoke on The Authority of In
iesa,iona Law at d meeting held
last night az the Hotel Astor.
The report submitted by Mr. Wheeler
said that league Of the great powers
the world, far stronger than Vas
contemplated by The Hague conven-
tons. had been brought into existence
"a The war. The obvious proofs of its
existence the report said. were the
Allied War Council d Versailles and
The appointment OF Marshal F'och as
commander IN chief of the Allied
ofces
Favors Criminal Court
lbe existence of this league" the
report said, must not be forgotten in
discussing the league of nations
psoiect
"ia this league" the report CON
19ed "the more powerful nations
see borne The burden and had the
controlling influence. They respect
'Ee rights of the smaller nations. but
eannot give them an equal part IN the
government of the league
One duty Of this league is TO cs-
1osh criminal court for the trial
s the great offenders against inter
aatonal law. especially as it was
ormelated in The Hague conventions
- Tor their punishment. There is q
fear that they viii be allowed to es-
care. lniS must not be tolerated
i'ter the Civil Var we established a
seurf before which Wirz was tried. He
'ad . far trial. was condemned and
Secuted. The crimes in this war are
arm move aeinous than his.
"A permanent tribunal must be es-
,+9Hsned with authority to decide con-
uoversies between nations and power
70 enforce its judgments. This great
ar has really been TO enforce The
hague conventions.
nder The Constitution this can be
a7e by treaty That, when duly made
2.a. 'atinea becomes the supreme law
q the land. The supreme Court mas
50 he'd }n several cases.
ms treaty once ratified Will be
nal lhe concurrence Of the Senate
II each decision O. the International
secrt viii not be necessary. That
e9sy Web have Joined in making a
5'Hefal aw binding upon all branches
o. ne government. This was recog-
.zse IN the arbltrations under the
,fs' hague convention, TO which the
r'iie1 states vas Il party"
Need Means Of Cancellation
Ar- Hughes said in part:
ine Va has disclosed great
s'iety Of epDiects wh ich should be deal,
alin oy convention. international rail
fNfs &oo fegu atIons Of wireless com
1olea1iou. the disposition Of relief
eores Or food ard other supplies. co
9sFahoH In performing the duties Of
e' 'Fusteeship created by victory, are
'9sra''ons which At once occur. /,
a'3o manifest that If We are 10 have
iflgn Of law, we must have organs
~ me oeye opment Or law. A host Of
I( 5Ssselons relating to rules Of interna-
4yPa eon0uci demand the consdcra
Ds Of the nations in conference. We
Doay Of international law with
-. Thicn International courts could
4,t only in name.
:, ~ course. i is idle 10 suppose that
- re most Gifficult Of all departments
.'1s sw 50 far az the development Of
%gnsaed pruciplc is concerned, wc
impose body Of law ready ma adc
result u mere academic discus
~ True Jaw IT, the outgrowth Of
'lenee But there are many sub
s Spon which there should be, in
'1ase, International Legislation and
@eii neTer nave an adequate de-
@en1 % he law Of nations unless
-a'f institutions which however
.asntaf and however they may be
esea to practical international ex-
~ zfs gti'l essentially Legislative
81 ssa'eiai m character. We need aIso
,.se 80 far a. ls practicable means
sx.xA'bSe eoneliatj0u Whjch wili make