The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1919-04-07
JUDGE HUGHES
WOULD AMEND
LEAGUE PLAN
BY HARRY 3. HUNT

BY HARRY 3. HUNT
TheU Fitted States should cooperate
IN q society OF nations to promote last
ing peace under tho reign OF law.
This Is the advice given Americans
today by Charles z. Hughes, former
governor OF New York, former JUS
tice OF the Supreme Court, and repub-
lican candidate for president in 1916.
However, he tempers his advice with
q few words Of caution. He likes the
idea Of a League Of Nations. but would
amend the covenant. Particularly Is
Judge Hughes opposed to the way in
which the covenant deals with, or fails
to deal with:
The Monroe Doctrine,
The right Of the United States
~ to immigration and tariff laws,
and
The elimination Of the obiioa-
ton TO 90 60 war to protect ter
ritoriai rights Of other nations.
Hughes also offers other amend
ments. He isn't satisfied with the
requirement Of unanimity in decision
as defined in the league covenant. He
would write a clause prohibiting Euro
pean Interference in purely American
questions He objects to any member
OF the league being constituted a man.
l.,
further provide that no European or
Asiatfc power shall be constituted a
mandatory Of any American people.
BY American he means North, South
or Central Americas.
Let Any Member Of League Withdraw
Hughes would permit any member
OF the league to withdraw at it's pleas
ure on a specified notice.
the important changes that are
desired are not prejudicial to q sound
International ORDER Judge Hughes
said. Rather will they tend to make
1t practicable and lasting.
THE question is one OF Vital i'm
portance to the American people. i is
a great American question, and should
be discussed without partisan bias.
II the plan is a good one 1t ought to
be approved regardless Of its origin.
The question is presented In advance
OF the formulation Of party platforms
and should be considered upon its
merits.
ct seems to be conceded that the
covenant is poorly drafted, and it's
most earnest supporters have severely
criticized it. It is to be noted that
the covenant contains no plan for the
establishment OF a permanent court of
ed that the executive council shall
formulate plans to this end. But this
provision contemplates court tn
which parties shall submit only such
matter as they recognize as suitable
| for submission to arbitration under
covenant.
TT Is extraordinary that clear and
specific provision should not have been
made as to the vote by which the body
OF delegates and the executive council
respectively. shall act. This ought rot
to be left to inference.
1.-The carrying out Of the provision
for disarmament will depend entire
ly upon consent. Moreover the execu-
tive council merely recommends and
its Recommendation would not be eff
fective unless adopted, which means
in the case of the United States that
its effectiveness would depend upon
the action Of congress-.
Il am unable to see either severity
or hardship in thi sand its promise lies
in whatever prospect there may be OF
obtaining unanimous agreement"
SECS Much Need Of Careful Amending
When coming upon the subject of
domestic affairs Judge Hughes Is con-
WINGED that there is much need of
careful! amending of the league coven-
ant.
IF the United States proposes to
regard her immigration laws, her tar
| III laws, and her laws relating to the
regulation of commerce. including her
c0astwise tariffic, az matters oE her ex-
elusive concern. then there should be
appropriate qualifications to the gen.
-