New-York tribune., 1919-07-05
The French Treaty

forever memorable treaty of alli
ance, next to our own valor the source
OF our national independence, declared
that France guaranteed to the United
States "their liberty, sovereignty and in
dependence, absolute and unlimited"
News of this pledge irradiated the
sad face of Washington at Valley Forge
and was joyously accepted by us as a
nation when our national bond was
weak. Let no one then say it is beyond
the power of this nation to guarantee in
similar manner the integrity of France.
The same sort of bargain that was
gladly struck in 1778 can be struck again,
one beneficiary substituted for another.
Nor may any one quote Washington's
warning against "entangling alliances"
Those were circumstances which he rec
ognized as warranting departure from
the maxim.
The new French treaty is not merely
payment. in kind Of an ancient debt. 1t
Is meagre recompensc to France for her
recent sacrifices in defence of civili-
>zation. She has been on the firing line.
Her frontier is still the frontier of dan
ger. We would 60 again to her defence,
and, If SO, what good reason can be ad-
vanced for refusing protective promise?
Post notice that the enemy must pass
through Washington to reach Paris, and
there is little likelihood Of attack.
The French treaty is the best guar
antee Of peace that has come ,out of
Paris. That the President was educated
into perceivng that If France is unsafe
the whole world is unsafe shows it was
an excellent thing he made his unauthor-
lied journeys. This treaty, if ratified
here and in London, inseres the future
Gates will be lifted up that forces Of
lniquity will not dare approach. There
will be a guardianship Of the critical
pass. AS corollares OF the agreement
the nations engaged win be led into many
concerts Of action; just as the holders Of
military front look to the protection
of their nanks. SO to protect the Rhine
frontier the Allies must consider What
happens elsewhere.
Our own peace will be safeguarded
through protecting France and the gen
eral peace. The possibility of our keep
ing aloof from another world war, should
one occur, is slight We are embarked
in a common boat. National selfishness.
were there no other reason, seems To de-
mand our joining Great Britain and
France if they are willing to join US.
Starch will be put into the limp
c3enant. The nations linked by definite
ties will be the same nations that will
control the more inclusive league and be
able to fatten its power. Life will be
/ brcathed into arrangements otherwise
inert. Behind a bonelcss mass will be
Notwithstanding something deserving
to be called a league of peace
But in considering the treaty let there
be no camouhagc. 1t is proposed to set
up an engine Of preponderant power.
capable Of mischief if immorally used.
The particular pledge is merely to de-
fend one nation, but thereby many
things arc implied. We can't effectively
protect France unless we hold with her
ard Great Britain in other matters. We
can't effectively protect France il an
other great centre Of hostile power is
permitted We can't effectively protect
Francs, or any one else, if we are
weapcness and unprepared
But there is no creation of a SUPER