Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1919-07-01
WHERE DO WE STAND?

tives of the powers on whose behalf it has been framed,
and by those of Germany, the enemy country with wi ich
peace was being arranged. There remain the ratification
by the various governments, each in its constitutional
form, and the formal exchange of ratifications before the
treaty actually takes effect. That the treaty will be ac-
cepted by the Governments of Germany, of Japan, and of
the principal European allied powers is taken to be a
foregone conclusion. What will be the position taken
by the United States? "
The treaty as it stands does not represent fully the
sentiment of any government, Of any people, or
of any one of the individuals who have had ahand in
framing it. In that it represents every other document
of importance ever drawn. We in this country are living
under a constittion, unsatisfactory to every member of the
convention which framed it, so unsatisfactory that Alex
ander Hamilton, one of the delegates, quilted the conven-
ton in disgust. The trainers of the peace treaty at Yer
sailles have had a task of greater completely than con-
fronted the trainers of the American constitution, and Of
necessity the document represents compromise in many
directions, the inclusion of features which some regard as
highly Objectionable, and the abandonment of matters
held almost essential by others.
The formal acceptance or rejection Of the treaty by
the United States depends on the senate. Unless the SEN
ate advises its ratification by a two-thirds vote the treaty
falls to the ground, SO far as this country is concerned.
The senate may advise ratification with amendments or
reservations which it may suggest. But any change of
this Find must be accepted by Germany as we'll to be-
com. effective. for one party alone cannot amend the
terms of a compact involving another.
When the treaty is accepted by any three Of the Allied
and associated powers it becomes at once effective as be-
tween Germany and those powers, hence, if the treaty is
accepted by Britain. France and Italy, for instance. peacs
becomes effective under the terms o. the treaty between
Germany and those powers. while, If our senate rejects it
or delays action. we will still be in a state of war with
Germany "nlle new peace conditions are being patched
up. Is the senate willing to assume that responsibility,
and will the American people tolerate such delay Il the
senate adopts that attitude?
The question to be decided is not whether or not the
treaty provides the perfect plan for the resumption of
peace and for the subsequent government of the world.
Admittedly 1t does nothing of the sort. And no matter bv
whom the terms might be framed, or how long the work
were in progress. the result would still be imperfect and
unsatisfactory, a thing Of balance. and. compromise and
ADJUSTMENT. The question is whether or not the peoples
OF the greater nations are so thoroughly permeated with
ne WI Q peace mat they will bend their energies to-
Ward the maintenance OF peace. and whether or not the
treaty provides reasonably effective machinery on a toll
erably just basis. for the maintenance Of peace. If these
Two conditions are met. the treaty should be ratified with
out delay. II not. the treaty should be. rejected and We
should Immediately begin military preparations on 4 scaL
hitherto nparalleled In the history of the world. We should
have at once a standing army Of a million men in.tead 81
the 100000 which is now being DISCUSSED in congress
We should have, not alone compulsory military training.
out tnat with full conscription and compulsory military
service for a considerable. period Of the yourK mans life.
We must be prepared to- duplicate Great Britain's navy.
II not to surpass it, We must establish great munnion
plants al over the country, We must. In short. 70 into
Whist win amount to . permanent war basis. and accent
~ . finaiitys 70 far ~ ouy time y concerned. II ,e.st.
''hat the world isto 70 ruled BY force ana that alona.