Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1919-08-20
Prompt Action on the Treaty.

Prompt Action on the Treaty.
In a full, frank discussion of the
peace treaty and the league Of nations
covenant yesterday at the White
House, in conference that has no
parallel in the history of this country,
the President and the Senate commit
tee on foreign relations cleared the
air of misunderstanding and defined
the issues that have arisen regarding
ratification and reservation.
1t is probable that that meeting made
for the early ratification of the treaty,
while safeguarding our rights and re-
serving whatever limitations upon our
membership in the league of nations
the Senate may regard as desirable or
necessary.
Stressing the need of speedy action,
in order to advance the process Of ad-
justment to normal conditions in the
world, and particularly in this coun-
try, the President stated the case with
clearness and in spirit of the utmost
candor in his opening address to the
committee. The questions and an
swers that followed were in the same
spirit of explanation and search for
understanding.
There remains but one actual Issue
respecting the matter Of reservations.
The President urges, in terms that per-
NIT NO misunderstanding Of his deep
conviction of the necessity, that the
reservations, if any are expressed.
should not form part of the resolution
of ratification, but should be separate
~ expressed, to effect immediate ac-
quiescence in the treaty proper while
making record Of what is regarded
rs the American Interpretation of the
covenant. On this point there should
be no further hesitation. 1t is probable
that any qualification of ratification
proper involves a reference Of the
treaty back to the signatory govern
ments. Delay is certain to result, pos
sibly such confusion that a rsassem-
ng Of the peace conference may be-
come necessary.
The expression of reservations in a
separate resolution will effect all nee
essary ends of recording the American
Interpretation. No rights are placed
in jeopardy, no obligations are in
cured that can possibly prove smbar-
RAISING by such q method.
Ne bubble over the form Of pro-
csdure should be permitted to delay
action upon the major matter. The
interests that depend upon ratifica-
tion are too grave and far-reaehiag to
be menaeed by insistence upon a par
tieular procedure which departs from
the usual course Of treaty making. The
White House conference was Of the
utmost value in distinctly emphasiz-
ing this point.
Save upon two or three points which
the President frankly reserved as
shielded from publicity on the score
of good faith toward the members Of
the council at Paris, and which are
relatively immaterial to the issues now
involved. there was the most perfect
openness of explanation respecting the
manner in which the treaty was
framed. Thus the official transcript
of yesterdays conference becomes a
historical document of the highest
value.
Respecting secret treaties entered
into by belligerent powers prior to our
entry into the war the President was
explicit in his statement that no knowl-
edge was had o. them by him. He
went to Paris unembarrassed by any
aequieseenee. In the matter Of the
Anglo-Freneh-Japanese agreement he
was in total ignorance. 1t produced an
awkward situation, and it is gratifying
to find that the record is clear respect.
ing our efforts to have that set aside
to the end of securing entire justice to
China. A difference of opinion de,
velops between the President and the
Secretary of State as to Japan's reso.
luton not to sign the peace treaty il
the secret agreement was not observed
in it. That, however, is not of mo.
ment in the major question, whether
the United States should now balk al
ratification ON the score of one phase
of the treaty which does not wholly
square with our ideas of international
righteousness. The fact remains that
through our efforts Japan is pledged
to restore Shantung at the earliest pos
sible moment.
In the light of yesterdays confer
ence American public opinion will no
support any protracted delay in rati
ication or insistence upon incorporat
ing the reservations in the resolution
of approval.
Dayight-Saving Repeal.