New Iberia enterprise and independent observer. (New Iberia, La.) 1902-1944, 1919-03-01
LEAGUE OF NATIONS.


Straus chairman of the delegation
representing the League of In
force Peace, in statement TO-DAY
asserted the League of Nations
will, greatly strengthen the Mon
roe Doctrine instead of weakening
Il. lie expressed the opinion that
Article 10 of the proposed coiistl-
tuition of the league has made 1t
much more potent by inhibitng
anv nation from infringing on
chat doctrine. not only on the
American continent, but through
cut the world.
Mr. Stratus is regarded here as
one well qualified to speak on this
subject. because of his long coh-
nection with The Hague tribunal
and his close study of the Society
of Nations scheme while chairman
Of the League to Enforce Peace.
His friends here say he took Il
leading part in saving the League
Of Nations from failure when the
scheme seemed near going on the
rocks. He. however, met with ev-
cry cooperation bv officials shap-
ing the draft Of the society. and
especially from President Wilson,
Colonel n. M. House and Gordon
Auchineless. He conferred with
Leon Bourgeois and others who
represented the French view and
was able to clear away many DIS
puted points. He said:
'The most notable provisions OF
the covenant are contained IN Art
icle l6, which provides for and
sanctions compulsory power in
such a way so as not to conflict
with national sovereignty.
Sovereignty Not Curbed.
"Takc the United States for ex-
ample. The covenant in no way
abridges the exclusive power OF
Congress to declare war. 1t pro-
vides for the automatic severance
of all trade and financial relations;
secondly, it prohibits all inter
course between the nations of the
covenant and state which has
broken it. and, thirdly, it presents
all financial. commercial or per
sonal intercourse with such state
and the nations Of such state,
whether or not the state is a mem
Der Of the league.
"Should all these methods prove
unavaiing, the nations of the
league. having acted in union up
TO that point, will feel morally
bound under the recommendations
of the executive council to employ
armed force.
"Up to that point nations are
contractually bound; but in res
pect to using armed force, while
there still are obligations. they are
moral rather than contractual.
thus leaving each nation free to
translate these moral obligations
into concrete effectiveness.
"Many objections to the scheme
will be raised in the United States,
some because Of purely partisan
considerations and some because
Of a misjudging of the significance
OF our traditional policy and of
making a hard and fast fetish Of
It. Some persons are unable to
comprhend our growth fromo a
nation Of 100000 persons to one
of more than 100000, 900 with a
commercial and trade expansion
and consequent Internationally
with the world in proportion
facts which compel us to break
through our isolation and see an
enlarged Specification Of our ira
ditional policy"
Mr.. Straus paid a high tribute
70 President Wilson in having ig-
nored all presidents in coming to
Europe with this vision Of Amer
ica's new place in world affairs.
He expressed confidence that
America will be grateful for his
effective leadership in n task so