The Farmington times. (Farmington, St. Francois County, Mo.) 1905-1926, 1919-05-16
RATIFICATION OF THE TREATY

Notwithstanding the indignant pro-
tests of the Germans, it may be as
sumed that the treaty will be signed.
The fact that the German delegation
has suggested changes in the sections
referring to labor and the repatria-
ton of prisoners is an indication that
it's general protest was: formality
made to salve their pride. If they in
tended to reject the treaty as a whole
they would not begin by asking modi-
fications of relatively unimportant
features. The larger question, with
us at any rate, is the ratification of
the treaty by the United States Sem
ate. The summary Of he treaty has
been received with general approval
in this country. The fear that it
might be too lenient in its terms has
been proved unwaranted. Objections
can be made, and are made, to GER
tain features of it, features that vary
with the feelings of the critic, but on
the whole there is much reason for
the conviction that no better treaty
could be formed, in view of all the
circumstances. The full text of the
treaty may reveal some things that
are not shown in the summary, but
if the digest that has been given out
fairly epitomizes the treaty we see no
good reason why it should not be rat
flied.
And if it is to be done it would be
well to do it as quickly as possible.
Officially the war is not ended until
the treaty is ratified, and much of the
great work of restoration and recon-
struction cannot be properly inaugu-
rated until this matter is definitely
settled. That applies particularly to
international trade, but it is of little
less Importance in it's application to
our domestic affairs. Until the treaty
is ratified there will be condition of
uncertainty that will have hinder
ing influence upon all manner of ac-
tivity. We cannot look the future
squarely in the face until we are re-
lieved from the mental reservation
that clouds our energies. The treaty
provides that it is "to become effec-
tive in all respects for each power on
the date of deposition Of it's ratifica
ton" That is to say, if the treaty
were signed by the German delega-
ton today and were ratified by
France tomorrow, it would be in full
effect as to France. That Great Brit
ain will ratify promptly we may con-
fidently expect, nor is there any rea-
son to believe that Italy and the
other powers will delay ratification,
if ratification is required by their re-
spective constitutions. If, then, dis
cussion in the United States Senate
is prolonged, we shall be left outside,
and in suspense until the other nations
are going forward on the new course
unfettered. The right and duty Of the
Senate to give the matter careful
consideration is not to be denied, but
careful consideration does not mean
endless discussion. We cannot afford
to block the wheels of advancement in
this critical hour. The objections
must be vital that will justify delay,
and in the summary we are unable to
discern anything upon which a vital
objection can be predicated. To the
nations that ratify it it will be fact
and it will be impossi-
BILE to draw them together again for
any rcmodeling the United States Sen
ate may propose.
It is specially important that this
thing be considered in its broadest
national aspect. 1t will be the great
est document that has ever come be-
fore the Senate for its approval. Up
on Il hangs not merely the fate Of /
nation, but the fate of the world. New
err in the worlds history has there
been anything approaching it,M the
yastness Of its scope and in the poten-'