The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-04-01
Hitchcock Says They Are En-
titled to Highest Con-
sideration.
BORAH ALSO IN ACCORD
Believes, However, That Arbi-
tration of Questions Of Honor
Would Not Be Approved.
Special Despdfch TO THE suN

To-day In the suggestions made for its
amendment by Elihu Root. Senator
Borah (Idaho), most vigorous champion
In the night against the Wilson plan,
said: IT Mr.. Roots suggestions were
adopted I might be tempted myself to
vote for the league"
Although he differed from the view
taken by Mr.. Root in some Of his sue-
Fested amendments Senator Hitchcock
tNeb), retiring Democratic chairman
OF the Foreign Relations Committee. said
that his views were entitled to the high
est consideration and that he admired
the friendly spirit the Root analysis
shows
''Mr. Roots statement In one OF prea.
clarity and power. With its funda-
mental principles l am entirely In sc-
cord" said Senator Borah. There runs
through 1t all the rich full tones OF
Amertcantsm and a positive and unmis
taxable plea for the preservation of the
independence and integrity of our Re-
public He says clearly that whatever
league fs formed must respect the prin-
cipies, sovereignty and Independence of
the United States.
People VIII BE Grateful.
The American people will be CRATE
tul TO Mr.. Root for this clear and coura-
geous announcement OF the true Ameri-
can principle. It is not in the Interests
OF peace In America or in Europe that
We should forfeit those long established
policies announced by Washington and
monroe and Europe will not ask us to
FORFEIT them unless she has Interior and
sinister motives for doing So
The situation in Paris for the last
rev days ought to be sufficient to cool
the ardor of those who have been most
willing to turn over our most vital in
ternal Affairs to tribunal controlled
oy European Powers. Why should any
Power In Europe or Asia oppose reser.
walton of the Monroe Doctrine unless IL
10 proposed to do something in the future
IN controvention to that doctrfner
why should the American delegation
% thwarted unless some one wants to
get rid OF the Monroe Doctrine and why
should they want to get rid Of 1t?
Anything said by Mr.. Root on this
question 10 entitled to the highest con-
alteration. He has for years been recog-
n!sed as one Of the leading advocates
OF the peaceful settlement of interna-
tional disputes and he has contributed
largely to the advancement of the cause
OF arbitration. He Is in favor of e.
taoltshing an international tribunal for
the trial Of disputes between nations,
even those including national honor and
vital interests provided they are justi-
ciable In character and making the de-
cisions binding.
This Is the subject Of his proposed
In my opinion II this
amendment were Incorporated In the
league constitution Il would add to the
NJ
Senate never has been willing to arbl-
trate disputes involving national honor
and vital interests. II has excluded them
specifically. They have beer regarded
as proper subjects for an inquiry and
report as is provided in the league con-
stitution shall be made by the executive
council, but not safe TO intrust to a tri-
eunal with power to enter a binding de-
Contemplate Military Power.
II can we'll imagine the storm Of OBJ
jections TO this amendment in the Senate
from those who fear the United States
may 60 too far In binding itself In ad-
vance to accept the decisions of foreign
srs,' s some Senators have expressed It,
Nor do ] think that other nations will
care to go any further than we are will
ing to go in the direction OF agreeing in
advance to submit questions involving
honor and vital interests TO the
final decision Of an international court
The proposition really contemplated
though Mr.. Root does not propose tt
equipping the league or the court with
military or naval powers to enforce the
decree II necessary.
This certainly Is going too fast. Bet
ter far. in my opinion. is the league pro-
vision. It provides for arbitration where
the members have treaties for II or may
agree upon 1t. but II they have not or
cannot agree to arbitration 1t requires
them TO promise In advance when they
join the league that they will In any
event of dispute submit to an inquiry by
the executive committee. This less dras-
ito form of procedure insures a delay OF
nine months, which alone will prevent
most wars, and II sets up an internal
tional public opinion which will probably
settle the dispute.
Would Not Endanger League.
speaking OF the Monroe Doctrine I
am frank TO say that I should be glad
70 see It specifically reserved II 1t could
he. I am satisfied also that President
Wilson has the same preference. would
not be willing, however. to insist on It
at the expense of losing or endangering
Inc league. NOT De 10
agree to consent to some OF the special
other nations have been ask
ing for as a trade to incorporate the
Doctrine in the league. II the
League OF Nations had been in existence
100 years ago the declaration of the
Doctrine would not have been
necessary.
THE League OF Nations agreement is
a compromise between fourteen nations.
We cannot have everything exactly as
we want IL. No nation can. We may
not be able to incorporate the Monroe
Doctrine in It. II not let II be omitted
Our notice TO the world still stands that
We will regard II as a cause for war II
any nation attempts forcible aggression
On the Western Hemisphere.
Gas to Mr.. Roots proposition that
questions of a domestic character like
should be excluded definitely
from league jurisdiction ! agree with
him, although not with the wording Of
his amendment am quite certain tina.
only international questions can be con-
sidered.
IT am glad to note bis Endorsement
and approval OF Article X, which certain
Senator's have attacked so furiously. He
proposes 10 II an amendment which does
hot seriously weaken the article
Dead Hero's widow Gets Medal.