The daily banner. (Cambridge, Md.) 1897-2008, 1919-03-12

Endorses Principle But Sug-
gests Amendments.
SAYS CRITICISM is HELPFUL
Objects to Provisions Which Bind
U, :. 20 Mae va: snd Wants Con-
fir.7iation of Moaroe cooSrine.

Washington. March 12.-William
Jennings Bryan issued statement
here indorSing the league Of nations,
bul suggesting amendments II the
pronoSah constitution. VIII ca among
other things would preserve >peciticHl-
II the Monroe doctrine, enlarge the
prcDOrticnate vo.'r" power of the
United States and make il c'Har that
each member nation might decide for
itself whether it would support de-
crees of the leagues general council.
While pninting to imperfections,
Mr. Bryan urged that they should not
he allowed to lead to rejection of the
PLAZA. declaring that risks to be run
in accepting the league were less Than
tlioS, Involved in rejection and re-
turning 10 the old ways of blood
and slaughter"
Mr.. Bryan dictated the statement
from his sick bed at the home or
friends, where he has been confined
for nearly three weeks. He said the
league of nations idea, "the greatest
step toward peace in thousand
years." was taken from the thirty ar
bitration treaties negotiated by the
United States while he was secretary
of state.
1t was not to be expected, he said,
that so great an idea would be made
Derfect in detail in so short time,
and added that, while President Will
son had "dOne the best he could, he
would be helped by intelligent and
friendly criticism from the American
public.
Among other things. Mr.. Bryan said:
81 venture TO point out certain
amendments that should In my Judg-
ment he made in the interest of
stronger and better league. First, the
basis of representation is not fair to
the United s ates. A comparison of
voting strer@ h will show that while
our nation is the most powerful in
the combination. whether measured
by population. wealth or moral in
fluenca. it has no larger vote than
nations much. inferior in population,
wealth ana Influence. This Unequal
ltN ought. IL l''SS 'DlC. w pI NoiiNNtS'''
for justice is the only foundation upon
which any institution can rest in per-
manent security.
Second the terms Of admission to
nations that may desire to join here
after are rot fair. To require two
thirds vote to admit a new nation sug-
gests the social club, where a few
black balls may keep out an uncon-
genial applicant. This world league
is for the world. Under no c'rcum-
stances should the consent of more
than Il majority be required for the
admission of any qualified nation.
"The faults of the constitution are
found to be in its Indebtedness rather
than in things positively objection
ahlr. For instance. it is not stated
with sufficient clearness that the Mon
roe doctrine is preserved. Our nation
Is not asking to he permitted to assist
in the settlement OF European dis
putes. and therefore it ought not to
he asked to give up its paramount in
fiuence in the western hemisphere as
a condition precedent to it's entry into
the league
"Then. too, it is not stated with
sufficient clearness that league
member is not required to become a
mandatory. IT ought to be definitely
stated that a nation asked to become
a mandatory is at liberty to accept or
decline. Again, it should be made
clear that the league is not to inter-
fpre In the internal affairs of the ma
tons belonging to the league. The
LEAGUE is for the settlement of inter-
national disputes not for the adjust
ment of differences between Il nation
and its own people.
"Another matter that should be,
made clear-and nothing can he more
important than this-is that each ma
ton has a right to decide for itself
whether It will undertake the things
advised by the general council The
language of the constitution. while
not definite would seem to indicate
thar no nation is required to furnish
forces to back up decision of the
council. But no doubt should be left
on this subject. This nation cannot
afford to allow a council in which. it
has so small voice to carry it into
war against its will. Our people will
have as much sense when the time
comes to act as they have now and
they will have more light to guide
them When the emergency arises
and they understand all the circum-
stances and conditions they may be
willing to assist by force, but they
cannot decide in advance or allow a
council to decide for them"