The Cordova daily times., 1919-09-16
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1919
THE PEACE TREATY

The eyes of the world will be cen tered upon the United States senate from now until the peace treaty and League of Nations covenant have been disposed of. A fearful responsibility rests upon the members of the upper chamber of the federal legislature one involving the peace and happi- ness of the world for generations to come. All sincere patriots will de- sire that their deliberations may be guided by calm and thoughtful de- cision, by patriotic motives, and by a humanitarianism that shall take into consideration not only the future welfare of this country, but that of the world at large.
 For the first time in history, the senate is giving consideration to momentous treaty in open session. Behind closed doors the custom has been to allow a degree of license in the discussion of foreign relations which will not now be possible. But there are other circumstances that may we'll cause question as to the wisdom of the consideration of these instruments before the public ear. To the demagogue, to the Give me liberty or give me death order of statesmanship, the new system brings an opportunity for displaying gifts of Oratory and Reclamation in- tended for the edification of admiring constituents rather than for service to country In this will lie a real dan ger. Men sometimes so far commit themselves in the heat of debate as to take positions even more advanced than their own judgment, given in calmer moments would dictate, and pride and obstinacy prevent retreat from untenable positions. On the other hand, when it is known that the world is witness to remarks made at such times, a sobering effect will exert an influence on debate.
 It is to be expected that many things will be said on both sides of the controversy which would better be left unsaid; that statements re- flecting on the wisdom and patriotism of cOngreSSmen and administration officials will be made. But the dig nifty and decorum that have generally marked the debates of the senate will in the end prevail, and the de- cision finally arrived at will without doubt be fairly representative of the will of the nation. To believe other wise would be to lose faith in the countrys institutions.
 The treaty of peace which was placed before the senate yesterday, with strong majority and minority reports, is not perfect instrument. It contains some things which Amer jeans had hoped to see eliminated, and is silent as to other matters as to which they had hoped for expres- sion. But such as it is, it is com pounded of the combined wisdom and interest of the nations arrayed in the recent war against autOcracy. Should it fail of passage, it would to some extent be a loss of much that was gained in the glorious victory of a world arrayed against militarism- against the discredited theory that might makes right.
 The United States went into the war for the protection of it's own rights, but without desire for com pensation at the expense of it's foes. It goes into the peace deliberations with no other motive than to dis tribute justice. It occupies the unique position of being the arbiter of the worlds destiny. For, despite the arrogance and unwisdom of the words of the majority report, no League of Nations is possible with out Americas participation. And such being the case, the great respon- sibiIity that rests with the senate should be approached with prayerful reflection rather than uncompromis'