Pine Bluff daily graphic. (Pine Bluff, Ark.) 1893-1942, 1919-02-15
WILSON READS LEAGUE OF
NATION PLANS TO CONFERENCE
WITH MODEST INTRODUCTION HE GIVES RE.
PORT OF CONSTITUTION UNANIMOUSLY
DESIGNATED TO ESTABLISH
WORLD PEACE

PARIS Feb. 14.-President Wilson
rae the central figure of the plenary
noace conference today when in per-
nm he read the covenant establishing
q league of nations.
There was added interest in the SEES
chm az it was the last gathering OF
mo delegates prior to the presidents {;
dpnarture as we'll as being the occa-
eion Of presenting the document with
which his name is identified.
The president was received with
military honors as he arrived at the
foreign office and the large crowds
which had congregated gave him a
cordial welcome as he passed through.
The delegates already we're assem-
hlad when the president entered
the council chamber.
When he entered the chamber the
president was greeted by Premier
Clmenpeau, Foreign Secretary Bal
four and Viscount Miner of Great
Britain and the American delegates
at the head of the table There was
little formality. Premier Clemen-
caau, who is president of the confer
ence. called the conference to order
and President Wilson rose and adj
dressed the meeting.
Unanimous Report.
Il have very great pleasure" saio
President Wilson, as he began. lin
presenting the report of the commits
sion which has framed the constitu-
ton of a league of nations. l am par-
tcularly happy to tie able to say it is
unanimous report, signed by repre-
Sentatives of all the powers on the
committee"
President Wilson spoke earnestly,
hut without OratOrical effect.
sThe best report I can make" the
president continued, sis to read the
document ITSELF"
Thereupon he read from a printed
shHst the constitution OF the league
while the assembly followed his read
ing with tn closest attention. Wine
the president was reading Mrs. Will
son accompanied by the presidents
naval aide, was escorted to place
Lack Of the delegates table.
Listeners Silent.
The reading continued for 35 min
utes without interruption or applause.
As he closed the president laid aside
the document and spoke of what had
been accomplished. The deliberations
Of the commission had been most in
a.uctive and throughout the !prp-
ceedings there was an undertOne Of
enthusiasm in the great work being
accomplished, he said.
The results, said President Wilson,
embodied the judgment of fourteen
nations represented on the commits
sion and these fourteen nations were
representative group of tn confer
ence itself.
This is union of will in COM
mon purpose" the president proceed
3D. 1T is union which cannot be
resisted, and I dare say, one which
no nation will attempt to resist"
The president pointed out that he
aocumen was no straight jacket. 1t
was elastic and not a vehicle of might,
ne Said 1t was yet to be developed
ana as yet care should lie taken as to
Me clothes put on it. While elastic,
yet 1t was definite.
Guarantees Peace.
1T is definite continued President
wilson, AS a guarantee of peace. 1t
- ueilnlte as a guarantee against az
slesslon. 1t is definite against a re-
aswal OF such cateclysm as has Just
shaken civilization" -
me president spoke with especial
sMpnasls as he referred to the
wrongs committed against helpless
peoples.
mere is one especiallynotable fea-
.ule IN this document" he said. 1--WE
are done with analexations of helpless
peopiss' at times accomplished in the
TO-; Sas' Tor the purposes of the exploit
ms u these peoples. In this docu.
i m'en' we recognize that these help,
toss communities are first to BIZ
nospeo and developed and that theil
oo "n interests and wellIbeing shall
w so,ie before any material advantage
S.a ule mandatory entrusted with theil
d.a LOO often in the past, the presi
, uent added, the world had seen tn,
nria us OF helpless communities appro
a'eu Tor political purposes.
90. Is Human Document.
And So he added, "while this il
> ppr ,,al document, it is, above ali
ana auinan document. 1t is practica
nur,s a. 'he same time it IS designed t.
Fly Ely TO rectify, to elevated"
a. .esident Wilson closed his address
an 10Y :, o'clock. living read and spok
no! just one hour. An interprete
VIII, proceeded to render discour
M occupied another hour.
nc text of the constitution follows
D.. COVENANT.
4 tern .aesa:mble-In odred to promote in