Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1919-09-19
JOHNSON TALKS
TO LAW MAKERS
OF MINNESOTA
Charges that Treaty Advo-
Gates Are Trying to Rush
it Through

st. Paul, Mimi. Sept 1s.-senator
Hiram W. johnson Of California in an
address delivered to special session
of the Minnesota legislature this
morning presented his arguments in
opposition to the unqualified ratffica-
tion of the League of Nations
covenant.
He charged those behind the peace
pact were endeavorfng to rush 1t
through the senate before the people
fully understood the provisions Of the
measure.
The senator expressed the opinion
that if action on the league could be
speak in positive terms and insist up
on its defeat or amendment 50 as to
protect the country's interests.
Public sentiment against the
league is growing every day and is
fast assuming the proportions of q
revolution" said Senator johnson.
Its friends realize that If 1t is not
rushed through now before the peo-
pie have had an opportunity to under
stand it, their cause is hopeless. That
explains the haste to have it ratified
without amendment.
THE statement that immediate ac-
ton is necessary to stabilize business
is absurd. ;5
Tho pitiless logic of events ID
gradually dispelling the halo with
which its advocates have enveloped
the so-called League Of Nations. The
diplomacy and intrigue, the wars and
counter-wars Of which we catch q
-iasty glimpse through a. rigorous
European cehsotship, are slowly but
surely presentingit It in its true aspect
or lrv,o> l. S1yI~ -
unbridled and irrational enotionalism
which greeted the suggestion of a
league, to promote peace and prevent
war, and which was utilized to the
full with people sick Of the carnage
Of the world conflict before the terms
of the League Of Nations were known.
and before it's provisions were under
stood. is with the lapse Of time grad
ually passing.
"As our people become nearer
normal and see again with clear Wis
EQUITY OF the thing that is sought to
be fastened upon America. The
treaty Of peace was made in accord
ance with the contracts the secretary,
sealed and delivered among England,
France. Italy and Japan. We talked
Of what the treaty should contain,
but the treaty when written contain
ed Wnat the other nations wanted and
followed their secret bargains"
He referred to the fourteen points
which President Wilson had declared
would be Incorporated in the peace
pact and asserted that he was OBJ
liged to abandon them one by one and
accept a treaty written by European
diplomats, by the terms of which
America is required to guarantee with
it's blood and treasure for all time.
the division Of foreign territory and
peoples.
Senator johnson spoke Of the scenes
at the peace table in Paris and added:
The President got just what every
man gets who plays another mans
game. l do not question Mr.. Wilson's
intentions. There is certain place
paved with good Intentions and this
country does not want to go there
He referred to the great burdens
imposed on the country under Article
Ten of the league covenant and said
it meant the sending of American
soldiers abroad for many years.
He denied that the delay Of the
senate in ratifying the peace pact had
any connection with the high cost Of
living.