The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1919-07-14

Nationality with its vital stirnulating
patriotism, would be preserved, given
new life and opportunity.
Can Limit Our Obligation.
Thoughtful persons recognize the
Importance of giving such a guaran-
tee now. at least for a limited period
If the peace of the world is to be
maintained. The autocratic govern
ments that controlled Russia, Ger
many, Austria, and Turkey have been
overthrown but as yet no real, stable
the new states created out of this
immense territory without the guar
anty OF the league. would be over
thrown and would return to the DOM
ination OF their former oppressors.
Honorable Ellhu Root, former sec
rotary of state, recognizes the great
immediate need of this article and
recommended it's acceptance with an
amendment providing that any mem
Der could, after expiration of five
years from the signing of the covenant
terminate its obligations under the
article. But under this covenant the
United States, by giving notice of
withdrawal from the league, can limit
her obligations to q time not far to
exceed two years.
"If this treaty is ratified the United
States can fully perform her obliga-
tions to her allies, discharge her duties
to the new nations she has aided in
creating, and then honorably retire.
Protects Our Colonies.
att should be noted that when in
this article we guaranteed the terri
| torial integrity of all members of the
| league we receive at the same time
from all OF them a like guarantee to
our territorial possessions. The Phil
| ippine Islands have occasioned US
great apprehension. In order to safe
guard these islands 1t will be neces-
| sary for us in the present disturbed
| condition of the world to construct the
| largest navy afloat and have an army
equal to that of any nation. Shall we
| embark upon this great military ex-
pense or accept the league and with
| it the honorable pledge that Great
| Britain and Japan, the only two ma
lions from which the islands could
ever be threatened, would aid in pre-
serving them from all external aggres-
sion?
I'VE should also reflect that tbs
Panama canal and the islands owned
| by us in the Caribbean sea are outly-
| ing territories. Is our hold upon the
canal lessened or strengthened by thi'
article?
THE article provides in case of any
such aggression the council shall ad-
wise upon the means by which thi!
obligation shall be fulfilled Tit
|
council is only advisory; thus, under
| article 10. no troops of the United
| States could be sent to engage in wal
without the advice of her representa-
tive in the council and the approval
| of her congress"
| Answering objections to the article
| affecting the Monroe doctrine. which
| guarantees the validity of engage
| ments such as treaties of arbitration
or regional understandings like the
Monroe doctrine for securing the
| maintenance of peace" Senator Swan
| son declared the article undoubtedly
made "clear, explicit reservation" Of
the doctrine.
Monroe Doctrine First.
eff any conflict should arise between
! the provisions of the covenant and the
| Monroe doctrine" he said, 'as far as
we are concerned, the provisions of the
| covenant are annulied and the Mon.
roe doctrine survives. We accept the
covenant with this clear reservation
Objections that the doctrine Is not
properly described in the article, Mr.
| Swanson declared unfounded.
'Pfesidents Roosevelt, in his annua
message Of 1901" he continued. "ir
| speaking OF the Monroe doctrine, said;
| 1T is simply q step, and long step
towards assuring universal peace oil
the world by securing the possibility
| of permanent peace upon this hemis-
| phere.'
HE distinctly limits the doctrine &c
the western hemisphere, and COM
mends Ii for securing the maintenance
| of peace"