Daily Kennebec journal., 1919-05-14
The United States an Accessory After
the Fact?

Justice, fair dealing, and the settle-N
ment Of important questions on the
basis Of right and common sense rath-
er than expediency? If she does, how
can she became a signer of the COM
bined peace treaty and league of ma
tions covenant while they contain
such rank injustices as in the case
of China:
The facts are familiar. Japan has
been cleverer than some of the other
members of the peace conference.
She made her first plea for the incor-
poration of a racial equality clause in
the league of nations pact which was
promptly squelched by Australia and
America. Then she pouted for a time
and left the conference, only to come
back strong with the demand for the
cession Of Shantung peninsula, to
which she has no right except that of
conquest. She took it from the Ger
mans and held it presumably for the
duration Of the war, as an ally in
good faith Of the western powers. 1t
now appears that these powers. in
order to keep Japan in the league of
nations, bribe her with the gift of
this province to which they also have
no more right than she. A parallel
I,0 80
ain, for instance. granting the state
of Texas to Mexico as the price of
her adherence to the league. If the
treaty is signed all members of the
league bind themselves TO maintain
forever this fragrant travesty of JUS
tice and international morality. Shall
We who are supposed to stand for the
rights Of nations bind ourselves to
any such compact? Shall we agree
to send American troops to Shantung
to uphold the Japanese in possession
Of it in case Chinese rebellion breaks
out? And all for the sake of the
league of nations? In the opinion Of
Americans is league OF nations
worth committing such an act to pre-
serve? .,
1t has been limited that Japan is to
be looked upon as the next source of
world trouble. and that it is better to
be friend than foe to her at the
NJ
additional territory and the acquisi-
tion Of so great prestige among the
powers will play into her hands most
beautifully il she has her mind bent
on imperialistic schemes. The man
date to make her virtual possessor Of
all islands north of the equator will
further the same ends. The recog-
milton Of regional understandings"
by the league Of nations gives her the
lawful right to maintain her position
against all comers. Furthermore she
has prospered beyond all dreams in
a financial way from the manufac-
ture and sale of munitions during the
war. She sold enough to Russia alone
to pay off the cost Of the war Of 1906
and had a comfortable balance left.
She played a very small part in the
active conduct Of the war but she
won large credit for what she did. all
out Of proportion to the actual worth
of her achievement.
Now. the peace makers yield with
out dissent to her demand for Shan
tung and give her the opportunity
she could not ask for outright,-if the
treaty is signed. The Senate of the
United States has already made mem
tai note Of this clause and will give it
the consideration it deserves. The
opinion of Senator Penrose will find
agreement in many minds. He says:
ing of Shantung to Japan 10 violating
every principle Of the league OF peace
1t seems to be nothing short Of a bribe
to Japan to concur in the league of ma
citizenship of 100000 Cinnamon and
dspossesses China of a rich and val
liable territory against her will. Inc
United States Is invited to join the
league of nations and under the pro-
visions Of article 10 this country as we'll
as every other party to the league will
he called upon to guarantee for all
times the possession Of Shantung by
Japan. It will not be surprising that
China will find 1t very difficult to COM
prehend the practical workings of the
idealistic program outlined in the II
points. They have been despoiled and
no unctuous phrases can alter that
fact"
Not only is it the right and duty
OF the Senate to study the treaty, but
It Is also the right and duty of every
citizen. SO far as the terms are made
public. In these days Of democracy
it 10 our own fault II We allow the
men who are supposed to represent
his to bargain and trade peoples ana
dands to suit their own personal pleas
And. more than all that, what does
China get for adherence to the
league?