Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1919-09-07
Reservation Number Two.


Declarations of intention to vote fol-
reservations are being made by mem.
beers of the Senate in number to in
dcate that there will be a majority
possibly two thirds, in the upper house
committed to some form of declaration
Of interpretations of the treaty, par
ticularly in the matter of the league
of nations covenant. 1t does not fol
low, however, that there will be ma
jority of the Senate for the full resolu-
ton of reservations which has just
received the approval of the commit
tee on foreign relations. On items
one, three and four there will probably
be enough support to insure adoption.
These items are not of vital impor-
tance. They refer to the right of with
dfawal from the league and the ex-
ception of strictly domestic matters
and the Monroe doctrine from the
jurisdiction Of the league. On reser-
walton No. 2, however, affecting the
degree to which the United States will
participate in the leagues operations,
there is so pronounced difference of
opinion that it is by no means assured
that it will command even a majority,
much less two-thirds, when the resolu-
tion comes to the point Of vote.
IF there is to be league Of nations
apd if the United States is to join
it there should be no such limitation
upon the condition of our membership
that this country will be impotent and
u1influential, mere spectator with
out power and without responsibility.
There are two ways in which member
nation is obligated to act for the
Preservation of the peace or the punish
ment of a power that undertakes to
make war aggressively. First is the
economic boycott, which in the terms
Of the covenant as now drawn is auto
matte and immediate. Next is the con-
tribution of military force for the
restraint and punishment of a nation
that wantonly breaks the peace.
If the United States withdraws at
the outset from all liability to supply
troops in the event of military opera
tWns undertaken by thu league of ma
tions in restraint or punishment it
VIII still be. . potent factor for peace
keeping if it subscribes to the principle
ot,ths economic boycott. If. however,
IL also absolves itself now from par
ticipation in this boycott it loses all
tie force of membership and greatly
weakens if it does not destroy the ef-
feieney Of the league for the keeping
81 peace.
With the United States thus except
ed from all military or economic
measures it would be absolutely i'm
Potent as league member. But it
Would at the same time be exposed to
danger Of involvement in a conflict
Arising out Of an act Of bad faith on
the part Of another nation. In case a
hayeott we're declared, with the United
States not participating, it would find
,sfs1 own interests imperiled, its trade
,AHesfed. 1t would have reasonable
AaYsec. for complaint on the score of
sSAeh injury. 1t could not trade with
lie nation against whom the league
Md raised barrier of intercourse. If
5M sought to do SO, it would in effect
'1rhn ally Of that enemy nation. 1t
54yM have a ground for grievance
,Ekahst the league unless it in fact
participated in the boycott by acqui-
fs4eenee. If it acquiesced from neces-
Etyst would be thus factor in the
2 eeYnomic embargo of punishment. If
x4EJssisted and claimed its rights of
fee. trade it would be in opposition
1.-THE league and itself in danger of
fhcehring its disfavor and feeling the
riyfHGht of its measures Of eompulsion
saAa punishment.
aIsH 1thdrawal from any economic OBJ.
hGstion thus would put the United
HfRtes in a most difficult and -mlar
'rassing position, and those who now
9Sddy the question of reservations
should carefully ponder this fact and
&9sider whether such an isolation
. ssn sbe safely risked, apart from any
MHeT consideration of obligation to
znsaP, allies and honor before the world