Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1919-03-11
II Not a League, What?

I Ell it be assumed for moment that the
IL opposition to league Of nations on the
part OF tho American people results in the de-
feat of this project. Let it be assumed that
no treaty embodying such Il measure can hope
to be ratified by the United States Senate, and
that the othex powers OF the world finding
the great nation of the Western Hemisphere
outside the union, concludes that no union
should be formed and that the peace con-
ference has no other vital work to perform
beyond making terms with Germany.
What may be expected to como to pass
in such an event? The answer is not far
to seek. The allied countries OF Europe
inevitably will resort to tho old system of
alliances. Great Britain, Franco and Italy
will unite for their common welfare and pro-
lection. They doubtless will admit Japan to
such an entente if the Japs wish to be ad-
mittcd. America could not be expected to
join, for the obvious reason that the scnti-
ment which opposed and defeated league
OF nations would revolt against an alliance
with any group Of powers in Europe or
elsewhere
This would mean that world affairs and
the future Of Christian civilization would be
left wholly at the mercy of the old order
the same order that existed before Germany
undertook the conquest of Europe. 1t might
be argued that such alliance could be
relied upon TO maintain the peace OF Europe
on tho theory that tho nations behind it
would have an overwhelming degree OF mil
itary and economic might. They have crushed
Germany and Austria and could impose upon
those nations any terms of peace they might
choose to enforce.
But such Il preponderance Of power might
not forever exist. Tho entente might for
a generation be all-powcrful, and doubtless
would be, but the time might come eventually
when Germany would come back, and in COM
Ing back it might appropriate Russia. 1t
might organize that vast population. 1t might
set that giant upon its feet once more, and
in turn create another alliance This is in
no sense beyond the range Of possibility. In
fact, it would be logical evolution.
The world then would find itself divided
into hostile camps, and it would find it neces-
sary to maintain enormous ornaments if it
would be prepared to meet tho possibilities
or war Nothing seems more certain than
that soon or late this state OF affairs would
come If the old system OF alliances should
be re-established The only possible means
Of preventing it is that presented by the
peace conference at Paris. league OF all
nations formed for the sole purpose of rem
dering war hazardous, il not impossible, is
the only substitute, and the country which
throws itself in the way of such a consum-
NATION is assuming grave responsibility
before mankind.
1t is not to be believed that the American
people can be persuaded to accept such Il
responsibility. Many OF them may be dis
turbed in mind for a time over the obliga-
tions which they are asked to accept, but
when they balance these obligations against
the risks involved in the defeat of President
Wilson's plan, they dare not allow them
selves TO be mised into defeating the only
plan yet conceived whereby war may be
abolished