The Chattanooga news. [volume] (Chattanooga, Tenn.) 1891-1939, 1919-07-22

Washington. July 20. = Supporting
the league of nations In a senate
speech today Senator McNary, re-
publican, Oregon, urged that 1t be
accepted without any such amend
ments or reservations as would alter
the splendid purposes of the covenant
or weaken 1t so far as 1t affects our
duties" THE senate" said the
speaker, could without harm adopt
certain reservations in the form of
interpretations, but should not en-
danger the covenant by making res
ervations that would vitality affect
important features" Article ten. he
said, must be unimpaired because 1t
was "the pillar section" of the league.
81 am stently in favor" said Mr..
McNary, "of the principle embodied
in any effort to insure the permanent
peace of the world, and am willing
to accept the covenant of the league
OF nations contained in the peace
treaty. The time is back of us for a
discussion of this subject in general
statements of the sublimity OF peace,
or indulging with owlish wisdom the
omineus predictions of a .disgraced
and destroyed republic. The people
of America desire to know what the
covenant contains of substance and
will be- there to obtain their under
standing.
Indictment Untenabie.
Repeatedly the argument has been
advanced that article ten casts upon
this government an absolute obliga-
ton to go to war under any condi-
tons, however, befert of Justice. This
Indictment, in my opinion, is unten-
able"
by the force Of another article In
the covenant the council, in arriving
az a decision, will be governed by
vote, the power of veto
standing between this country and an
unwise remedy. Indisputably, this
provision casts upon this country an
to go to war to protect
an associate of the league from in
vasion through external force, but
this obligation IS, in 40 proper sense,
a legal one, but purely moral obi |
CATION, entirely dependent upon the !
condition that the cause ~ the war
ard the war itself is yioIative Of the
mC raj conscience OF the American |
reople.
'In no sense can the executive !
branch of the government, aided by |
the senate, cast any legal obligation
upon this or any future congress to
pass a declaration of wal upon any
nation, however unjustly offending.
1T is the pillar section of the as
ISOLATION Of nations contemplated I'M
Ter the league, and is the assurance
IF mutual support against any eX-
Irnal aggression. 1t speaks the voice
If freedom among the nations and
guarantees to each its full share of
'overeignt,. 1t makes possible and
encourages TIE reduction Of arma-
nents, as no nation will disarm un-
ess it is assured that it will not be
attacked by another nation.
Another Unnecessary Criticism.
Those opposed argue that the
language does not place important
matters of domestic concern. like i'm
migration and tariff, out of the ju-
isdiction of the council or the as
emily. They propose reservations
the consideration of these
matters from the league. This ac-
iOll ullOSCS0uiy IOi iiC lCet~ |
on that the highest tribunal in our
and has decided that by the rule of
law subjects of this
ind are absolutely and exclusively
within the jurisdiction of this coun-
ry, inherent as right of soveAignty
nd therefore impossible of aliena-
ion by treaty.
Sharing the belief that our SUI
RENE court has correctly stated the
ule of international law as applied
o a nations internal affairs, / can
nd no serious complaint with a
olicy that shall annex resolution
. the treaty redefining an estab-
shed doctrine of the law of nations.
his action of the senate, in my
pinion, would not be an amendment
or chanxe OF treaty in substance re- ;
uiring ratification.
League the Hope Of the World. {
THE constitution of the league is {
OF the final and unaiterable Judge of
ne worlds opinion. Time opens the /
Tay and presents opportunity for all I
eeded amendments. II
Let this country be committed to $
step in the direction of everlasting ,
eace, and it is my sincere belief :
nat the league of nations is the !
reatest step the world has ever :
lken toward peace; therefore shall I
lpport the league, as 1t is the hope :
the world" =