New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-02-23
ave the same vote as the United

have the same vote as the United
States
III challenge your thought on this
without bias. I want the people of the
country to realize that under the amaz-
ing constitution of this league the do
minions of Great Britain and her colo
MES can be admitted and would have
the same vote as the United States.
II want to point out that Germany
and Russia, even if we are so disposed
at this time, cannot forever be kept
out of the league They would, in that
event, perhaps be forced to FORM
league of their own with some other
nations, and we would have another
world war.
at must not be forgotten that France
is under unreasonable obligations to
Great Britain in money and gratitude
She is also bound to rely upon Great
Britain's assistance for shipping money
and for protection. The British En-
pire holds the keys to the Mediter-
ranean. Upon the army and navy of
the British Empire France is, and al
ways must be, dependent for protec-
tion against the great Germanic peo-
Piles, whether they exist as republics or
empires. This menace has been pres
ent for two thousand years. France
knows, and must always realize, that
combination between the Germanic
powers and the British Empire would
mean her humiliation. And she knows
IN such a contingency that the United
States could not save her.
Trio Bound by Interest
"Italy and France are similarly sit
uated. England, France and Italy are
bound together by geographical CONT
nulty and by many common interests
in which the United States is not con-
cerned, and which may be even an
tagonistic to us. Japan has for many
years been the close ally of Great
cret treaty of alliance. At the same
time, she has been in a state of irrita-
ton against us so acute as to cause
| grave fears of war.
Now, it becomes evident that in any
controversy that may come up before
the league of nations there will be the
votes OF four aliens against the single
vote of the United States, and these
four aliens are united by treaties and
common interests. Clearly, the United
States is from the first at a disadvan-
tage.
81 want to burn it into the brain and
heart OF the American people that all
the nations in the league will have to
yield to the arbitrament of all contro-
versial questions by members of the
league. There is not to be an arbitra
tratlon or an arbitration court, but a
decision which can be enforced by the
league itself. AS the constitution
reads: Any matter affecting the peace
of the world may be dealt with by the
executive council This means any
feet the peace of the world. AS this
league may be made up the
United States would yield it's sover-
eign right-for one thing, to fix the
size of our army and our navy. We
would have to ask the permission OF
eight gentlemen, six of whom cannot
speak our language. To manufacture
arms whether by the government or by
private enterprise we would have tc
get a license from these eight foreign
gentlemen.
Possible Debacle Suggested
Say there is a dispute with Mexico
over oil wells. Say there has been
shooting across the line. Under the
constitution of the league these
things would constitute threats of
danger and instantly this BODY of
foreign speaking delegates would ad-
wise as to the territorial and polti-
cal independence of Mexico and de-
tcrmlne for us what might be done
about it,"
Here are some of the questions which
Senator Reed said might properly come
within the jurisdiction of the league
of nations
"The Monroe Doctrine, border dis
putes, the right of aliens to enter and
remain in the United States, the priv
ileges of aliens while so remaining. the
slaughter of American citizens along
the Mexican border. the destruction Of
American ships upon the high seas
the seizure and search of American
vessels, the imprisonment of American
seamen, the building of fortresses tc
command the Panama Canal and the
seizure Of the canal"
"These and a thousand other vita
questions, including indeed all ques
tions,' said Senator Reed, "can be
forced by any of our antagonists to I
decision by a vote of the executive
council, consisting of eight foreigner.
and one American, or, if they so de
sire, to decision of the league itself.