The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1919-03-20
observation-disclosures
On Covenant Heard
BY Huge Audience
Senator Lodge Declares He
Would Support League if
1t Should Be Put in Such
Shape as to Promote
Peace Instead of Breed.
ing Disorder

Boston, March 19.-''If the
league shall be put in such
shape that it will promote
peace instead of breeding dis
order and will work mo- injus-
tiee to these United States, |
will support it," said Senator
Henry Cabot Lodge in replying
to a question of President A.
Lawrence Lowell of Harvard
during their debate on the
league of nations covenant to-
night.
Il hope from my heart it will be
amended" he added. Il hope that such
a league will be framed somewhere
In my belief it viii not be done in
Paris"
\ demand from Dr. Lowell that Mr..
Lodge say whether he would vote for
the covenant if it were amended ac-
cordng to his wishes, led to the sena-
tors declaration.
Addressing an audience of 5000 per.
sons in symphony Hall, the dis
tinguished speakers were applauded lib
orally. frequently and apparently im-
partially.
There was no heckling though cries
OF good and that's right" followed
telling points in the arguments.
Senator Lodge outlined his attitude
briefly us in favor of a league of MAJ
hue Of he MT ast n
scented.
The whole treaty should be redraft-
ed" he asserted. THAT is my first
constructive criticism"
The senator's reference to Theodore
Roosevelt's attitude ms in opposition to
such a plan as was embodied in the
covenant, drew applause. He said that
he had discussed the idea of a league
of nations with Mr.. Roosevelt two
weeks before his death The posit;en
| have taken, he added. In refer
ence to this movement. Is one that had
Mr.. Roosevelt's fun approval | do not
say this to transfer any load from my
shoulders TO his, but 1t is at the same
time support to know that my posi-
ton In this matter is in agreement with
his expressed convictions
Referring to the charge that the crit
icisms of the covenant We're not con-
structive. senator Lodge pointed out a
number Of ways IN witch he would
amend the treaty, laying special stress
of the need of protection of the Mon
roe doctrine,
THE hour is rapidly approaching
said DR.. Lowell. In stunning up his
plea for the covenant when we must
decide whether our country shall take
its place like 2 great and generous
nation side by side with others as
guardians OF law, order and justice IN
the world, or whether II shall turn ia
face away from a world in agony"
He prefaced his argument with the
statement that although he had always
been IAN inconsistent republican" and
frequently had been in agreement with
Senator Lodge. he could not agree with
his utterdnces ON the league of nations
covenant and still less with those of
his senatorial colleagues.
DR.. Lowell maintained the correctness
of the covenant In principle, arguing
that while very defective in ITS draft
ing" and easily misunderstood IL
should be accepted and improved"
He described it as an experiment in
open diplomacy
To meet certain objections raised.
DR.. Lowell advocated the insertions OF
clauses in the covenant permitting
Withdrawals from the league on reason.
able notice stipulating that no foreign
powers shah acquire any possession on
the American continents, and making
1t perfectly clear that Immigration and
tariff problems arc to be regarded as
purely internal affairs.