New-York tribune., 1919-01-27
" orld League
Plan Scanned
In ashington
One Element Sees Objec.
tions Met, Another Is
Doubtful of Efficiency
By Carter Field

WASHINGTON, Jan. 26.-It il be-
lieved here that not only the general
principles but most of the trouble
some details of the league Of nations
have been worked out between Presi-
dent Wilson and the British, French
and Italian representatives. so the ref
erence of the whole question to com
mlttee does not mean great delay in
carrying the idea forward. but is mere
ly technical step, perhaps more for
effect on public opinion than for real
necessity.
1t is believed many of the features
TO which such violent objections have
been made in this country have been
eliminated IN secret conferences. OBJ
vlously, from the language of the reso-
luton adopted by the peace confer
ence, it is declared there is no inten-
ton of having an international army
anu navy, nor permanent world court
for adjudication Of all disputes. There
is only vague hint of military force.
thus yielding much ground to the op
ponents Of the plan, who opposed pos
slble conscription to enforce the
leagues DEGREES against unruly mem
bers.
''In fact" said one Senator tonight "it
is far cry to the principles laid down
in this Endorsement of the league idea
from President Wilson's letter some
time since, written to Senator Shafroth
after Mr.. Shafroth introduced a reso-
luton providing for league to en-
force peace"
Two Views Are Current
Opponents of the plan here are di-
vided into two classes those who are
amazed at the action of the peace con
ference, but who say any league that
could emerge after such an indorse-
ment would not have sufficient
strength to make much trouble; and
those who say that yesterdays action
at Paris carries little significance, as it
Is merely sidetracking Of trouble
some topic, which sidetracking, thoy
think, will prove later to be pigeon
holng.
Those who think yesterdays action
was merely the elimination of nego-
tiations which have been proceeding
under cover ever since President Will
son arrived in Europe, however, point
with great emphasis to the fact that
Mr.. Wilson will start on his way back
to America about February -.
Lodge Sees Force Abandoned
Senator Lodge, ranking Republican
on the Senate Foreign Relations Com
mlttec, declined to discuss the matter
until ut becomes clearer just what has
been accepted" The Massachusetts,
Senator feels confident, however, that
the proposal to use force as the major
sanction of the league, under system
OF some kind of "super sovereignty"
In which nationalism would be sub
merged in kind of internationalism
has been definitely abandoned.
Senator Lodge believes the Paris con-
ference doubtless will formulate some
kind of league of nations, but that such
an association of the nations will be
founded en- voluntary action and will
be entirely lacking in the compulsory
force" feature of the more radical
plans. 1t will serve to provide better
facilities for international arbitration.
he believes, and will be acceptable to
all except the more radical proponents
Of the league idea, who have advocated
an organization which would enforce
its decisions by military force
by February 49, said Senator
Hitchcock, chairman of the Foreign
Relations Committee "the report Of
the committee on the league of ma
tions will have been made and will
have been adopted by the peace con-
ference. Undoubtedly the preliminary
discussions long since have settled all
questions which might have proved
serious stumbling blocks"
Nothing has been accomplished !"
said Senator Borah, perhaps the most
consistent opponent of the league Of
nations in the Upper House. "The
action By the peace conference is pre-
cisely similar to that sometimes taken
by political convention when it re-
fers troublesome question likely To