New-York tribune., 1919-04-01
Proposed Amendments to
Pact Would Increase the
Opposition in Senate,
Nebraska Man Contends
Borah Indorses Changes
Reflect True Americanism
and the People Should
Be Grateful, He Declares
Ne,o York Tribune
Washington Bureau


WASHINGTON, March 81. 49, The
amendments proposed to the league of
nations constitution by Elihu Root
would increase instead Of smooth away
opposition to the covenant in the Sen
ate, according to Chairman Hitchcock,
Of the Senate Foreign Relations Com
mittee. The Nebraska Senator, who
has been one of the staunchest sup
porters of the league of nations idea
in either House, declares Mr.. Roots
proposal for a world court, whose de-
cisions would be binding even on ques-
tions involving national honor and vi
tai interests, would raise a storm of
opposition in the Senate. He adds that
q natural development of the Root
proposal would be an international
force to compel obedience to the courts
DEGREES.
Senator William E. Borah, one of
the leaders of the straight out oppo-
nents of any sort of league, declared
he was in accord with the "funda-
mental principles" of Mr.. Roots state
ment.
"There runs through it all the rich,
full tones of Americanism and posi-
tive and unmistakable plea for the
preservation of the independence and
integrity of our republic" said Mr..
Borah. "He says clearly that whatever
league is formed must respect the SOW
ereignty and independence of the Uni
ted States"
''True Americanism," Says Borah
"The American people will be CRATE
full to Senator Root for this clear and
courageous announcement of the true
American principles" Senator Borah
continued at is not in the interest
of peace in America or in Europe that
we should forfeit these long estab-
lished policies announced by Washing
ton and Monroe, and Europe will not
ask US to forfeit them unless she has
ultcrior and sinister motives for
doing SO.
"The situation at Paris for the last
few days ought to be sufficient to cool
the ardor of those who have been most
willing TO turn over our most vital at
fairs TO a tribunal controlled by Eu-
ropean powers. Why should any power
ton of the Monroe Doctrine unless it
Is proposed to do something in the fut-
ure in contravcntion of that doctrine
Why should the American delegation
be thwaS1d unless some one wants to
get rid 1p6f the Monroe Doctrine, and
why should they want to get rid Of 1t =
"Anything said by Mr.. Root on this
question:" said Senator Hitchcock, us
entitled to the highest consideration
He has for years been recognized as
one of the leading advocates Of the
peaceful settlement of international
disputes and he has contributed large
y to the advancement of the cause Of
arbitration. He is q lawyer, great
lawyer. and his trend of thought. there
fore, is in the direction of court pro-
ceedings. He is in favor of establish
ing an international tribunal for the
- ipi VI NloPuOcS btUWctli IdllClS, even
those including national honor and
vital interests providing they are
Justiciable in character, and making
the decisions binding.
Would Segregate Issues
GAS to Mr.. Roots proposed amend
mcnt reserving the Monroe Doctrine
and American questions, including i'm,
migration, it should, in my opinion
! first of all, be divided. The Monroe
Doctrine is one of American interna-
tional policy and the immigration ques-
tion is one of domestic policy The
immigration question is no more
American than it is Canadian or Aus.
traian or British. Let us divide them
| then. in any covenant
"Speaking, first, of tho Monroe Doc
tfinc, | am frank to say that should
be glad to see it specifically reserved
if it could be. / am satisfied also that
President Wilson has tho same prefer
ence. | would not be willing, however
to insist on it at tho expense of losing
or endangering the league. Nor woult
l bo willing to agree to consent tt
some of the special concessions other
nations have been asking for as a trade
to incorporate the Monroe Doctrine
in the league.
"The Monroe Doctrine prohibits an,