New-York tribune., 1919-03-16
Phases of the Debate

The league of nations debate, if the
word debate may properly be used con-
corning a discussion in which one side
keeps away from anything disputed, has
run through several phases.
First, there was what may be called
the "blank check" phase. It's spirit was
sufficiently indicated when former Sena-
tor Lewis, of Illinois, the Presidents
personal representative in the Senate,
introduced resolution 1ndorsing in ad-
vance any policy or agreement, whatever
it was, that might be developed at Paris.
Such proposal was probably never be-
fore made in any legislative body since
democratic government began to be or
ganized.
The next phase, the blank check not
having been signed, was occupied with
general eulogiums of peace, while the
American delegation at Paris resolutely
neglected to outline anything resembling
specific plan. 1t was loudly demanded
of others that they should put in black
and white their proposals. Other states
men. were reproached if they did not
place their cards face upward, while
ours, in manner showing adeptness in
secret diplomacy, kept their cards up
their sleeves. Whenever there was COM
plaint the answer was ready, aren't
You for peace?"
The third phase came after a series of
extremely private conferences, when the
child was born and christened the cove
nant and tremendously presented to the
world 1t quickly appeared that the
purpose was to have this and other coun-
tries swallow the document without
amendment or discussion. Returning to
this country the President seized no op-
portunity to explain, and indicated that,
IN his opinion, changes were not to be
considered. Specific criticisms were Of
fered, some destructive and some con-
structive, but neither kind was welcome
Tables of stone had been brought down
from new Sinai and it was profane to
touch them. The strategy was to whoop
the project through without examina-
ton.
Inc next phase was marked by an
open declaration Of more than one-third
OF the new Senate that they did not ap-
prove OF the covenant as it was written,
that they would not vote for its ratifica-
'ion, and that it was deemed fair to
warn all persons interested of the fact.
Since, the elements that failed in the
enoeayor to hurry the country into COM
fnittng Itself to unknown and unex-
plored obligations have been afflicted
with something akin to hysteria. 1t was
OBVIOUSLY necessary to recognize that
something had happened, but there was
great confusion as to what new line of
appeal should be tried.
Misrepresentation of the position Oh
those who asked for debate and chance
70 amend was used as stop-gap, but it
was plain, if this course was persisted in
100 long, the reaction might be fatal.
Inc fact could not be indefinitely con-
cealed that the chief objection of many
70 the particular scheme submitted was
tnat 1t seemed more likely to promote
war than to promote peace. The propo~
nents of the plan apparently could not
1nink Of anything more pertinent to fall
Dack on than the formula: Don't you
want league of nations to preserve
peace?'
Combined with this, as best it could be,
was threat that matters were to be so
oohningiy arranged that the Senate
would be compelled to ratify a treaty
"hich included the covenant or else take
Inc responsibility Of keeping the country
At war. This was comforting for few
.ays' but its absurdities quickly showed
mfousn. II any are to carry disagree
ape responsibilities it will be chose who
nave confessed in advance that thew
senemed to prevent any consideration Of
questions az important az the country
ever faced.
30, IN default OF substitute tbo.e
"no Tor some reason want no dchate
's'e taken up again general laudationa
s psace and Of an international oryan;-
za1ion to secure it. Ii IL we,, kno,aa
'pas ail want q staple peace and that
s1sesiealiy all Of them favor the leavuc
sa'uslp'c ~ the abstract. 1t is assumed
saas sne American people are 40 eas,,y
1 shey WIN not zee that the dis.