The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1919-02-01

the British NE most practicable. He
accepted 1t literally and became ever
more Ardently lts champion than the
original exponents Of TIN mandatory
tdea. 1t means that nations which can
not govern themselves shall be under
signed by the league, 1t means that
these. nations shall be divided into
two hnds4-those backward politically,
DIS In a sense unable to finance or ad-
minister themselves .unaided .(Arabia
And Persia are examples OF that classl.
This other kind embraces semiciviliaed,
even barbarian sections. or Africa. The
first Kind will be absolutely able to
choose which nation 1t wishes APP
pointed as mandatory agent, The sec
ond kind will be able to protest against
the treatment administered by the
Gent esin..d nAt aSG f tRS Isss,,s or vi IL be be f r.
Judge as to whether the protest is
Justified. In each case the. people will
have the say as to how they will be
governed by the league assuming
greater authority among people which
need to be Oivllised.
U. s. Safeguarded.
My understanding is that the Arneri-
can d~eleyatlgn has ~safeguarded the
American tradition absolutely by, hAv-
ing a clause incorporated which en-
ables any power which is designated
mandatory or league agent to decide
whether 1t accepts or declines the re-
spohsibility offered. Thus 1t is cers
tain the American people through con-
gress will decide themselves as each
States wants to accept the Job Of po-
Icing any country In the world when
the league formally reAdjusts 1t in Or
der to compose any difficulties. 1t
setms plausible that America might,
Without congressional action. agree to
act as diplomatic mediator in disputes,
but anything Involving obligation to use
force will be open always to the "de-
cision of the American congress-.
1t Is deemed unlikely that the United
States will be asked to become man.
datory agent, except possibly in trou-
bles In the western hemisphere. when
again conciliatory tactics may be used
In an unlimited way. There could be
used moral and economic, as well as
military and naval forces, depending
upon the Circumstance In each case.
The test, however, would be the com.
pulsion to settle problems.
This Is not different from heretofore,
when the European nations exerted
pressure to have the United States
compose revolutionary troubles in the
western hemisphere. II means the for
ma recognition by all the nations OF
the world OF the Monroe doctrine. Dur
delegation regards the mandatory prin.
ciple really at extension OF the Mon
roe principle. President Wilson had a
most difficult time thus far In obtain
Ing the Observation-Disclosures of all con
quered territory. instead Of annexa
tons, leaving the league to decide what
nation shall be given guardianship or
mandatory power over Respective re.
gi0ns.
The Australian claims conflieted with
the JAPANESE In reference to the islands
In the Pacific, The South African olo
NAL representatives were anxious to
obtain absolute possession of the Ger.
man colonies. MIR. Wilson felt the de-
parture from Observation-Disclosures In any
one case would weaken his position on
the general principle.
Many details OF the application OF
the mandatory idea are yet to be
worked oat, but the prevalent feeling
Is that one Of the most difficult OBJ.
stacles to the peace treaty has beer
overcome, If Mr.. Wilson can obtain
concrete agreements on the other Vita
points. 1t seems likely that he win re.
main In the United States, returnins
to Europe only In case absolutely need.
ed, but will be guided doubtless by de.
~velopnents.
Copyright, 1919. BY the New York Eve.
ming Post, Inc.)