The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1919-05-03
League of Nations Formally Ap-
proved by Unanimous Vote
Of Plenary Council
REVISED DRAFT PRE-
SENTED BY WILSON
japanese and French Amend
ments Discussed But Not
Pressed to a Vote.

Paris, April % (By the Associated
Press The covenant Of the league
of nations in revised form read by
President Wilson was adopted today
by the peace conference i11> plenary
session without a dissenting vote.
The presidents motion also named
Sir James Eric Drummond as secre-
tary general of the league and pro-
vided for committee to inaugurate
the league.
Thus one of the notable works OF
the conference passes its final stage
and is incorporated IN the peace
treaty.
The French and japanese amend
ments after a brief discussion were
not pressed, and the way was thus
cleared for unanimous acceptance OF
the league. Italy was not represented
at the session, but the name of Italy
appeared as one Of the members o.
the league in the covenant as finally
adopted.
| Nine labor principles were adopted
for insertion in the treaty.
The session adjourned without con-
sidering the report on responsibilities
providing for the trial of the former
German emperor by five judges from
the great powers. This report was
handed in by the council Of four and
embodies in the peace treaty pro-
vision for the former emperor's pros
ecution. This, however, has not as
yet been adopted by the plenary con-
ference.
The plenary .-ssion of the peace
conference opened at o'clock this
afternoon in the French foreign office
under circumstances Of unusual inter
est because of the fact that it was to
be one of the last sessions before the
meeting with the German delegates al
Versailles; that final action was to be
taken on some of the main features
Of the peace treaty, notably the
league of nations, responsibility for the
war and trial of the former German
emperor and others, and because i'm
portant labor clauses were to be in
serted in the treaty. For the first
time at the conference sessions, Italy
was not represented and the five seats
of Premier Orlando and his colleagues
at the right Of NJ. Clemenceau
the presiding officer, remained va
cant. The other delegations present
ed full ranks and the scene was stir
ring as the French premier opened
tho session.
President Wilson was recognized at
|
the outset for a detailed explanation
Of the new covenant Of the league.
His speech was without oratorieal
effect and confirmed the explanation
Of the teXtual changes, most of which
have already been noted, and named
Belgium. Brazil, Greece and Spain on
the league council, and also on the
committee to prepare plans for the
first meeting of the league.
Baron Maxine, head of the Japa-
nese delegation, in a brief speech,
called renewed attention to the Jap
anese amendment on racial equality.
He said that the race question was
a standing grievance, which might be-
come dangerous issue at any time.
The japanese government and peo-
pie, Boron Maxine declared. felt
poignant regret that the amendment
had not been incorporated in the COW
enant and announced that effort
would be made to have the principle
Of racial equality adopted as part of
the document.
Paul Hynlans, representing Bel
GUM, expressed the regret of the Bel
as the seat of the league while ap-
proving the high aims of the league.
The Uruguayan delegate announced
the adhesion Of his country to the
league.
Leon Bourgeois for France renewed
two amendments tending to give
France additional security. One pro-
vided for the creation Of a committee
to ascertain and exchange military
and naval programs regarding arma-
ments and similar matters. The other
provided for a permanent organiza-
tion for the purpose of considering and
providing for naval and military meas
ure to enforce obligations arising for
the high contracting parties under
the covenant, making it Immediately
operative in all cases Of emergency
NJ. Bourgeois argued that such Sc
curity was essential to France be-
cause Of the extended frontiers Of that
country which as President Wilson
had declared in the French senate
wore the frontiers of the worlds lib
crt.es.
The amendments Of NJ. Bourgeois.
representing France. were not press
ed. NJ. Clemenceau then put the
question Of the adoption of President
Wilson's motion. which prevailed
without a formal vote.
The covenant was declared adopted
anG the session proceeded to the Ia
Dor report, reciting nine principles
for inclusion in the treaty which
We're also accepted.
After setting aside the report on
war responsibilities for later consider
alton, the session adjourned.
Budapest April %0.-SiX hundred
arrests were made by the soviet au-
thOrtieS virtually every financier