Americus times-recorder., 1919-11-16

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AS has been said before if we are not ready
to take a leading part in the worlds affairs, and
accept the responsibilities that go with the lead
ership, we had just well admit we are small
souled people, concerned in only our own welfare
and profits; unwilling to trust the remainder of the
world, and thus demonstrating our own untrust-
worthiness; and proving that our policy from this
time forward is to close the door go our own
way, and let the remainder of the world take care
of itself
Of course that can't be done; and, of course
we can't make these admission because they do
not represent the soul of the American people The
American people ready to assume their part
in the affairs of the world not only for the good
OF the world but from selfish interest; they feel
that it will be safer from this time forward to be
on the inside of the world councils than to be an
outsider; to be in league with humanity than to
have the remainder of humanity in league against
us. And that is what Senator Smith and Reed and
Lodge and those others who are fighting the treaty.
as fair and square proposition are bringing about
| hey sought first by amendment which failed
and are now seeking by reservations, to obtain
privileges for the United States in the operation of
the League of Nations that which they would
scarcely be ready to accord to other nations; thew
! want the United States to be able to withdraw
from the League at will. without the consent or
consideration OF the remaining members. But they
are certainly wise enough men to realize that all
the nation members had the same privilege there
could be no league power, for every member would
have the privilege of withdrawing whenever it
. might be called upon to make sacrifice to main
tain the peace of the world, and the League would
be lmPotent to enforce single decree of ruling
t That means killing the League Senator
smith says he is in favor of league. Perhaps, but
what kind of league2 He is in favor of ratifvino
$ the treaty, but he has already been informed by
! President Wilson that such ratification will con-
stitute rejection of the treaty because it seeks to
+ change the treaty.
Bays the Macon I Telegraph in analyzing the
action OF the majorty of the senate which includes
v Senator Smith, since he voted with the majority:
{ he reservation the senate has adopted to
f Article Ten of the League of Nations is of such
character it does the surface at least operate
O as President Wilson protested it would and takes
= the heart out of the covenant The Leagues en-.
h forcing machinery, of course must depend on the
Promptness with which the participating nations
will be forced to respond its calls for dsciplinar,
o or peace enforcing armed action. AS far as the
senate is concerned there will be no promptness in
Americas taking her part in the policing of the
o world, which is what Article Ten provides for.
: 1t will have to be debated in congress, which
e will give the world all the time it wants in which
l. to burn up. The League would put out fires a,
# their start and prevent their starting Its machin-
ii cry must be oiled up and ready to work at once
e ii it is to be effective This is the way the Presi
dent saw it, the way the of the rest of us see
it; and that basis the u s. senate has ripped out
l. the entire innards of the worlds scheme to keen
e its peace generally
o The Times-Recorder does not believe it was
unfair to Senator Smith, because it believes it did
e not misrepresent his position. In this case the
e senator has taken his stand directly against the
president and the t~o-.y and has 7l7ved r4~ lie
y hands of Germany, was the conclusion on Octo-
'f Der ), and that conclusion stands today