Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1919-04-01
HITCHCOCK FEARS
ROOT PEACE PLAN
Concessions ON Monroeism
Might Draw Demands
From Others
CITES COMPLICATIONS
Says to Submit Policy to Euro.
peans Is to Sur
render 1t
CITES COMPLICATIONS

Washington. April President Will
son favors having the Monroe Doctrine
specifically reserved in the league-of-na-
tions covenant but its inclusion may en-
danger the entire league proposition
because of special concessions demanded
by other nations said Senator Hitch
cock, retiring chairman of the Foreign
Relations Committee of the Senate, yes
terday. in discussing Elihu Roots state
ment suggesting amendments to the pro-
posed constitution of the league.
speaking first of the Monroe Doc
trine, 1 am frank to say I should be
glad to see it specifically reserved IL 1t
could be-" said Senator Hitchcock. II
am satisfied also that President Wilson
has the same preference. / would not
be willing. however, to insist on 1t at
tho expense of losing or endangering the
league. Nor would be willing to agree
to some of the special concessions other
nations have been asking for as trade
to incorporate the Monroe Doctrine in
the league"
He took issue with Mr.. Root on the
latter's assertion that "to ratify the
agreement as it now stands would itself
be a surrender of the Monroe Doctrine
since "to submit the policy of the Mon
roe Doctrine to n council composed
chiefly of European powers is to sur
render It,"
Senator Hitchcock asserted the pro-
posed constitution of the league goes
further than the Monroe Doctrine ana
is designed to prevent nations iron, :,
making forcible aggressions anywhere.
Mr.. Roots suggested amendment es-
IA ablishing an international tribunal LOT
the trial Of disputes between nations,
similar to The Hague convention, Wouio
add to the difficulties of securing rau-
fication." said Senator Hitchcock.
senator Borah, Republican, OF ldaho,
who has been on the stump throughout
the country opposing the league,
dorsed Mr.. Roots statement ana espe-
cially Mr.. Roots demand that tne N,oi,- ~
rna 1ootrine be specifically reserved In
a. Ie.,,e covenant. other Senators
declined to comment on Mr.. Roots state
noent. saving they preferred to wait un-
III the amended draft of the league con-
stitution is published In Paris. ,-
"Anvthing said by Mr.. Root on TINS
c,,estion Is entitled to the highest con
alteration" said Senator Hitchcock ne
has for years been recognized as one .,
the leading advocates or the peaceiu,
settlements of International disputes anu
he has contributed largely to the aI I.
.encenent of the cause of arbitration He
Go a LAWYER, a great lawyer, and MS
trend of thought, therefore, Is IN tine ul'
rection of court proceedings. He IS N
favor of establishing an !nternatioha
tr;h,,naJ for the trial Of disputes De-
tween nations, even those including ma
tionaI honor and vital interests. pro
yiding they are justiciable In character
and making the decisions binding.
Question Of Honor
ssThjs is the subject of his first pro
posed amendment. In my OPINION Il
this amendment were incorporated in th'
league constitution it would add to th'
dificulties of securing ratification. The
Senate has never dbeen willing to aroi
trate disputes involving national honol
and vital interests 1t has specifically
excluded them. They nave been regarded
as proper subjects for an inquiry AM
'report' as is provided in the league con
stitution shall be made by the executive
council. but not safe to entrust to {
tribunal with power to enter a binding
decree.
1T can we'll imagine the storm Of OBJ
jections to this amendment in thu
Senate from those who fear the United
States may go too far in binding itsel
in advance to accept the decisions o.
foreigners as some Senators have ex
pressed it. Nor do I think that othel
nations will care to 60 any further thar
we are willing to go in the direction O.
agreeing in advance to submit questions
involving national honor and vital in
terests to the final decision of an inter