New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1919-02-27
OWEN IN FAVOR Of
LEAGUE OF nations
Thinks Present Covenant Can Be
Improved Upon

Washington, Feb. Ex-senator
Owen, of Oklahoma, dem ocrat, speak
ing in the senate yesterday declared
that while not perfect the proposed
constitution of the tea que of nations
is wise, sound and just in it's fun
damental principles. The senator,
who has just returned from France,
urged the senate to consider the league
plan constructively rather than Eek
citing vague suspicious and arousing
the hostility of our people on the
theory shat this instrument is
gull of pitfalls and dangerous"
The peace of the world" declared
Senator Owen, lis too important the
future happiness and security of our
people is too important, that We
should fail at this wonderfully auspi-
cious time to adopt a plan which will
safeguard the future of the world.
League Can BE Perfected.
mo thoughtful man. certainly no
thoughtful statesman acquainted with
the fallibility of himself and the falli-
bi1ity of other representatives would
expect that first formulation of
draft would be perfect It is not per-
feet but it is a benefit and contains
many things of value. And it can be
perfected so as to completely safe
guard the world against war and at
the same time completely safeguard
the sovereignty and absolute indie
pendence of each one Of the member
n9tions."
No Need of Interference.
Replying to critics who asserted that
Article I. of the proposed constitution
would authorize the supreme council
of the league ITO invade the sovereign
ty of the United States. Senator Owen
declared he was sure Great Britain,
France, Italy and Japan did not con-
template granting this right to the
league and added:
1T is not necessary for the league
to interfere with the internal affairs
of any member nation"
So that there would be no msin-
terpretation of the powers of the
league in this matter Senator Owen
recomm ended that the proposed con-
stitution be amended to provide that
nothing contained in the instrument
itself should be construed as granting
r any rights to the league over the in
4ernal affairs of member nations but
that every member nation should be
recognized by having complete right
H'LAS''t
it's imports and exports and all its
domestic affairs without any inter-
ference whatever by the league.
Recalls WaShington's Address.
Il am altogether in accord with the
principles expressed in the farewell
address of Washington" Senator Owen
continued. but the day Of American
isolation has long since ended. Our
interests are bound up in the welfare
and happiness of mankind. We are
no longer isolated. We are face to
face with the duty and the task of
using the influence of this great ma
ton to bring about security and peace
of the world
I'VE cannot afford to have another
world war. The interests of the
American people demand peace, secu-
rity and stability in order that they
may enjoy the rights gained by our
constitution of life, liberty and the
q pursuit of happiness.
i THE world wants peace, justice and
" has shown Nself willing to die for this
j cause. Do not underestimate this de-
Il mand. Do not deny or ignore this
4 profound aspiration of the human
\ heart"