Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1919-05-29
LEAGUE LOGICAL SAYS
DEMOCRATIC SENATOR
Declares Opponents Wage Campaign
of Flimsy Misrepresentation Re-
garding the Covenant.
ANSWERS SENATOR SHERMAN
Senator Robinson, of Arkansas. Re-
plies Directly to Constitutional
objections Raised by lllinoisian.
New Methods Needs He Asserts.

WASHING TON. May 2S.-Thc league
Of nations was supported a losi-
cal and practical organism, entirely
consistent with the American Constitu-
ton. by Senator Robinson. Democrat,
nf Arkansas, in a speech today in the
senate.
Opponents of tho league. the Sera-
tor charges. are making campai Ign
of Misrepresentation. setting UP tl!msy
objections that tho proposal violates
American traditions. The covenant, he
asserted. in no way impairs national
sovereignty OF suDvcrts American con-
stitutiona! principles.
The objection that the league OF
nations treaty creates supcrsovern-
mcnt is without foundation said Mr..
any important controversy without the
consent OF the United States. Its pow
crs are advisory. by the treaty II be-
comes the common agent OF the sigma,
cooperation and peace II is our
agent, not our master"
Replying directly TO the constitu-
tionai objections raised by Senator
sherman. Republican. OF Illinois. and
other league opponents, the Arkansas
senator said the same objections ap-
plied with caual force 70 many. treaties
and which had been found practical aud
bcIelciaL
Many Treaties Similar Before.
a treat is not unconstitutional" he
asserted, merely because It contains
agreements, the execution OF which re-
ouires the exercise OF powers vested by
the Constitution exclusively in tho
executive and Legislative branches OF
the government. To declare that no
,slative action 10 execute II, or which
pledges the government to do some
thing exclusively within the power OF
the executive branches would nullify
tofore entered into by the United
states and render the government
powerless 10 maintain foreign reia-
tons
The United States has already en-
tered into many treaties pledsing IL
self not TO engage in war against Ger
tain foreign nations until the eXpira-
ton OF definite period and ii has
ing such agreements. Congress still
has the power 20 declare war.
with respect 10 the aleEa ton that
the mandatory provision is in conflict
With the Constitution. the only cues
ton Of constitutional nature arising.
IS Whether the United states IS for
Ridden 10 govern or assist in the gov
"rnment OF other countries. There is
no question under the revised draft Of
mpsli!ns n: United states, TO &C; a:
"a '.'o 1'N6 *. TX !cI- LdEe clearly anu
eapiessi makes il optional.
Moral Aspect of Agreement
The declaration often made tina;
Article X. authorized the executive
council! 20 involve the world in war.
N its execution is absurd The Ian
guaEe OF ;he article is IN case Of any
such aggression. or in case OF any
threat or danger OF such aEcression.
the executive council shall advise upon
TIE means BY which the obligation
shall be tulalled. i is perfectly clear
tina, the executive council can compel
no action under this article The use
o. he ~ord advise defeats such a con-
6, -uc.ion."
DECLARING Republican opponents Of
me !HsSue were attempting to make
me treaty a partisan Issue. Mr. Rob
!nson charged Republican SENATE
Leader Lodge with ridiculous :ncon-
:.stency."
old Methods Unreliable.
Turning TO the moral aspec, o. N.
.essu% agreement. the Arkansas Sena
tor continued:
Our obligation 10 cooperate IN the
nlScharEe Of the responsibilities re-
st!tlHs from victory are as undenjab 81.
IS our privilege 70 enjoy the fruits al
iriumph. i would be cowardiy. IN.
.ninkabie. for example. 10 leave pa