South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-03-28
Other Editors Than Ours
THE MISTAKES OF LoDGE--nY ONE WHO
READ THE CONSTITUTION.
(Fort WAYNE Journal -GazetteD

the constitution Of the league OF nations which
should relieve some of the apprehensive who have
been imposed upon by the deliberate misrepresen-
tations of the enemies-not much of the league
perhaps. of the president. Whether these mis-
representatives have in reality been deliberate may
be debatable The objections made within a
few hours after the constitution read 10 the
conference in Paris.
And this indecent haste to denounce and damn
an instrument agreed upon by the greatest minds
Of Il nations in an honest effort to preserve the
peace OF the world is described by Mr. Rawls as
"one of the most humiliating spectacles wit
messed in this country And il "humiliating'
because as ne says 'ft was humanity impossible at
that time for anyone to have made even superficial
examination Of the document" And it humil-
iatng because "a decent regard for the solemnty
OF the occasion and the transcendent Importance of
the subject should have led everyone TO refrain at
least from immature and iii considered criticism,
not to speak of partisan opposition.
In discussing the objection urged in all solemnty
that England has "A voting advantage, Mr. Rawls
accuses Sen Lodge who is using this for op-
position. Of not having really read the constitution
sen. Lodge far to say but the fact
remains that in the body of delegates England
has FIVE vote of any other country
The senator could have read understandingly
Article Z. II provides that admission the league
Of states signatory to the covenant and not
named in the protocol hereto states to be in
vited 10 adhere to the covenant requires the
sent of not less than two-thirds of the states
represented in the body of delegates and shall be
limited to fully self governing countries nclud-
ing dOminons and colonies"
Thus. according Mr.. Rawls. while Canada
Australia and New Zealand made eligible 70
membership they by this constitution made
members. The British empire in its entirety is a
member-with vote. It's self governing colonies
incapable of assuming international oblga-
tons" The article which Lodge refers only has
TO do with the admission Of members-and
the sef-governing colonies could no. become mem
bers Of the league until twO-thirds Of the other
members agreed
Is it probable that two-thirds would agree?
or is it likely that Great Britain would want her
colonies and dominions admitted distinct mem
bers For it would mean that in controversy
and they have frequently arisen between England
any of her colonies these colonies could appeal
90 the league nations for a settlement and that
would pave the way for the ultimate disintegration
Of the empire
But Great Britain is the only nation to which
Article would apply. AS Rawls says
If Article renders eligible to membership
self-goyerning dominions and colonies the United
States would have the same right to ask the
arate admission of Alaska Porto Rico and the
Philippine Islands. all of which self-govern
ing England would have to ask the admission
of any of her colonies.
Thus there is every indication that the enemies
of the president-mOre that than enemies of the
eague-are thinking of the anti English vote
than for a proper and honest Interpretation the
constitution
Another patriotic" protest frequently heard
from these professional politicians and issue
sharks. is that permit by this constitution other
nations 10 determine the size of army and navy
and it is utterly false. Fhe article referred to
THE high contracting parties recognize the
principle that the maintenance of peace will
Quire the reduction of national ornaments to
the lowest point consistent with national safety
and the enforcement by action of in
ternational obligations. having special regard to
the geographical situation and circumstances Of
each state; and the executive council shall for
mulate plans enecting such reduction. The
executive council shall also determine for the
sderation and action OF the several governments
what military equipment and armament is fair
and reasonable in proportion to the scale of
laid down in the program of disarmament and
these limits when adopted. shall not be exceed
ed without the permission of the executive
ell"
Thus it is clear that nation surrenders any
thing-for all that the council do is TO recon-
mend The acceptance or rejection Of that recon-
mendation is wholly to each separate nation. II
may reject the recommendation In whole in part
may offer a amendment. The assumption is
that the world is weary Of armament expense and
competition and is prepared to enter agree
ments looking to the curtailment of the one and
the end OF the other. and that each nation will be
ready to limit its armament TO such extent as st
may consider safe. For years statesmen have been
seeking this very thing. Lord Haldane of England
was sent to Germany 10 propose agreement be-
tween those countries this very point-and
failed.
Nor is there anything new to American practice
in il. Rawles cites instance that makes ut
terly absurd the assumption that this is new
departure:
There are several instances where the United
States has made treaties upon subjects similar 70
this. and the authority to make them has never
been questioned The Rush Bagot agreement of
1917 is precedent. There the United
States and England agreed that the naval force
TO be maintained upon the lakes by the United
states and Great Britain shall henceforth be
confined 10 the following vessels each side
that is: on Lake Ontario vessel not ex-
ceedipg 100 tons burden and armed with one
1S-pound cannon; on the upper lakes. to
vessels not exceeding the like burden each and
armed with like force. and the waters Of
Lake Champlain 70 vessel exceeding like
burden and armed with like force This consti-
tuted limitation upon the sovereignty of either
country Every treaty is TO the extent of the OBJ
legation assumed Hereunder a limitation upon the
exercise of power by the governments making IT,
The determination OF the question of the wisdom
and policy Of subiecting themselves 10 such limi-
tation by the respective nations is the exercise
of their sovereignty.
And article by article. the manufactured OBJ
jectons met and disposed Of There is an ole