The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1919-11-25
A CRISIS NOT A TRAGEDY

Percival H. Whaley son of the late p H. Whaey
long rector of Christ Church, has been known for
years of the abest writers in this country.
and his connection with the Curtis interests as ex-
ecutive editor of the Philadelphia Ledger have given
him wide experience in national affairs In the
current issue of the Manufacturers Record Mr. VIVA
ley writes from the capital conditions
to the treaty. which he summarizes as crisis
but not tragedy.
Mr.. Whaley's communication is too long for re-
publication in full but is worthy of place in any
newspaper, and will be of particular interest here
in his old home town
In part he says:
Great is the triumph for American Institutions
The soul of the nation has been tested as never be-
fore None questions the sincerity of the
president. His championship of what he conceived
to be the necessity for binding Americanism to the
ancient governmental institutions of Europe was adj
mittedly brilliant. Nor does question the merit
OF the treaty within its proper sphere aside
League of Nations
1t has not been attacked. 1t Is accepted unani-
mously in the senate without the changing of let
ter or the Introduction of punctuation That
in itself should be sufficient triumph the chief
executive. Where he, gave his attention to practical
affairs he has been completely indicated Where he
marched into the byways of dreamland the senate
has called him back
There is talk of the abandonment of the whole
treaty, but there is little justification for it. To
throw aside the entire convention of changes
in the covenant-at best arbitrary rider to the
main document-would be counsel of madness, in
which but Huns and their associates would re-
joce
1t is not the intention of the senate leaders to
overthrow the treaty. They are not arrogant now
that their power has been demonstrated They are
willing to go long way with the president. pro-
vded the sacrifice of no essential principle is IN
volved
Nor is it true that the president told Senator
Hitchcock that the Lodge reservations amounted to
reputation of the treaty 1t is understood that he
willing accept the reservations provided there
is some modification of the preamble it is elim-
mated altogether and it may be that the reservation
as to Article can reworded to effect COM
promise.
Situations such as that existing at the capital
not They are the psychological moments,
the pregnant hours before achievement, the periods
in which differences wiped out and courses that
can be approved agreed upon.
Conferences are under way to save the treaty.
There is almost universal agreement that it must be
saved. The question, therefore, is simply one of
method. That most in favor contemplates
lection of the treaty in the vote ratification via
the Lodge resolution Thereafter two steps pos
sible; either reconsideration and vote new
ratifying resolution which would embrace virtually
the entire louSc pioeiosia bus win -ou o't
fcations. or a resubmission of the treaty by the
president when congress reconvenes in December,
with the text of the ratifyng resolution previously
agreed on by the leaders of both factions.
There is dread of deadlock both sides. No
leaders want it. They beyond the childishness
which would recommend such status And few be-
iieve that the president after his denuncation of
.swilfl men," will himself prove to be wilful as
to have things his own way or utterly wreck the
whole structure of peace
The capital is filled with men of reputation. from
all parts of the country who are working night and
day TO avoid impasse They are confident that
they will succeed. Indeed it is uncomfortable that
they can fa-.hat the joint treaty-making power of
the nation will collapse The public is too apt to |
mistake crisis for tragedy.
But the thing that is certain. absolutely GER
tain is that the covenant has been Amercanized and