The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1919-02-25
TAFT is BOTHERED
Hecklers Interrupt His Speech
at League Meeting.
Calls on Reactionary Critics for
a Plan To Supplant 1t.
DO IT OR KEEP STILL
Taft Answers BOrah, Reed and
POindexter Criticisms.
Says Their Arguments Are
Blind to New Circumstances.

st. Louis. Feb. 25.-Former Presi-
dent Tafts speech opening the sessions
of the conference for a league of ma
tions today was interrupted by heck
lers in the audience.
An unidentified man gained the
floor and began an attack on the
league. He was hissed by the crowd.
Taft restored order and requested that
the man be permitted to speak. Taft
surrendered the floor and the man be-
gan a lengthy address against the pro-
posed constitution.
While Taft was explaining the affect
the league of nations would have on
the government of the world, the
heckler shouted Its all wrong; its
all wrong" He attempted to attack
the league constitution. ISL
Taft remained silent during the Dis
turbance. The heckler attempted to
take the floor but could not make
himself heard over the Kisses of the
crowd.
He was escorted out by policemen.
He gave his name as DR.. Henry W.
Curtain of st. Louis.
Call for Another Plan.
"Reactionary'' senators and "de-
structive critics were called on today
to put forth another remedy 'tor hold
their peace" when Taft branded at
tacks against the league of nations
constitution as apparently prompted
d
Taft responded to Senators Reed.
Borah and Poindexter in an address
before more than 1000 delegates here
to attend the opening session of the
mid continent section of the national
congress for a league of nations. Col
orado, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma.
Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, Arkansas and
Missouri sent representatives.
Defending the constitutionality of
the league. Taft challenged the sena-
| tors to put their fingers on the clauses
| of the constitution which prevents the
| United States from doing it's part in
saving the world and itself from de-
struction by the obliterating power OF
modern war"
| Argument Is teactiOnary.
Argument that to enter this cove
nant is a departure from the time hon.
ored policy of avoiding entangling al
| lianceS with Europe is an argu ment
| that is reactionary and utterly blind
| to the changed circumstances in ou1
| present situation" he declared.
The war itself ended that policy
Taft pointed to the armament un.
derstanding with Canada and said the
nation regards it with pride. He de
clared it a complete precedent, justi
flying the proposed covenant. Nov
when it is proposed by similar device
to extend the peacemaking and peace
+, preserving operation of agreemen
| the constitutional power
Will Leave Two Alliances.
1.-The refusal of the United State
will leave a mere offensive and de
fensive alliance of the countries o
Great Britain, France, Italy. ant
| Japan and we shall soon return to tn
old system of hostile alliances an'
competitive armaments, followed in
evitably in decade or two decades b.
another war. We shall go thru tn
same course of events. The next wa
will be as much more horrible in it
destructiveness of armies and people
and citizens as this one was more hor
rible than any previous war;
He predicted destruction of entir
i cities en- masse and the laying vast
of whole countries.
1 ''It is a mistake to suppose that tn
destructive character of one war vii
prevent another. In the next genera
war the United States will not escap
|; with any such moderate loss as tina
which has been hers in this war;
Frank P. MacLennan, Topeka, Kan
for four years member of publicit
committee. on appointment of MI
Taft. and vice president for Kansas O
leag que and member organiza ton com
mittee joined the Taft train on invita-
ton at Brunswick. Mo-, and arrive
. in St. Louis this morning with tn
party.