The Topeka state journal., 1919-05-28
Sen. Robinson of Arkansas De-
fends League of Nations.
Says Covenant Doesn't Conflict
With L. s. Constitution.
TAKES RAP At SENATOR LODGE
Charges G.. D. P. Leader With
"RidiculOus Inconsistency"
Says MandatOries Optional
Believes Will End War.

w May ZO.-1ne leaEue
of nations was supported as a logical
and practical organism. entirely con-
sistent with the American constitution.
by Senator Robinson. Democrat. of Ar
kansas. in a speech today in the SEN
ate. Opponents of the league, the
senator charged, .are making a cam
paign OF misrepresentation. setting up
flimsy objections that the proposal
violates American traditions. The
covenant, he asserted, in no way inn
pairs national sovereignty or subverts
American constitutional principles.
Agent, Not Master.
The objection that the league of
nations treaty creates a super govern
ment is without foundation" said Mr..
Robinson. TT can take no action in
any important controversy without the
consent of the United States. Its pow
ers are advisory. BY the6treaty it be-
comes the common agent of the sigma
tory powers to promote international
cooperation and peace. 1t is our
agent, not our master"
Replying directly to the constitu-
tional objections raised by Senator
Sherman. Republican, of Illinois, and
other league opponents. the Arkansas
senator said the same objections ap-
piled with equal force to many treaties
entered into by the nation in the past
and which has been sound, practicable
and beneficial
"A treaty is not unconstitutional"
he asserted, merely because il con-
tains agreements, the execution of
which requires the exercise of pow
sively in the executive and legislative
branches of the government. To de-
clare that no treaty can be made
which requires legislative action to
execute it or which pledged the gov
ernment to DO something exclusively
Wit n in ha nf f11o fixrn
would nullify a large majority of the
treaties heretofore entered into by the
United States and render the govern
ment pOwerless to maintain foreign
relations. -f
Treaties Granted Moneys.
Under the constitution the sole
power to appropriate moneys is vested
in congress Nevertheless. We have
made many treaties obhgating the
government to the payment of sums
! agreed in the treaties, due foreign ma
tions or their citizens.
The sole power 10 levy taxes is
vested in congress. Many treaties
have been made obligating the >gov-
ernment to impose certain rates on
exports and to collect specified rates
on imports. Treaties of reciprocity
have been negotiated with foreign ma
| tions involving mutual rates to be
| levied on commerce. Such treaties
require legislation by congress to put
them into operation, but they are not
unconstitutional for that reason.
The United States has already en-
tered into many treaties pledgirig
/ itself not to engage in war against
| certain foreign nations until the ex-
| piration of definite period and it has
/ also agreed by treaty to settle many
disputes by arbitration. Notwith-
standing such agreements congress
still has the power to declare war.
Mandatorics Are Optional.
with respect to the allegation that
| the mandatory provision is in conflict
| with the constitution. the only ques-
| ton of a constitutional nature arising
| is whether the United States is forbid
den to govern or assist in the govern
/ ment of other countries. There is no
question under the revised draft of
compelling the United States to act
| as a mandate. The language clearly
! and expressly makes 1t optional
! "As early as 1886 the United States
! gained the sovereignty of New Gra-
NADIA over the Isthmus of Panama. BY
/ the treaty of 1908, we agreed to MAIN
/ tain the independence of the republic
! of Panama In 1915 the United States
/ Santa Domingo and agreed to assist in
the administration of its affairs
The declaration often made that
Article 10 of the league covenant au-
/ lHc eAcCullNt SOuiiCAA ~ III
| Volve the world in war in its execution
| is absurd. The language of the arti-
! Gle is in case of any secession or in
! case of any threat or danger of such
/ aggression. the executive council shall
advise upon the means by which the
! obligation shall be fulfilled.
| 1T is perfectly clear that the exec
utive council can compel no action
under this article. The use of the
word advise defeats such a construc-
| ton"
| Charges Lodge Inconsistent.
| Declaring Republican opponents of
| the league were attempting to make
the treaty a partisan issue. Mr. Rob-
/ inson charged Republican Senate
| Leader Lodge with ridiculous incon-
! sistency' and read the following por-
ttion of a speech purposed to have
been made by Mr.. Lodge in an address