South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-03-29
other Editors Than Ours
LEAGUE ORGANIZATION HARMONIOUS
Only Eieth Members Have Resigned as Result of
Attitude Toward Paris Covenant.
(The League BulletinO

The League to Enforce Peace issues this state
ment to reassure members who may be disturbed
by reports that the organization is by doubt
and schism. Since the league announced its
dorsement of the principles Of the Paris covenant
only eight members have resigned OF n total
mailing list OF 100000. Only three of these are Of
fcers. two connected with state branches and one
a member of the executive committee the control
ling body of the league which numbers 81 mem
hers representing nearly every states in the Union.
The statement that Mr.. Taft president Of the
organization has been shOwered with letters pro-
test from league members and Offices is equally
untrue. There is no truth in the report that
iOus differences Of opinion among officers of the
league have threatened to split the organization.
Sen elect Capper of Kansas, who, according to
Washington dispatches, has repudiated his aeg-
lance TO the league principles assured the league
in "A letter received at headquarters several days
after the publication Of the Paris covenant and
endorsement by the league that he agrees with the
stand taken by Mr.. Taft.
Speakers All Loyal
OF the 1900 volunteer speakers pledged to work
in different parts country under direction
the leagues speakers bureau not one has with
drawn his pledge result Of the leagues policy.
The same is true of more than 5000 prominent
clergymen all the country who listed
active workers in the league cause. and who are
speaking for it at least once n week.
From constant touch with every part Of the
United States the officers OF the league conf
dent that the present spasm Of opposition the
Paris plans is due mainly to Misrepresentation
backed by the reactiOnary elements of popu-
lation, who fear that change in our methods Of
handling international questions will interfere with
their vested privileges This Is the basis Of
opposition; it is supported also by some who under
the guise OF patriotism, seek to advance their per-
sonal political fortunes
Mr.. Taft's Attitude.
Mr.. Taft's attitude which is substantially that Of
the league, is that he would accept the Paris
nant it stands and thank God for 1t; that 1t does
not however fully meet his ideals, being as
strong in some respects as the plan have been
advocating; that ne would be glad to see amend
ments that would strengthen il and thinks IL wise 10
make changes that will make still clear the
meaning which understand il To carry. He also
favorable 10 making changes that will placate opin-
ion especially in the direction Of definite acceptance
OF the Monroe doctrine which understand is al
ready the real basis of the instrument
Neither Mr. Taft the league however favors
lHCHuiehls dlleT -1he treaty Is hnaly adopted IN
Paris, as amendment would then probably mean de-
feat OF the league.
\ Letter of Washington
This is exactly the position taken by Washington
regarding adoption OF the constitution of 1857 un-
changed. when he said
The constitution that is submitted is not free
from imperfections; but there few radical
defects in its as could well be expected consider
ing the HETEROGENEOUS mass OF which the conven-
ton was composed and the diversity OF interests
which TO be reconciled. A constitutional
door being opened, for future alterations and
amendments. / think il would be wise in the peo-
pie 70 adopt what is offered TO them and 1 wish
II may be by as great a majority OF them as in
the body that decided it: is hardly
TO be expected, because the importance and sin
lister views Of too many characters viii be affect
ed by the change. Such will depend. however.
literary abilities. and the recommendation OF it
~ good pens, should IL be openly l mean public
~, attacked I'm the Gazettes."
Fears GrOundesS
Much OF the opposition TO the Paris plan for
League OF Nations results from a misunderstanding
OF us proposals on the authority Of qualified Judges
the Bulletin expresses its confidence that the
covenant. as stands would not take away our ma
tonal sovereignty: IL would not destroy the prn-
oiples OF the Monroe doctrine; II would not force
send soldiers and ships 10 fight abroad
against will IL would not break down present
barriers against immigration; il would interfere
with tariff laws; il would compel US TO
submit purely domestic questions TO the decision OF
foreigners.