Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1920-12-27
Modday, December n. 1920.
The League of Nations

ions resfecting what has been done
by the hague of Nations up to date
will agree. The number of those
who see nothing accomplished is not
few, and the number q those who
think efforts thus far nave demonI
stra.ed little beyond the spirit of
selfishness dominating the big ma
tons, which in turn dominate the af-
fairs Of the League. is, presumably
even greater. The publicity depart
rent of the League is bound, of
,oursc, TO make out as good case as
possible. fbut is entitled TO a hearing,
and here is what it has to say. re-
spectings what was accomplished by
the Assembly which adjourned Dec.
18Th: {
y. The meeting established pre-
oedents tor international discussion
and cooperation going far beyond
anythins previously recorded in hu-
man history.
=. TIE League became living
icali.y TO the delegates. many Of
s,hon mad ar-.ved-Yn'-a very skep--
teal r1obd
3. Every participating govern
men, became equipped with a staff of
trained people familiar with the
workings and policies of the League
=. Delegates from the smaller ma
'.ors and from countries recently
COUNTED as colonies played an unex-
pectedlys important part in the pro-
c.se.ings and proved themselves gen.
v!no leaders
.. Hne Willingness, of Japan to
Gefer tue question of race equality
and the. general agreement to post
ione appointments to the covenant
wire significant proofs Of unwilling
mess to smbarrass the League.
g, The Assembly proved itself an
independent body capable of initia-
tie and determined TO assuuye, its
fIll share OF responsibility without
"ag tendency toward arrogant self
f,sseriion
=. The organization Of the League
was completed and foundations laid
FOR its future development and i'm
provemd',
''s. Tte adoption OF budget
placed the League on sound fnan-
ciai bass. t.,-
2. The internal organization
created BY the Secretary General was
subjected to a crucial test and found
ia excellent working order.
30. Six new states were admitted
10 membership. the admission of two
former enemy states marking the
most important step taken so far
toward 4 bridging of the chasms
created by the World War.
II. The election of China to the
Council Should speed the solution of
the shaptuns problem and may. as
sist thatsancient empire to assume dts
proper place among the great auto
nomous powers of the world.
"l2. Article X, of the covenant was
formallys interpreted las guaranty
Of protection against Inprovoked for
ign agaession. and not as a guar
any of Megterrieorial limits and Do
iitical conditions established by the
peace treaties against. changes Of any
1s. Everything possible was done
to enable the United States to join
the Leadue on it's own terms.
IA. 1he adoption Of the plans for
an International CoSirt of Justice
marks tie first effective step toward
the creation of an international tri-
bunal not confined to the part Of a
mere m4diator or arbitrator.
Us. b appeal to the various Coy
ernment1 not to increase their pres.
ent expenditures for ornaments dur
ing the ext two years was the only
formal ep taken on behalf Of dis
armament. but the temper Of the
meeting was Enthusiastically in favor
Of more far-reachins action within a
near future.
"Is. uehnite provisions were made
for the de Of tho economic blockade
against possible violators OF the COW
er,,+ s.ssi-ss <stSsAssssssr-'-.sss = .. .. =
~l7. bureaus were established to
deal WITH economic questions and in
ternationel communications. :
Is. he principles set forth and
formally adopted BY an overwhelm-
ing majority. apss dsxsxatsonsa on
the mandates question viii go far
toward compelling stha future -adoIs
ton Of 8 mandate s1olieyy il d agree.
fnent with the spirit Of the covenant.
10. Arrangements were made for
an terlasiona coRfarsaee to plan
enectivsansasures against the traffic
in wuuei and children.
"a n special committee was ap-
pointed to take charge :o9gthe nsht
against typhus and other epidemics
in EaSteY6 Turope."