South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1920-01-11
The League of Nations and the
Reduction of ArmamentS
sR

The attitude of the senate of the United states to-
wards the peace treaty the the
of Nations has like dOuche of cold water
the enthusiasm for the league which was rising steadily
the result the energetic campaign conducted by
LORD Robert cecil and his followers throughout the
country. Personally, / am stu OF the opinion That
the majority of the citizens the United States in
favor of the league in principle and will be satisfied
such reservations safeguard
will appear them be essential interests will
not prevent American participation in the league.
Whether the complications Of the political situation i'm
the states where the presidential election
paign is looming large will admit Of these views finding
expression in congress and in the remains be
but if they do It is absurd regard the
absentiOn of the United States deathbow to the
league Such abstenton will be serious matter, be-
will tend weaken confidence. where cont
dence is much needed and because it must hamper the
economic activities Of the league but it will certainly
not be fatal
ACTION Is NEEDED.
Our Government has expressed intention pro-
ceeding actively with the task bringing the league
into being whatever action the United States may take
n respect "a that procurement has
cleared the UnQuestionably though unreasonably
much of the opposition the league in America has
been due to the suspicion that the covenant Is British
document intended entangle the United States in
what considered be in effect alliances and that
have behind the covenant the dark design Of
listing the influence and prestige Of the United states
help maintain empire which has grown too
large for authorities have been APP
prehenslve OF doing anything which might appear 10
color to that view and this has believe prevent
ed them coming boldly and taking the lead
i'm applying the principles Of the covenant TO current
problems of administration. believe this policy
ineffective that the passage of the
through the senate might have been aided if had
given the world proof by deeds that were in
earnest.
DISARMAMENT DIFFICULTIES
The prime object the league forth in the
preamble of the covenant is first to interna-
onal cooperation, and secondly achieve international
After devcting seven clauses to the constitution
procedure the league the drafters of the
begin their practical proposals with Clause s. which
deals with reduction of ornaments. While recognizing
that there many steps which be and should be
taken "a towards the promotion international
cooperation. propose Conne myself this question
Of the reduction ornaments. Apart altogether from
the league the achievement international
peace urgent necessity in which Europe finds itse
reducing unproductive expenditure 10 minimum
forced this question into the foreground of prac
teal politics.
\ MATTEK OF TIME.
Let begin Oy facing the difficulties. We must
the fIct that ideals reached merely
10y drafting covenants however excellent but by grad
ual steps Covenants do not change human nature,
and the instincts is seek security.
4 great part OF the world is today than a year
after the conclusion the armistice, a peace.
France years OF trial is and anxious
about security the majority of the Of
Middle Europe still anxious while with
the German fleet dismanted and our navy SUI
preme. may feel perfectly safe at home but have
the responsibilities and the east is still
very disturbed Therefore the nations which
have through the tr!umphanty today
providing sufficient armed forces safeguard
themselves and their interests only when the league
has gained the confidence Of the world Will be able
10 exercise any influence the size
and nCctS
Today the and navy offices of all the allies