The Morning Tulsa daily world. [volume] (Tulsa, Okla.) 1919-1927, 1920-05-26
BRYAN OPPOSES
ARMENIAN PLAN
Flatly Opposes Mandate
as Proposed by Presi-
dent Wilson
FAVORS RECOGNITION
Doctrine That People Cannot
Govern Themselves Is
Violated, He Declares

WASHINGTON. May Wutam
J. Bryan took fla' issue today with
President Wilson on the question or
an American mAuuato over Armenia.
declaring IN a statement that any
mandate is Impossible
Tho United States. MIR Bryan said
could do more toward making the
world safo for democracy even Tor
democracy IN Armenia by recogui5-
ing tho Armenian republic and en-
tering the league OF nations 'as the
friend OF all little countries.'
ANY mandate Is Impossible "
Bryan's statement said, without
further preface.
The ono proposed for Armenia, II
accepted, would involve us In an
enormous expenditure IN time
when war taXation Is Still 80 gricv-
Gus q burden that congress has diffi-
Guilty In finding the money necos-
sary to do justice to tho men who
served In The world war.
1T would involve us In the politics
- Europe and would compel us 10
ccal With ,mplacable race hatreds.
1T would involve us In the fierce
rivalry OF the big nations
But. worst Of all It would COM
pei us 10 surrender vital principle
OF democracy namely. that all pco-
pie are capable Of self government -
Nearly 100 years ago continued
Mr.. Bryan. Henry CLAY set forth the
American view on this subject IN
dealing with aspirations OF South
American republics. Referring to
tho old contention OF monarchists
that subject peoples were incapable
OF self government. Clay declared II
10 be a reflection on tho Almighty to
assume that he would create peoples
incapable OF self government and
leave them to be the victims OF kings
and emperors.
'All tho colonial exploitation Of
helpless peoples is defended on the
theory of their incapacity for self
government. We cannot indorse
this theory II would be Injurious to
the Armenians instead OF a kindness
to affirm or admit them incapah bic
OF self-governmcnt II IT were once
admitted, they never would be per
mitied to grow to tho presumptior
OF their capacity. We must not
abandon our ideas OF government or
adopt monarchical forms In render
- aid to suffering peoples. Amer.
ican ideas are entirely consistent
with Christianity, We can recognize
the independence Of the Armenian
republic and send as minister to Ar
Niib mas ldltn IN
ocracy and who believes that govern
ments should rest upon consent OF
the governed. He can advise with
Armenian officials when they desire
advice and help them as friend.
We can be OF much more service to
them In this way than we can by ex-
ercising authority over them. Then.
II we will ratify the treaty and enter
the league OF nations as the friend Of
all the little countries and insist on
universal disarmament we may be
able to make the world safe for de.
mocracy, even for democracy in Ar
menia."
President Wilson's message asking
authority TO accept a mandate over
Armenia probably will not be consii-
cred by the house foreign affnirs
committee until after the convention
recess
There is considerable democratic
opposition to the proposal, accovdiry
to democratic leaders, who 5eclare
that an attempt would he made TO
obtain hasty consideration.