The Chattanooga news. [volume] (Chattanooga, Tenn.) 1891-1939, 1920-10-27
4 democratic peace would DO

process, A democratic peace would BIO
(, Impossible. - .-.-..s.-...
Then there were, certain points Of.
special strain such az Danzig, peVween
Germany and Poland, and the sahrs
The conflicting claims here could be
justly met only by the aid OF some IN
| ternatlonal organization or commission
which should continue TO act as q puiler
or shock absorber, guaranteeing the eco-
nomic rights OF France and Poland on
the one hand but securing to the local
population their rights and liberties UNI
der the protection OF the league. Here
\ again the machinery OF the league helped
TO effect agreement and compromise and
TO reduce the danger of future conflicts.
Another point where the league helped
| in drafting the treaty was the German
| colonies. Without a league these must
either be handed back 70 the German
natives, or be divided as spoils OF war
among the allies irrespective Of the in
| terests OF the population or the principle
of the open door for the citizens Of other
countries, like the United States.
| colonies were internatiohalized, and the
| countries which took over tAeir admin
| istration are required to govern them
| under rules laid down by the league of
nations. to which they must report each,
year. .@L, XVI.
In Paris testified. the task OF, drawing
up the Paris treaties was made easier
by the plans for league which were
being made at the same time, ats crea-
tion helped instead of hindering the
work OF the peace conference, Already
it's labors as an informing and adminis-
tering body are Of much importance for
its members and for the international
lied territories 1t administers. and 1t
win become far more effective with the
adhesion OF the United States.
The league is also important as an
element In guaranteeing the territorial
settlement made at Paris, while at the
same time 1t establishes q method of
change and adjustment, All previous
territorial settlements In the worlds
history have been viewed as final and
Interchangeable. and In every case change
came about only as a result OF q new
war or series of wars. The treaty of
Versailles is the first treaty which con-
tains a means Of adjustment to new COM
ditions Of the future, and this element
chinery OF the league of nations. Coll
lecting information, foreseeing points
Of danger. compelling conferences and
discussions, the league OF nations Is the
great safety valve in international re-
lations. Unlike a court, which can act
only after offenses have been committed,
the league can foresee and prevent trou-i
bles, and by its agencies of discussion,
adjustment, and Cancellation throw the
worlds influence against armed conflicts.
It looks toward the future rather than
to the past. 1t keeps treaties rp to /,
date. The league of nations is the elias
tic and progressive element in the great
peace settlement. =
The league covenant is thus an in
tegral and necessary part of the treaty,
without the league of nations much. of
the treaty fails and the United States |!
thereby loses much for which 1t fought
The war. In order to destroy the treaty
our enemies in the war hope to keep
the United States out of the league.
CHARLES H. HASKINS.