New-York tribune., 1920-08-08
Terms of Americas
Adherence to League

In giving its assent to this treaty
the Senate has in mind the fact that
the League Of Nations which it en-
bodies was devised for the sole pur-
pose of maintaining peace and comfy
among the nations of the earth and
preventing the recurrence of such de-
structive conflicts as that through
which the world has just passed. The
cooperation Of the United States with
the league and its continuance as
member thereon will naturally depend
upon the adherence of the league to
that fundamental purpose
"Such a declaration would at least
express the view of the United States
and justify the course which our ma
tion would unquestonably follow
If the basic purpose of the league were
at any time distorted. 1t would also
appear to be a simpler matter to pro-
vide against any misunderstanding
in the future and at the same time
to meet the objections of those who
believe that we might be inviting
controversy over our constitutional
rights, by making a senatorial ad-
dition in words something like these:
1t will, of course, be understood
that in carrying out the purpose of
the league the government of the
OHiISu pCoCcS iuuSL III Ill times act IN
strict harmony with the terms and
intent of the United States Constitu
tion, which cannot in any WAY be
altered by the treaty-makng power"
Unquestioned friends Of the league
have made other proposals. Our plat
form clearly lays no bar against any
additions that will be helpful, but it
speaks in firm resolution to stand
against anything that disturbs the vital
principle. We hear it said that inter
pretatlons are unnecessary That may
be true, but they will at least be re-
assuring to many Of our citizens, who
feel that in signing the treaty there
should be no mental reservations that
are not expressed in plain words, as a
matter of good faith to our associates.
Such interpretations possess the fur
ther virtue of supplying a base upon
which agreement can be reached, and
agreement. without injury to the
covenant, is now of pressing impor-
tance.
New Life for Nation
1t was the desire to get things
started that prompted some members
OF the Senate to vote FOR the Lodge
reservations. Those who conscien-
tiously voted for them in the final roll
calls realized, however, that they acted
under duress, IN that politically
bigoted minority was exercising the
arbitrary power of its position to en-
force drastic conditions. Happily the
voters Of the Republic under our sys-
tenn of government can remedy that
situation, and l have faith that they
wn> at the election this fall.
Then organized government will be
enabled to combine impulse and facility
in the making of better world condi-
tions. Tho agencies of exchange will
automatically adjust themselves to the
opportunities of commercial freedom.
New life and renewed hope will take
hold of every nation. Mankind will
press a resolute shoulder to the task
OF readjustment and a new era will
have dawned upon the earth.
We have domestic problems to be
settled. They are most pressing
Many conditions growing out of the
war will not and should not continue.
The work Of readjustment will call for
our best energy, ingenuity. unselfsh-
ness and devotion to the idea that it
is the general welfare we must pro-
mote. One OF the first things to be