Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1920-02-10


publication of Lord Grey's extraor-
binary letter, it's effect on the
T~eatv tangle is still beclouded. Well
wishers OF peace and international justice
earnestly hope that the distinguished dlplo-
matist's stroke may simplify if indeed II
does not sever those gordian knots which
the United States Senate so far has found
>inextricabIe and that form OF rat1hcatlon
agreeable at once to the Senate, the Presl-
dent and the interested Powers may speed
lily be brought to pass. But certain foggy
aspects OF the situation remain to be clear
ed up.
At the very outset some onlookers are
moved to ask whether Lord Grey is speak
ing in fact as representative of official
Britain and perhaps Of the Allies as we'll, or
simply, as he himself says in the beginning
Of his remarkable letter to the London
Times, as "a private individual'' expressing
his personal opinion and nothing more?"
Certainly the United States will need as
surances on this point before anything like
definitive and favorable action thereon can
be taken; newspaper note is not COM
munication to the President, who under the
American Constitution is the responsible
negotiator of treaties.
Let US assume, however, that every de
sired assurance will be forthcoming in the
event of Lord Grey's suggestions finding an
official welcome at Washington, and that
extra-diplomatic methods will be followed
by valid procedure. What then? Will the
European concessions proposed in the Grey
letter serve to reconcile the conflicting
views within the Senate and between the
Senate and the White House?
If it were merely question of what Eu-
rope is willing to take, the answer would be
easier and more certain. But there is also
the highly important question Of what the
Democrats who are supporting the Treaty
and what the President who negotiated it
willing to yield. They have contended
for, a League Covenant that will prevent
wars of aggression and substitute open deal
ing for selfish intrigue. Wherefore they
we'll might question the worth Of a Covenant
which gave America no international power
and little influence against those very evils.
If Europe releases the United States from all
responsibilities in a League Of Nations,
with what effectiveness or consistency could
the United States object to any aggression
(save one against her herself) which Eu-
ropean Power or clique might commit? It
IS easy to see why a Power motived as
Hohenzollern Germany was should be very
glad indeed to have the United States enter
the League as lay figure rather than as
dominant force. To such a Power the more
drastic and sweeping Senator Lodge could
make his reservations, the more pleasing
they would be. But Covenant formed after
that manner, whatever else it might be, GER
tainly would not be American. Indeed, the
PROVISION
entire Treaty, the provision for which this
Republics spokesman at the Paris confer
ence fought hardest, is Article Ten. eve
mean, Of course, it's intent and spirit, not it's
verbiage.) And there are not many Ameri-
cans, we fancy, who would feel proud of
their nations slipping into the League with
out obligations and without power howso-
eyer suaVely Europe might assent.
strange sequel it would be if reservations
purporting to "Americanize' the Treaty
should in reality de-Americanize it, 1t is
to be expected that the Democratic major
1ty and the President will be vigilant on
that score.
At the same time the spirit in which Lord
Grey's letter is written and the warm light
OF good will which it sheds upon none too
amicable situation is highly cheering He
has given his own coUntrymen a happier
viewed the Treaty tangle in America: and it
IS deVoutly to be hoped that he has given GER
tain elements on this side of the water
better understanding Of the Treaty attitude
or Europe. He has completely disarmed
Though they, Of course, do not realize it,
those "Irreconcilables' of the Senate who
have bawled that the League of Nations was
a British scheme to put the United States in
letters. Let us hope, moreover that the air
or reasonableness and good faith which
breathes from every word of this great Eng
Ilsh Liberals letter will beget like at
moSphere IN the Senate and inspire more
workable relations between that BODY and
the White HOnse.
Whatever the obstinacies and errors of
the past, whatever the craftsmanship and the
prejudice, the time has come for self-for-
getting effort in behalf of honorable and well.
secured peace. The delay already has cost
CIVILIZATION dearly; continued, it may cost
d1sastrously. The time indeed is "out of
JOINT" and there will be no mending it nm
til a genuine peace is consummated--no re-
lief from feVerish unrest, no assurance for
the future of business and human affairs
The responsibility upon the Government Of
the united States, both the Senate and the
executive Department. is tremendolisss It
IS generally agreed that reservations te,sthe
Treaty must be accepted if it is to be rati-
fed by the Senate. 1t appears equally GER
TIA that those reservations must not be de-
structive of the Treaty's vitality if they are
to be approved by the President; and his
approval, be it remembered, is no less req
ulsite than the Senate's. No party to this
issue can afford to stand out for pride of
opinion or for academic doubts No party
can afford to stop short of the limits Of all
reasonable compromise to effect a speedy
ratification.
Lord Grey cut to the core of the matter
..-.. ...