New-York tribune., 1920-11-21
Weeks Debates
Prove League
4 Vital Force
Delegates Demonstrate Pur-
pose to Make World AS
sociaiion Il Zeal Factor
in Preserving Peace
All Hope for U. 5. Aid
Spirit of Naiionalism Still
Exists, but Makes Some
Concessions to Progress
BY Arthur S. Draper
Sncc.oL cnh,o 10 rhc Trlbun.

Copyrisht. 1890. New York Tribune Inc.
GENEVA. Nov 2O.-After a week S
observation it is possible 10 draw q few
general deductions regarding the first
assembly ot the League of Nations,
which is expected to remain in session
FOR three or four more weeks.
The league threatens to grow in in
fuence faster than most persons
anticipated and some desired.
America VIII be disappointed if it
expects to find some deserters from
this league to another association
with a similar object.
Practically every one Of the forty
one member states is keenly anxious
TO have America join this league, for
it is d question OF this league or no
league
A large majority Of the countries
would welcome an application for
membership by Germany. This,
however, is not likely to be made
as long as the French threaten to
withdraw if Germany is admitted
This international conference, which
many thought would only be harm
less debating society, has about il an
air of reality. 1t gives signs of vi
tality and offers promise Of developing
into real association OF free nations
united with the common purpose Of
preserving world peace.
Old Order Makes Concessions
The old order stin persists. but it is
feeling the pressure for a change from
.he time-worn procedure OF interna-
tional diplomacy and is gradually max
ing concessions to the new order. On
the other hand. it would be inaccurate
20 say that the spirit Of International
sm predominatcs. for natiOnallsm stllt
dominates the assembly.
The outstanding figure OF the as
sembly thus lar j. Lord Robert Cecil,
who appears as the representative OF
South Africa, but who, in reality, voices
the sentiments Of large body Of Eng
lshmen He lacks ne oratorical abll
itv of Niviani and the magnetism Of
Lloyd George, but his sincerity IS be
yond question and his honesty is not
without appreciation.
The Swiss President, Giuseppi Moda.
has intervened in the discussions 20
press the point that the true task of
thn league IS to establish universal
peace, and that neutrals who were not
parties TO the Treaty OF Versailles have
little interest in tie question OF the
distribution OF the spoils Of the World
War. Neutral delegs tes have shown a
certain degree Of caution, 0ut Branting,
OF Swc.en; Nansen. Of Norway, and
others have intimated that they are not
quite satisfied with che policy of the
council asst year and they are inclined
- support Cecil's advice TO De just and
FEAR not.
Barnes Plain Speaking Approved
George Nicoll Barnes. Of England
speaking Tor labor. shocked some by his
Trankness in discussing the Polish
Russian War and the position of Ger
sauny. bu, tre majority Of the delegates
welcomed his plain speaking. In the
assembly are distinguished statesmen
o. ripe diplomatic experience and
~rained parllamertar ans, such as Bal
foar, Bourgeois, Nlviani. Tittoni, Ishii
s!--s Hymans, to mention only a few
Until the assembly met these states
men, most Of whom are member Of
Tho council, ran the league along on
setvative lines. They made o radical
departures and they followed the old
lines Of diplomatic procedure. Now
they are faced by a group Of radicals
composed Of men who care less about
precedent and more about progress.
The first fight between these groups
came up over the matter O. publicity
and the old school had to yield. but
not to the extent Of full. open diplom-
acy. Nevertheless it was notable
concession which it made and others
are bound to follow in the coming
weeks
The nationalist spirit dictates the
actions Of most Of the interested pow
ere and nothing else is possible as long
as the character OF man remains what
It IL, but those who are advocating
national interest viii improve with the
improvement Of International condi-
tons which arc making satisfactory
mead way. They have a strong argument
IN Europe where the instability Of
foreign exchange is paralyzing inter
national ccyo,o,~co