Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1920-10-07
BOrah Hammers
Wilson's Article X
in New Haven Speech

New Haven. Conn, Oct. 6-Sena-
tor Borah tonight made a vigorous
attack on President Wilson's recent
statement on Article x of the Lea
que of Nations covenant. He de-
clared that if this government re-
fused to take up arms to aid a coun-
try in the league which was invaded
by an enemy, "the United States
steps out discredited and dishbnored,
and the seeds of wars are scattered
broadcast"
1.-THE Presidents last letter to the
public informs us that Article X
does not interfere with Congress to
declare war, or not to declare war"
said Senator Borah. II can con-
ceive of but one way that Congress
could get out of declaring war in
case of the invasion of territory of
a member of the league and that
would be to violate and wholly dis
regard the plain terms Of the treaty,
and to rend in pieces the league
covenant itself. The President has
said heretofore upon a very solemn
occasion, that Article X constitutes
a supreme moral obligation upon the
part of our nation. which moral OBJ
legation he declared to be more bind
ing than an obligation of law or con-
tract. Congress is but an agent of
the nation and in refusing to carry
out solem promise, would brand
our whole people with dishoror and
moral turpitude
Are we about to enter into some
KIND OF a monstrous combination in
which supreme moral obligations are
to be disregarded when the exigency
arises? Are we about to enter into a
scheme which we are to carry out at
great and untold sacrifice to our peo-
pie, or refuse to carry out at the cost
OF national honor and national de-
cency? Have we already reached
the point in interna tional debauchery
where we are plainly promising one
thing. and plainly intending to do
another thing, if our interests sug-
gest it? Are we going into a world
WIDE scheme for peace behind which
is the honor Of the nation, or are we
going into European scheme to be
executed as usual under the dictation
OF treachery and duplicity?
If we go into this scheme and the
hour comes when the United States
must choose between the faithful
execution of its treaty OF it's shame
less violation, our people will choose
the path of honor. and execute even
at the cost Of treasure and blood.
We have not yet accepted in this
country the creed of Machiavelli. We
still adhere to the creed of Washing
ton, to observe in good faith all in
ternational obligations.
Il would not of course presume "a
ask the president a question or seek
INN IN debate. but I would like to
know from his associates who helped
him write this creed, that if we ac-
cept Article X. as written, and Rus
STA invades the territory of Japan and
Japan through the council Of the
League calls upon us to furnish
money and men to help to preserve
her territorial integrity and we re-
fuse-what will be the standing OF
this proud republic among the other
nations of the world. and what will
become of the League?
IF we exercise the discretion not
to assist. of course. every other ma
ton will do the same. and this SUI
preme moral obligation is turned at
once into a supremacy Immoral pre-
tense. The United States steps out
discredited and dishonored' and the
seeds of warfare scattered broadcast"