Indiana daily times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1914-1922, 1920-06-28


the security Of small nations and the
safety OF the world
Every war between nations that has
ever been fought began in an attempt 80
seize foreign territory or 20 invade po-
nucel Independence; IL, in 1914, Ger
many had known that IN the event OF
hostilities, Great Britain would have en-
tered the war; that France would go in /;
that Italy would go In; that Japan wonld
80 In, and that the Unietd Staes would
go IN, there-would have been no war.
The opponents OF the treaty cry out
shall we send our boys abroad to set
lie political quarrel In the Balkans -
Immediately, the uuthinking applaud and
tue orator records n momentary tri-
umph Have we forgotten that that IS
precisely what America has already
donef Have VIC forgotten that we sent
more than 100000 men To- France. spent
more than twenty billions or dollars aud
sacrificed nearly 10000 lives 10 settle q
Balkan dispute2
There was a controversy between Ser
bia and Austria. Territorial questions.
political rights and boundary lines were
Involved. The crown prince Of the house
of Austria was assassinated A little
flame OF war licked up into the powder
house OF Europe, and in moment the
continent was in flames. 1t took all the
power or civilization 10 put out the ron
hagration. How idle TO inquire whether
we wish to send our boys 20 settle no
litical disputes in the Balkans
II is extraordinary that men should
waste our time and yex our patience
by suggesting che fear that we may be
forced into future wars while forgetting
entirely that America was forced into
this greatest Of all wars No league OF
nations existed when we entered the
war. and Il was only when we formed
In haste, I'm the midst Of battle. q league
or friendship, under unified command
that we were able TO win this war. This
association OF nations, held together by
n IA nm nh fatfpv h.
victorious conclusion, dictated the terms
Of the armistice and formulated the
terms Of peace. IL such a result could
Ice achieved by an informal and tempo
rary agreement why should not the as
ISOLATION be continued In a more definite
and binding form? What plausible rea-
son can be suggested for wasting the
one great asset which has come out OF
the WARP How else shall we provide for
International arbitration? How else shall
we provide for permanent court OF
international justicef How else shall we
provide for open diplomacy? How else
snall we provide safety. from external
aggression How else shall we provide
for progressive disarmament? How else
shall we check the spread Of bolshey-
ismf How else shall industry be made
safe and the basis OF reconstruction Cs-
tabllshedl How else shall society be
steadied so that the processes OF heal.
Ing may serve their benehcent nuruosef
until the critics of the league offer a
better method Of preserving the peace
or the world, they are not entitled to
one moments consideration in the forum
or the conscience of mankind
Not only does the covenant guarantee
Justice for the future but It holds the
one remedy for the evils of the mast AS
1t stands today, war is the one way in
which America can express it's sympathy
for the oppressed of the world The
league OF nations removes the conven-
tional shackles of diplomacy Under the
covenant, IL is our friendly right to pro-
test against tyranny and to act al coun-
sci for the weak nations now without an
effective champion.
LEAGUE OF NATIONS
ALREADY IN EXISTENCE.
The republican platform contains a
vague promise to establish another or q
different form of association amongst ma
lions of Il tenuous and shadowy char
acter. Our proposed co-partners in such
a project are unnamed and unnamable.
It Is not stated whether 1t is proposed to
invite the nations that have established
the present league to dissolve it and to
begin anew, or whether the purpose is to
establish new association of a competi-
tive character, composed Of tho nations
that repudiated the existing league. The
devitalizing character OF such an expe-
dent requires no comment Fatuous fu-
tility could be carried no farther There
Is no mental dishonesty more transpar-
ent than that which expresses fealty to
league Of nations while opposing the only
league of nations that exists or is ever
apt to exist Why close our eyes to ac-
tual world conditions? A league of ma
tions already exists. 1t is not a project,
1t is a fact. We must either enter 1t or
remain ont of it,
What nations have actually signed and
ratified the treaty?
Brazil, Bolivia Great Britain, Canada,
Australia. South Africa, New Zealand,
India, Czecho- Slovakia Guatemala Lii
IBERIA, Panama, Peru, Uruguay, Siam.
Greece, Poland, Japan, Italy France and
Belgium.
What neutral states, invited to join the
league. have actually done so?
Norway, Venezuela, the Netherlands,
Denmark Colombia, Chile, Argentina,
Paraguay, Persia, Salvador, Spain, Swe-
den and Switzerland
Even China will become a member
when she ratifes the Austrian treaty.
Germany has signed and is preparing