The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1920-01-15
VIEWS OF OTHER NATIONS

are not keeping informed concerning public sentiment IN eltneI
France or England.
Sentiment in England is divided on the league covenant to
about the same extent it is in this country, but with less cause
since England has six votes in the council to one for the United
States, and also there is lacking in the public prints the violent
language peculiar to some OF our American newspapers.
lie Temps, a Paris newspaper, the most powerful in france
fact it seems that the agitation has been given greater impetus
in this country than any other and that many OF our puoiic-sprited
citizens are more concerned over the tate OF our alles III" "ey
are themselves. For example, lie Temps says:
at has been asserted that the reservations of the American
senate were a disavowal of the work accomplished by the confer
ence at Paris. 1t has been asserted that the United States in this
way will signify their will and intention OF not concerning them
selves either with Europe or the peace. The time has come 70
oppose the truth to this m~ischievous Misrepresentation.
Even il the reservations required that in two or three places
the league of nations be changed-and it can be amended reg
ularly in virtue of article 26-the reservations of the United States
contain nothing which would warrant the allies in rejecting an
American ratification offered under these conditions, The reserva-
tons, on the other hand, contain certain very wise interpretations
which we would have an interest in sanctioning. Let French
opinion, when informed, express itself boldly"
Thus we observe that instead OF becoming a pariah among the
nations the United States senate has rather challenged the admira-
ton OF the people Of France.
Contrary to the desire of the president to make the league
covenant a Solemn referendum" to be determined in the election
in November, with a possibility OF complete defeat and without
prospect for action until some time after March 4, 1921, the London
Times wants the covenant ratified now. Without reference to
political %expediency, about which it may not be informed, the
Times takes the view enunciated by Mr.. Bryan, opposing no
reservations necessary for the safety and freedom OF the United
States or demanded by the provisions of her constitution. On
this subject the Times observes:
1.-THE allies want America to ratify the treaty for many ra-
sons OF the highest moment. They want her to ratfy now; they
want her ratification to have the American people behind it.
They would greatly prefer that she should ratfy the treaty as
her president and her other representatives helped to mold it and
as President Wilson signed it.
They think that ratification as it stands would do most for
the immediate pacification OF a troubled world, for the economic
welfare of mankind, for the development and stability of public
laws, for the adjustment by legal means Of international differ
cnces, for the prevention of future wars, for the spread of civilza-
ton, for the security OF society in all lands, and generally for the
gradual progress toward fulfIlment of the just and generous ideals
for which America came and fought by the side of her sister
democraces.
This is their belief. They believe also that such ratification
Is in the true and abiding interest Of America herself.
but 1t America does not now share this belize, they recognize
without reserve that the right Of decision must be hers. II she
thinks reservations are necessary for her safety and freedom, that
they are demanded by the provisions of her constitution or by the
traditions OF her foreign policy, they will welcome ratification by
her on any reasonable terms.
1--WE feel confident that this is the view of the British people
and we feel almost as certain that it is the view of the French"
The Post is outright opposed to the league and in its anxiety
to further its desire for defeat, attaches a significance to the reser-
vatons which they do not deserve. In other words, it assumes the
senate has vriated the covenant by reservations and is glad of it
and would like to see it drop into deserved oblivion"
After reciting ITS opposition to the league, it takes the view
that the league would be strengthened it the United States should
stay out of it, as the abortve covenant will be separated from the
treaty and be allowed to drop into oblivion" 1t takes the posi-
the covenant as the United States might be expected to balance
Germany" and as to the prospect that the United States will
stay out it says:
"And that is what the United States appears to be going to
do. The senate, III the barbarous but expressive phrase OF Presi-
dent Wilson, has cut the heart out OF the covenant 1t has added
a series OF reservations, the result OF which is to leave America
without any obligation either to support or to obey or even to
remain within the league Of nations.
Now, for our part, we cannot but admire the senate for the
stand that it has taken. 1t has, in fact, taken its stand upon the
independence OF the United States as a sovereign nation, and its
power to look after its own affairs and its own defense. 1t has
also recognized the law OF growth and decay in history, and has
refused to commit itself TO the portentous obligation OF maintain
ing the world as it happens to stand in this present year of grace.
THE United States, if the senate carries its point, will assume
no obligation to preserve the territorial integrity or political in
dependence Of any other country, or to interfere with controversies
between other nations, whether members Of the league Of nations
or not, or employ military or naval forces under any article OF
the treaty Tor any purpose unless by act or resolution Of congress.
Now there is talk Of compromise, and there is the presidential
veto power; that is to say, the president can refer a bill back
within 10 days after its passage, and that bill does not become
law unless it is supported by a two-thrds vote Of both houses
But the president can not force his covenant upon the legislature,
and the legislature does not seem to be in the least inclined to
give way. Unless the unexpected happens, the covenant will only
pass as an ev1scerated and derisory measure. The president, to
be quite candid, is not in a position to deliver his own goods"
Thus do we find the people OF the old world not quite so
dependent upon our good offices as some might have been led
to believe. In the first place there would be no end Of jealousy
engendered among them if the United States should undertake
to minister to that particular part OF humanity that those countries
claim the exclusive RICH. to look after.
Perhaps after all the heshancy manifested BY the United
States in entering the covenant, except with specific safeguards,
has given reinsurance that we seek no advantage and have no wish
10 impose our customs, habits and form Of government upon
other people.