The evening herald. [volume] (Albuquerque, New Mexico) 1914-1922, 1920-10-14
JUDGE LEAHY MAKES
TELLING ARGUMENTS
AGAINST THE LEAGUE
Wins Crowd in Debate at
Las Vegas With Vim.
]. Lucas

- " ~ FNHAAH
LAS VEGAS. Oct. i4.-Last night
at the Gem theatcr Judge David J..
Leahy. speaking in debate with At
torney william J. Lucas OF Las Vegas
delivered probably the most brilliant
and convincing argument against the
league of nations that has ever been
heard here. The meeting was under
the auspices OF the League OF Women
Voters. a non-partisan organization
OF Las Vegas. whom Judge Leahy
complimentcd especially upon having
been able to get out not only more
women but more men than he had
eve seen before nj n political gather
ing In this city. The entrance was
even packed with men and women
standing and atfaining their necks in
an effort TO see the speakers and
hear their remarks.
Mrs. Higgins. president OF tho
League OF Women Voters, presided
ably over the meeting an. introduced
the speakers, pointing out the earnest
hope OF the League That every posi-
bic phase Of the league OF nations
question might be brought to the at
tcntion OF its members. Mr.. Lucas
spoke first. explaining that he did not
speak as the representative OF n
party, but rather as n who was
willing to submit his own analysis
and conclusions on n vital issue OF the
day. His remarks were c~ommondable
for their apparent sincerity and for
thelT lack OF exaggeration and FOR
their u~ndoubted aim 10 present the
matter fairly. Most Of the usual
arguments for tho league were pre-
scented. Mr.. Lucns also quoted from
an opinion returned by n commission
Of the national bar association stating
that article ten could not he in
terpreted as being contrary to he
constitution In regard to the right
Of congress to make war. His re-
marks were well, though not hilari-
ously, received.
when Judge Leahy was introduced
the crowd iimbered up somewhat
and gave him n good round OF APP
plause. After urging upon the women
the Importance OF Identifying them-
selves actively with party or an
other in. order that their influence
might be felt In the matters Of plat
form and policy as well as In the
actual election, Judge Lcahy took
from his pocket u copy OF the text
Of the league covenant. copied ex-
tVaets from The Congressional Rec
ord, quotations from official press
statements OF President Wilson, cer-
lain definitions from Webster, quo
tatlOnR from Reed, Hoke Smith INC
many other influential democrats, all
of which he used to condemn the
league and It's sponsors out OF their
own mouths.
The Issue. he said, vas one Of Ann
crlcanism only and should never have
been made a party issue, thereby con-
demninR patriotic p%artisans either to
desert their party standards or ia
support the league contrary to theii
conscientious ideals Of Americanism.
The republican party, he said. did not
seek the issue, but since II has been
made an issue there can be no doubt
hat the republican party Will be
found pretty thoroughly with the
declaration OF independence as OPP
posed to the league. He, however,
wished to be heard as an American
citizen, and pardoned. II overZealous
because OF his deep feeling that the
issue was one Of patriotism.
He was roundly applauded dozens
Of times during the course OF his re
marks and that so thoroughly dc
ne present the matter, that the crowd
did not wait, at his conclusion. fol
amy remarks In rebuttal, o ever
for the dismissal remarks by Mrs
UlgEins. The sentiment OF the audi
ence in leaving was not hard TO per.
ccivo. They were against the league
No reference was made TO stat,
politics In any way Whatsoever. 4
great number OF women were presen
as well as practically avery prom
inent Las Vegan Of either party
The United States, Great Britain
ernIssna On mar cont nj