South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1920-10-17

Throughout the discussion Of the
League Of Nations there has been a
persistent disposition on the part of
those who have opposed the coven-
ant, or who have desired funda-
mental notifications Of it as a con-
dition OF Americas acceptance, 10
comment upon the course followed
by the president and TO attribute
the disastrous debate and inaction
OF the senate TO an alleged unwill-
ingneSs on his part to recognize the
right OF the senate to advise and
consent to the making OF treaties.
To the extent that this controversy
is n mere squabble on the part or
the senate about its dignity, II is
beneath contempt.
The issues Of human life and hap
piness, the consequences TO Amer
ica and TO the world, are too great
10 permit anybody TO discuss seri-
ously such questions; but the facts,
when candidly examined, show that
the presidents course has from the
beginning been both consistent and
courageous. and before examining
the merits Of the covenant and the
interest and duty Of America with
degard to II, 1 draw your attention
TO some circumstances which may
have become dim in your recollec-
ton under the obscuring tide of
abuse, accusation, and partisan
frenzy which has practically sub
merged the real issue presented by
the treaty and the covenant.
Conditions When War Began.
The world war began in Europe
In the fall OF 1914. Characterized
by increasing ferocity, IL daily be-
came more terrible IN its destruction
IL
world, civilized and unciviliZed, be
came involved in the struggle the
industry Of the world was diverted
from useful pursuits into the exclus-
i've production OF munitions OF war;
old men and women were drafted
into the great armies TO replace the
slaughtered youth OF the old world:
established governments were over
thrown; the bonds Of social order
were dissolved: and. while battle
slew thousands. petilence and star
walton did 10 death tens Of thou
sands, most Of them women and
children, in all the countries OF the
old world The conscience Of
America was shocked and pity gave
place TO indignation that the states
men Of the world had been able TO
devise no effective arrangement 70
prevent wars OF passion and sur
prise.
We were as yet not involved in
the otherwise general destruction,
but the human instincts, as well as
the practical genius, Of our people
demanded everywhere that we
should be helpful in relieving the
hideous distress caused by war, and
that we should use our greatness
and our leadership among the ma
lions OF the earth 20 assure man
kind against a recurrence OF the
catrastrophe when once this bloody
struggle could be brought 70 an
end.
League Movement Starts.
There were among US peace So
cieties. like those endowed by Mr..
CHM OF Boston and Mr.. Carnegie.
There were other associations.
sometimes religious and sometimes
purely humanitarian in their prin-
ciples OF fellowship, which had for
years been seeking by one process
and another TO insure permanent
peace based upon institutions which
would work out international rela-
tons by arbitration and high courts
Of international justice.
The difficulty Of establishing such
relations was. therefore. we'll known,
anu III tAAI bA- "a N-NA -Aa~g S~N44ANN- Alt-
superable by reason OF racial an
tagonisms. commercial and dynastic
aspirations, and traditional national
policies.
In 1915. however. the fire OF war
appeared 10 have purged out much
OF the dross OF selfishness from the
world. the hungry mouths and
stricken hearts OF men and women
everywhere cried for peace. and in
the presence OF the tragedy OF the
world its old ambitions and selfish
purposes seemed profane and i'm