The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1921-12-04


with Julius H. Barnes. who. in public ad-
dress during the Senate debate. said the covenant
should have stopped with the first six articles pro-
viding only for organization and have left the law
for its government to have been growth
the product OF the development OF international
needs, after the of the British constitution
Neither is The Herald admrer Of Woodrow
Wilson, but long ago quit hating him or any
one else. Hating is the most degrading occupation
in which any can indulge No one can give it
lodging and his fellow men, Nor do we give
our own opinions the weight Of dogma. 1t was
hating Woodrow Wilson and dogmatic opinions
that kept the country OF the league OF nations
Both agencies still the job Yet every day
both the conscience and we'll being Of America are
making the job the harder. and every day the in
evtable IS made clearer even to hostile minds.
Whether President Hardings recent expression
as to an association of nations coming as result
OF the present conference, was hope, an express
sion OF matured purpose or but passing remark
1t indicates the direction OF everyones thought.
Indeed the one most emphatic result of the con-
terence has been to nail down the fact that con-
terences can initiate, but only alliances or world
- them continuous operation.
Moreover, it does matter two figs whether
1t would be the present league of nations as it
must be II anything, or a association of ma
tons; whether this covenant, or wholly one
or this one with reservations, Woodrow Wilson's
name will be interviewer with it. No one can help
this; not a unanimous vote of the United
States Senate could change it. The idea was not
Mr.. Wilson's, but he made it his own and gave it
Of OnIv tie h,,+b H.,
had the chance to catch the imagination OF the
world. AS prominent member of the Republican
party recently said in this same connection: at !,
not possible to kill ideaist" There are a lot of
people in this country who might we'll stop try
ing to do this impossible thing, but instead be the
to adopt the ideal the practical uses OF the
world
1t Theodore Roosevelt who said he be-
heved in all radical proposals, but that all such
should be put in effect by conservatives
Why deny phase to the Woodrow Wilson ideals?
Why not rather put them through the mills OF con-
servatism to gain their usefulness No man is
more excusable than another for making dogma OF
his opinions There mighty few ideals which
have any practical value, if left in the raw.
Just the hint OF a possible, probable something
which might eventuate, formed a sensation in con-
ference circles which spread instantly showing the
workings in the backs of the heads of national lead
ers, diplomats observers, correspondents and the
world OF newspaper readers. There was rush for
being covered by the tremendous.
reaction. 1t discovered that what was in mind
at all like the league of nations but an
association without any constitution; just an invita-
ton for the boys to come over" for cup OF
and smoke talk things over without agenda
presiding officer. secretary dues. If no one
came, no offense. Also what in mind
several other nnocuous matters like other conference
meetings, until it all became a passing remark in
general conversation having portent, no portion
OF prophecy. measure OF insipuation If not
closed incident it may be because the spirit
OF the times is for the open door
Yet some weeks ago a Washngtonan. for years
head OF newspaper bureau and close observer,
John Pierce Miller, suggested something wholly
new as substitute for league or association of
nations. This all-inclusve treaty OF
and navigation, a sort of blanket, stand
ardized treaty governing trade relations and trade
rights to be signed by all nations Each nation
-negotates treaties OF this kind with all other
tons These would be replaced by this for all
and all for the
Not Mr.. Borah would consider this a
render of sovereignty, alliance, entange-
ment Yet it would bring all nations together
der single, common agreement. Naturally they
would come together periodically to consider
changes asked by governments and when
good fellows get together there is no knowing
what they will talk about besides the regular order
OF business. AS Mr.. Miller says wars come from
trade rivalries and ambitions, from commercial
strife and the effort to absorb advantage Such
standard treaty might denature trade commerce
and the scramble for advantage of their marian
factors.
1t would not interfere with the league of ma
lions. though such treaty might well be product
of it. 1t would be universal treaty, and would in
the end but further illustrate the unity of nations
and the refusal of the United States to enter the
league was but postponement, putting off Of the
day OF recognition that getting and giving are cause
and effect, no matter in which order they follow,