Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1922-01-30
THE HEIR OF THE CONFERENCE

NJ MoltE encouraging sign of vitality
~ has appeared in the Washington Con
ference than the adoption OF the program
calling for n reconsideration of the rules
OF war The parley Is thus revealed not
merely as an attempt to adjust certain
specific problems. important as these are,
but rs the foundation Of Il new structure
of progress.
The resolution authorizing the formation
OF n commission of jurists to examine that
somewhat amorphous and too often houted
set oi principles known as international law
and to recommend changes in the existing
code is at once n confession that the meet
ing failed TO pursue n tremendous subject
TO the end and an indication that the ses-
sions have been but step in the ascent of
civilization.
Unsteady international conditions rem
dcrcd almost impossible comprehensive
revision of the so-called regulations govern.
ing the instruments Of warfare. There has
been a formal dsapproval Of the use Of
poison gas and Of the operation of sub
marines against merchant ships. But air.
planes and aerial bombing still are to n
considerable extent unfettcred, and no check
upon | boat construction has been applied.
fortunately. however. temporary cir
CumstanCes have not been allowed TO con-
sutute barrier against ultimate reform.
The commission. which will be composed Of
two members from the United States. Great
Britain, France, Italy and Japan rcspec.
uNelE, Will be named within three months
after the adjournment of the present Com
ference. Notice Of the appointment of dele
gates must be sent TO the Government of tbc
United States at that time. after which, fol-
lowing due consultation with the Powers,
the II nited States will nix the day and place
OF the first formal meeting Of the repre-.
sentatives.
This is definite and, among honorable
nations, an unacceptable program. After
enlisting the services of experts on inter
national law and land. naval and aerial
warfare. the commission shall make known
Its findings 10 the member Powers. and
these nations shall confer upon the report
ana the course 10 be adopted with respect
TO other Governments.
In these fundamentals there is the pros
pect Of another international conference
vastly wider in scope than the contemporary
parley. II is permissible also TO indulge the
hope that the aftermath Of the World War
will be less embarrassing than at the pres
ent moment.
Whether any cooperation with the
League of Nations will result is a matter
Tor speculation. Ono of tho salient objects
OF the international society formed at Paris
IN l0l3 is the elimination of obviously bar.
barrie methods from warfare
Stern logic!ans may assert that there is
an element Of faIlacy in efforts to modify
war by an organization designed 10 abolish
war. The reasoning might apply did the
League pretend TO have found a remedy for
international strife,
Cnquestionab!y It IS IN pursuit Of such
cure, but its very machinery clearly implics
its intention 20 serve az a potential pre-
ventive, limited, Of course, by human frail-
ties. The League has lately refralncd from
vigorously prosecuting its campaign against
the saYagHry of armed bClligcrents in defer
ence TO prospective accomplishments Of the
Arms conference. II is nov demonstrated
that both the fvc- Power commission and
the Geneva League are in quest Of similar
ideal. Only th" blindcst prejudice can OBJ
struct reciprocity Betwcon two organiza-
tons working on similar lines.
Very properly the Washington Conference
has busted itself with imnrdiate issues
lending themselves 10 categorical accommo-
dation But by looking beyond these it has
exhibited the kind Of vision that makes for
world bcttcrment.
In effect the conclavc has pcrpetuated
itself in naming successor. From this
may spring other heirs. There IS no hint
OF atrODhv n suph Stntesu,auChir