Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-04-12
"a REVISED LEAGUE"

IN y0GT6 W6fG HV LSoo do ~
and never had been one 1t seems en-
tirely probable there would De asl-
tation ut this time for better meth
cds OF procedure in our international
relations. Bankers who loan money
all over the world seek a machinery
better adapted TO the maintenance OF
peace and prosperity than that when
is now afforded. The idea that war
under existing and probable condi-
tjon5, would be suicidal, SO impressed
on the world prior 10 the armistice,
has not been entirely forgotten. inc
hone of safeguarding against such
calamity is not dead. The partisan
nrciudiccs aroused AT President Will
sons dictation have been somewhat
aflayed. The efforts to establish an
International court have served 10
stimulate the hope for better things.
The controversy now going on re-
spectinS our proposed participation
In the court is involving us IN dis-
cussion of the League although our
assuming a share in the court does
not require 4; to enter the League.
President Harding favors joining
the world court but he resents the
criticism that he is seeking entrance
to the League of Nations by this as
a back door. Manifestly any League
of Nations he would be willing to
ioin would have to be pretty thor
oughly revised" He doubtless is
well t0ormed as to the real work
which the League has so far done.
The public is not. 1t does not swal-
low the eulogcs uttered by the
Leagues boomers but does think
some achievement has been made.
It would like to know definitely re-
specting this from sources entitled to
confidence. We have no doubt the
Senate will insist that If the United
States is to go into this court it must
be in full recognition of our claim for
equal terms, for a right to say as
much about the judges and the pro-
cedure as has England.
Among those who were opposed to
the League is Senator Pepper of
PENNSYLVANIA. Before entering the
Senate he was very pronounced in his
opposition to the League. He now
favors entering it with reservations.
Organization of the world for con-
ferences, urges Senator Pepper. He
believes there are but two ways to
preserve international peace, by CO.
ercion or by conference. and he does
not believe the former will work.
hence he is for the latter. mediation
rather than any supergovernment.
1t is moreover noticeable that some
of the Democratic leaders are show
ms signs of animation. Frank
In Hooscvelt being one Of them.
He announced after recent con-
ference with Mr.. Wilson, though
declaring that he WAS speaking only
for himscl', the opinion that the
.caguc of Nations would soon be
rev lSSu JLyaSuCs
These symptoms may neither be
wholly ascribcd to Clemenceau's plea
nor to that which Lord Robert Cecil
is now making. although those pleas
are havin.. not a negligible appeal.
And when we are asked to consider
the situation as it now exists. and
not as il existed when President Will
son insisted on all or nothing, there
is i" rcasonablencss that appeals to
sense Of fair play Indeed, some go
farther and admit that it perhaps is
best that we did not join tho League.
some o. those who we're go urgent
for US TO swallow Article \ and oil
that arc now saying so. About the
only good argument against re-
viewing the situation is that TO do 50
will inevitably involve the whole
matter in Presidential politics. but
possibly this very thing may prevent
that. We believe President Harding
was not i'll advised in recently dcclar-
ing that when Europe had once more
rightcd herself she would recognize
that no people had dealt more justly
with her than had the United States.
And the events Of the past few years
have clearly demonstrated certain
limitations in International affairs.
those OF the old world and those Of
the new. that II vii! be wise to OBJ
serve and not seek by concerted
world effort to interfere with. 1t
need afford NO criticism Of our pol
icy Of holding aloof from the Wilson
program to discuss the question now
in its new phases. But even SO we
do not believe any plan involving a
,supergovernment will win favor with
the Ann can people. II it can be
demonstrated that a revision OF the
League with this feature omitted
will be practicable we see no occa-
sion to hold aloof.
The big prof1teers in fish is a term