The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1924-07-04
WHAT BAKER PROPOSED

WHAT BAKER PROPOSED
Text Of Substitute Plank He offered
on the League.
The substitute plank on the League
of Nations offered to the convention
as minority report from the Platform
Committee by seven members, headed
by Newton D. Baker, follows:
INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
The most important problem facing
the nations of the world today is how
to recover from the last war and re-
move the menace of future wars.
The only hope for world peace and
for economic recovery lies in the or
ganized efforts of sovereign nations
cooperating to remove the causes Of
war and to substitute law and order
for violence. Only thus can we out
law war. stop preparations for war
and keep out of war.
Under Democratic leadership prac-
teal plan was devised which fifty
four nations are now operating and
which has for Its fundamental pur-
pose the free cooperation Of all ma
tons in the works of peace.
The leaders Of the Republican party
opposed that plan by gross misrepre-
sensations. They subordinated the
peace Of the world AMI the welfare Of
this nation to doubtful party ad-
vantage. They have not carried out
their promise of substitute. The
Government of the United States,a
which has always taken the lead, hasS
for the past four years. for the first
time In its history, fallen behind in
efforts for international peace and
justice.
This Republican Administration
made one limited effort to reduce the
instruments Of war, but none to reduce
the causes Of war. It has not only
failed to aid, but has delayed political
and economic reconstruction in Eu-
rope. By Sinking responsibility it
has impaired our self-respect at home
and injured our prestige abroad. It
has reduced this great nation to the
role of impotent observer" 1t has
found 1t necessary to use the League
Of Nations, and yet seems constrained
to sheer at and misrepresent 1t. Their
policy Of isolation is as revolving in
its spiritual aspects as 1t is harmful
in its material consequences.
The Republican party has no for
eign policy.
We approve the proposal so repeat
eddy trified with by the Republican
party. that the United States directly
adhere to the Permanent Court of In
ternational Justice established under
the auspices of the League Of Nations.
This proposal. while sound and desir-
able. is. however. but a fragment Of
the complete plan which is necessary
II we are to abolish war and have
economic recovery and stability.
It would better comport with the
dignity and interest Of this great ma
ton to face the question of interna-
tional cooperation frankly and man
fully.
There is no substitute for the League
OF Nations an agency working for
peace. The League of Nations never
meant, and the Democratic party
never favored. any foreign entangle-S
ments," any me6dling in the domes-
tic affairs of others. any impairment
of sovereignty.
The Democratic Party favors men,
bership in that cooperative agency
upon conditions which will make it
clear that we are not committed to
use force, and such further conditions
as the President with the approval
of the Senate may deem appropriate
to make our cooperation effective in
fact and consistent with our constitu-
tional practice.
Under a Democratic Administration
the Government will endeavor TO lift
this great question above PARTISAN
ship and to reflect the best opinion OF
those who place the welfare of the
nation above partisanship. 1t will
pursue a course which safeguards
American interests and conforms to
American traditions, aspirations and
ideals. 1t will cooperate with civiliza-
ton to Danish war.
The Democratic party has foreia
policy.
Mr.. Bakers plank was spo1
also by John G. Cornwell, forme
ernor of West Virginia.; G. P.
burne Of Washington. j. P. PopS
Idaho. Henry w. Dooley of Porto Rico
r. B. Stevens of New Hampshire.
Thomas F. Bayard of Delaware and
Edgar A. Brown of South Carolina.