Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-06-19
JOHNSON ATTACKS
PACT AS UNFAIR
London Treaty Endangers
u. S. Defense and Imper-
lis Commerce, He Says.

Continued From Page B-i2)
believe We should not yield to pressure,
and some of us are still thinking of
the generations that come after us!
Americans may determine with whom
the honors rest among officers of the
Navy who have testified upon the Lon
don treaty few took their position
in good faith we aSSume-where the
road may lead to favors and prefer
ment To their undying honor be II
said the great majority in the proper
ton of five to one, of the officers OF
the United States Navy have gone the
difficult road of opposition to influence
and power and have dared tell the
truth. even at the expense of being de-
rided by a Secretary of State. Ana,
after all, who best knows about
technical treaty such as this? We
maintain with pride our splendid Acad-
envy at Annapolis. where men are edu-
Gated in naval knowledge and for COM
mand upon the seas. Upon graduation
some devote their lives to the profess
sion for which the Government has fit
ted them. These. grown old in service,
recognizing but the one flag, with
thought single to their cOuntrys well
fare and protection. tell us how to be-
ware. would halt us on an emotional
brink. where we find ourselves in part
because of our feelings and in part be"
cause of our politics; and should We
not heed the warning of these men to
whom we intrust the Nations safety IN
time of peril? Who makes wars? Our
Secretary of State would imply our
<naval officers. Not so. Our country
has fought many wars, and every one
of them has been dictated by civilian
officials-never by naval officers.
Cites Stfmson's Demand.
The Secretary of State demands i'm
mediate ratification. He asserts that
the consequences of delay would cause
the treaty to be a matter OF political
discussion this year, and that what he
terms irresponsible Misrepresentation
and a spirit of international suspicion
and ill will would be a part of every
political canvas. This is the argument
made by every foe of democracy. There
never has been a piece of legislation
which could not stand detailed Scru-
afny but what its friends always in
sisted that 1t was of little consequence
and should be Immediately passed and
got out of the way. And today this Is
+, the specious plea most often heard in
Nhe Congress for immediate ratification.
It is an argument ever to beware of in
leRlSldLlOD, Out Wiltl IL dOuCQ W ~ NllC
statement that the treaty may be dis
cussed with our people and. therefore,
should be ratified before that discus
sion is possible, men who believe in the
people and their right to govern should
instantly repudiate it. I express my
humble opinion that the demand for
immediate ratification and for no delay
Is not fear that this treaty may become
q part of a political campaign, but
fear that it may not become part of
the ensuing political campaign. 1t is
a treaty that was made, not because of
its merits. but because by certain people
att was deemed necessary to have a
treaty. It becomes thus a political
treaty for use in the domestic politics
of the Nation. would take it out of
politics, If had the power, by post
poning its consideration until after
election. Not only would this take 1t
from the political arena and not permit
1t to be used as buffer and an alibi