Evening star., 1938-01-09


The Argument for the Resolution:
SEvENTYTHREE PER CENT of the people of this country
favor the Ludlow resolution If this is
truly democracy. the wishes of those per should
prevail The proposal which in form another has
been before Congress for decade should
once that the people, through their State Legislatures
may vote it. The world situation
longer general public vote this device for preserving peace
I'VE the people should have the whether
or not to enter for those pay
in blood and treasure The decision peace
not be in the hands of single man-he
powerful he already be in getting involved foreign
affairs Nor should it be in the hands Of few hundred
IN Congress assembled For Congress is too convenient
target for hghpowered propaganda organized
interests foreign as well domestic.
Parts Of an Automatic Machine.
Although Congressman in Washington are theoretically
In position to be better informed than the man in Main
Street and although presumably atned wishes
constituents they too frequently but parts
machine 1t is not difficult to imagine situation
party power during grave domestic political or
economic crisis would seek foreign either diversion
or as step to dictatorship It has happened abroad
happen here
The main objection the Ludlow resolution that
would put us on record pacis country" unwilling
ngnt Foreigners would despse US" 1t Is argued.
not too proud to fight attacked ask refer
endum IN case any other North American country
are invaded All want to the sentiment
not opposed to all the military and naval defense
necessary to prevent invasion going to send
conscrped American armies to die in Europe Asia South
America first want know those Americans views on
the war in question The American people put
into war against their wishes.
Could Keep Our Self Respect.
1t argued that the proposed referendum amendment
would hamper foreign policy that today the
being able to back its position respect
abroad but that would be greatly embarrassed foreign
nations knew that people must be consulted
before resort to force We hold foreign will not
lightly regard Americas selfrespec simply
must be put before the people referendum provision is far
from identical with Foreign dictators of
rdicue the idea of deciding war; Naturally
they do not want their people to see
now great democracy solves the problem posed arsts
and imperalss
There too, those who hold that the mere debate
OF this question by the American people will influence aggor
nations to believe that strong hand by the United
IN matters affecting American interests likely be
repudiated at home Admittedly dictaors abroad know that
7s per cent Of our people want the vote
peace sentiment does not interfere with protection
interests as witness the demands Toxic following the
bombing.
War Is . Momentous Decision
The question Of foreign to be rushed
into pele There good reason why when threatens
referendum should not be taken Time obstacle
the voters too literae informed to know our
own minds to foreign in which
With modern means of communication referendum
the vital question of foreign be taken within
days. perhaps within 4s hours would be almost rapid
vote of Congress The communication facilities
made the dissemination Of that the average c
today far better informed
generation We neither need Congressman
substitute for in passing this question
Some oppose the warreferendum plan because
Secretary Hull and former Secretary smson do regard
Is wise practicable We prefer accept the Endorsement Of
the late Secretary Frank B. Kellogg, Maj Gen. Snedey D.
Butler and others equally qualified to judgment In 1924
the Democratic Convention. including delegates
Roosevelt Garner, Hull Pttman Swanson Farley A.
Johnson etc. unanimously approved the principle
referendum.
Element Of Surprise Attack Discounted.
Again, it is protested that while a referendum being
held foreign aggressor could launch successful surprise
attack against There ample military evidence
to the effect that the United satessheered by
could be invaded only with the greatest dncuty Navy
being more than ample for defense requirement No
vital blow from submarines aircraft could be struck against
this country during the period Of referendum and blow
at ALL since it would constitute attack would under
referendum plan automatically switch the issue into the
hands Of Congress- since the plan exees Of American
sef-defense
The suggestion that the voters have not enough infoma
ton to ntegeny decide the vital question Of
peace inconsistent with the theory Of democracy only
the administration wise enough to decide the question Of
foreign then dictatorship by in all other basic matters
would seem to be the logical sequitur.
Important Function Of Democracy.
Nothing is suitable democracy than that the
voice OF the people should make itself felt in vital questions
That proposal not enough to condemn
instrument Of "Old" devices keep out Of futile
foreign have not proved perfect Congen who vote
In public often contrary their own convictions A
secret referendum vote BY the pecp would record their true
senments their decision u not wiss that of Con-
ssss, teu hs psopb WIN havs soH hsnsavss to haas.