Jasper County Democrat, Volume 22, Number 86, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 January 1920 — THEIR POINTS OF AGREEMENT. [ARTICLE]

THEIR POINTS OF AGREEMENT.

Upon the merits of the treaty of ■Versailles and upon the solemn question of bringing peace to the ■world at the earliest moment, there is complete harmony between President Wilson and William J. Bryan. Both agree that the treaty as approved by the peace conference is the best settlement of the world war that could be compassed; they are one in regarding. the league of nations as a deterrent, if not a sovereign preventive, of another conflict suCh as filled Europe with hate and blood and destruction for four years. It is only' as to the mode of hastening and insuring ipeace that the president and Mr. Bryan differ. President Wilson has no objection to interpretative reservations, bout holds that reservations which weaken the treaty®and alter this country’s obligations after the allies have accepted all its undertakings and commitments, would detach us from our former associates in the war and oiutr prospective partners in the league of nations; would force upon

ns “the unthinkable task of making another and separate kind of peace with Germany,” and would induce another attempt “to crush the new nations of Europe.” Mr. Bryan believes that It is better to accept the reservations which, though impairing the effectiveness of the treaty and the league, would expedite ratification. Mr. Bryan, regretting the failure of ratification thus far, would yield to the senate without first consulting the jieople. President Wilson, equally deploring the senate’s delay, contends that if there is a question whether the tpeople want the treaty and the league of nations without changes or limitations, their veTdict ought to he obtained through a referendum at the polls next November. There is, then, no collision between Mr. Bryan’s and President Wilson's principles. There is no disagreement between them as to the immeasurable importance of bringing peace and preventing wars. They are at variance only as to the

methods of procedure. Democratic leaders who spoke at the Jackson day dinner at which Mr. Bryan was a distinguished guest, —including Senators Hitchcock and Underwood—adhered to the views and recommendations of President Wilson.