Jasper County Democrat, Volume 23, Number 46, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 September 1920 — GRACE JULIAN CLARKE UPHOLDS WORLD PACT [ARTICLE]

GRACE JULIAN CLARKE UPHOLDS WORLD PACT

Noted Woman Writer Declares. That League Covenant Is Only Guarantee of Lasting Peace. Anderson, Ind., Aug. 30.-*-“The heart of the league of nations covenant is a new international commandment, ‘Thou shalt not steal,’ ” Mrs. Grace Julian Clarke said this afternoon in an address given on the league of nations before a large audience here. Mrs. Clarke, who was formerly head of the State Federation of Women’s clubs, is speaking for the Democratic party throughout Indiana on the league and its importance as an agency for international peace. Mrs. Clarke has always been nonpartisan in her political viewpoint until the* present, campagln. She says that the position taken by the Republican party on the league of nations has forced her from nonpartisanship. “The league covenant,” Mrs. Clarke said, “is not an abstruse and involved document but very clear and simple. It Is quite capable of comprehension by the average person," | -v :£.'»*-*• ■ r** She examined the provisions of the league constitution under four heads: reduction of armament, settlement of International disputes by

arbitration, abolishment of secret treaties and the end of imperialism. Meant Reduction of Armament “Reduction of armaments,” Mrs*. Clarke said, “is provided for under Article VIII. of the league compact. History teaches us that all great wars have resulted chiefly from huge military preparations. We all know that Germany’s huge military equipment and the war party which this militarism developed, was primarily responsible for the world war. Vast armaments have always necessitated enormous taxation; they have withdrawn from production, by conscription, all able-bodied young men, they have nourished a spirit of autocracy and conscienceless greed; and they have developed that destructive lust exhibited by Germany in the late war.” Mrs. Clarke told her audience that limitation of armament is practicable and proved her point by citing the cases of Canada and the United States. Both of these nations have always had a small armament, sufficient merely for the needs of defense, she said, and because of the limitations voluntarily placed upon its army and navy the United States has never developed a spirit of international aggression.

“War must be the last resort in settling difficulties that arise between nations within the league,” Mrs. Clarke said. “Any* controversy between two nations must be submitted to three bodies in turn before the disputing nations may resort to war. These bodies are the council, the assembly and the international court, provided for in the covenant. The machinery of this court is now being established. Forbidden to Declare War “If either nation is dissatisfied with the findings of these bodies it is forbidden, under the league covenant, to go to war for at least three months after the award of the last body has been made. Nearly a year will then have been consumed by the deliberations and the enforced wait. It is evident that a delay of such length will go far toward mollifying the temper of the belligerents.” Mrs. Clarke explained the economic boycott and analyzed its effect. It could be used by the league as a last resort to prevent war, she said, by depriving the belligerents with the supplies necessary to carry on war.

“The object of the league is to preserve peace among the nations by assuming certain obligations that will be binding on all alike,” said Mrs. Clarke. “It does not establish a super-state. It does not commit its members for all time, but only for two years. It does not involve sending of American soldiers to remote regions or sending them anywhere without the consent of congress. It does not destroy the Monroe doctrine, but for the first time in its history the principle is recognized by the nations of the world. It does not given England six votes to our one, for decisions alone are reached by unanimous consent.” Mrs. Clarke stated that In her opinion the only hope of independence for Ireland lies in the league of nations. The speaker has long been identified with work in the interest of peace. At the present time she holds an official position in the League to Enforce Peace.