Jasper County Democrat, Volume 23, Number 74, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 December 1920 — THE IRRECONCILABLES [ARTICLE]

THE IRRECONCILABLES

The action of Argentina in withdrawing itp delegates from the assembly of the league of nations is generally regarded as indicating nothing of grave importance; nothing more, perhaps, than that Argentina was somewhat unfortunate in her choice of delegates, sending men not skilled in diplomacy and not willing to subscribe to thp principle the opinion of the majority must prevail in any assembly represepting conflicting interests. Withdrawal was the easiest way at hand, and the Argentine delegates took it rather than stay in and fight for their amendments. The principle urged by the Argentines was the right one, though the league thought, and correctly, that the time had not come to apply it. The question was whether Germany should be admitted, as all agree, she ultimately should be. But there is a time for all things, and this is not the time for receiving Germany into full fellowship. For there is grave doubt whether the presenlj government has any pf the elements of

permanehce. The league did not reject the Argentine amendment covering the admission of new states, but only postponed it. The withdrawal of Argentina’s delegation was therefore, a protest not against the rejection of the amendment, but against its postponement If the hand of the league can be forced by the threat of any nation to withdraw if it can not have its own way, it would be quite impossible for the league to do business. “I am sure," said the head of the delegation, "American public opinion is with us in this matter, and I have already received Indication of this in a cablegram from Chicago.” Such a telegram would naturally come from Chicago, whose mayor refused to in an Invitation to Marshal Joffre to visit that citjjr. There are Americans who will approve of this action, but only because they think they see in it a death blow to the league of nations. Senator Borah, for instance, told the Washington correspondent of tfie New Yor£ Times that “the Argentine has started a stampede. All except Great Britain will follow in due course of time.” It was no surprise to Senator Knox, who said; “The inevitable disintegration has begun a littje earlier than I had expected.” Senator Moses said that the senate irreconcilables had known It all the time, and Senator Kenyon echoes President-elect Harding’s statement that the league is deceased by saying, “Let .the dead rest,” It is probable that these senators welcomed an opportunity to say something; after watching the assembly organize and conduct itself about as anticipated at the peace conference. * The defection of Argentina looms large only because it broke the even harmony of a session which was expected to be somewhat turbulent and perhaps to witness the withdrawal of several powers. It certainly gives no reason for the prophesies or boasts uttered by the last ditch senators. About all the irreconcilables have revealed In these statements is that they are forced to reach far and desperately for encouragement in their stand. There is a question as to the of Argentina to withdraw. The covenant provides that any member of the league "may, after two years’ notice of its intention to do so, withdraw from the league, provided all its international obligations and all its obligations under this covenant shall have been fulfilled at the time of its withdrawal.” This section was designed to prevent just such petulant action as that of which Argentina has been guilty. —Indianapolis News.