JOIN THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, Issue 18084, 30 June 1924, Page 9

JOIN THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS.

Mora! Duty of Unit-ad States. NATIONAL- ITEFERE-HOUM l-'G-O.- o££D. By Cable—Press .4*swiatiou —Copyright, (Received p.m., dune 29.) NEW YORK, June 28. 'Tlie proposal ior a national referendum on the question of the United States membership in the League or Mat-ions vCas approved by tire Platform Committee of the Democratic Convention, by 34 votes to 1(5. DECISION OF DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION. UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY OFFERS AMERICANS, By Calls—Pusss Asso-riallaa—Copy right, (Received 6,5 p,m,, June 20,) YVASHLWtuN, June 28. The compromise plank with reference to tho League el Nations is causing endless Controversy, The plank states; "The Democratic Party pledges all its energies to outliving the whole War system. We refuse to believe that flic wholesale slaughter of human beings on the bnUleiicki, is more necessary to man’s highest development, than killing by individuals. The only, hope of world peace and economic recovery, lies in organised efforts by tho nations combining to remove the cause of war, and substituting law and order for violence. Under Democratic leadership, a practical plan will be devised, under which fifty-four nations are now operating and have been fot the past four years, while the United States Government lias had no foreign policy, consequently it has delayed the restoration of political and economic conditions, which have impaired selfrespect at home, diminished prestige abroad, curtailed foreign commerce, and \ ruined agriculture. It is ot supreme importance to civilisation and mankind that America be placed on the right side on the greatest moral question of all times. The Democratio Party declares: “The next Administration should do v aii in its power to secure that moral leadership in the family oi nations, which in the province ol God we are called upon to assume. ‘‘There is no substitute for the League of Nations aB an agency,, oper- i ating for world peace; therefore we declare, in the interest of peace, we will establish a permanent foreign policy, under which these supreme questions will be settled, and not subject to change.” The Party declares: “As it is wise and necessary to remove this question • from party politics, we take a census of the American People, by a referendum, advising Congress; free of all contentious and . political questions: . "Shall the United States become a member of the League of Nation*, under such reservations to. the Covenant. -of. -the League as the United States may care to establish?”

“Immediately upon an affirmative vote, we will carry out such .mandate. The fight over the League of - Nations has consumed more time than . any other plank.” Mr Newton Baker (Secretary for War under President Wilson) held out to the last for an unequivocal stand with reference to the' United States entering the League. Mr William Jennings Bryan made, a strong plea for a referendum. Ho wanted to make it possible - for every Republican to vote for the League, irrespective of how lie might vote in November. He wanted to get, a vote of the American people, that would force the Republican Senate .to carry out Democratic principles in the League.