CHAPTER FIFTY-FIVE 



Beginning with the January, 1919, issue of Sunset, 

 I wrote at the request of the cordial editors, Charles 

 K. Field and Walter V. Woehlke, a series of thirteen 

 articles, *' Problems of the Peace Table," in which I 

 set forth my conception of what ought to be done at 

 Paris in regard to the various world interests at 

 stake. - 



The conception of the League of Nations, " adopted spirit of 

 in principle" on January 25, appealed strongly to ^'" ^'""s*^' 

 me as a hopeful step toward a real association of 

 peoples. The particular wording of the document I 

 considered far less important than the spirit animat- 

 ing it, and the League once thoroughly established, 

 its influence must expand through its own inherent 

 appeal and the loyalties which spring up to support 

 every forward movement. 



The long delay preceding the first draft was dis- 

 couraging, and certain proposed features awakened 

 legitimate criticism. Nevertheless, the Covenant 

 being accepted in good faith, amendment and exten- 

 sion might follow. In April, 19 19, therefore, I gave 

 a number of addresses in its favor. 



The publication of the full text of the Covenant as Covfnant 

 part of the Treaty of Versailles chilled enthusiasm, '""^'^■'"^y 

 This left me but two arguments in favor of ratifica- 

 tion: the instrument provided for its own amendment, 



^ In but one case, that of Ireland, did the final settlement correspond with 

 what I indicated, and that only after a reign of terror. 



n 761 : 



