Peonage

Last week, the League of Nations Temporary Commission on Slavery discussed peonage (employment of peons or laborers). The Commission "tended" toward the conclusion that peonage in the Philippine Islands and in some Central American republics "almost" amounts to forced labor and "may" therefore be construed as "partial" slavery.

Said critics: "Had not the U. S. been mixed up in the indictment, the Central American republics would have been denounced roundly. Diplomatic language varies according to the strength of the country to whom it is addressed."