Since then new functions have been gradually added until the chief argument for the League's existence has been almost lost to sight.

The League has been made a convenient 'catch-all' for all sorts of international actions.

At first this was undoubtedly done to give the League something to do, and now it is being done to save it from extinction or from being ignored.
"I am not denying that a common international agent may be a good thing.

In fact the plan has decided merit.

But the organization of the League does not seem to me suitable to perform efficiently and properly these new functions.
"However, giving this character to the League may save it from being merely an agreeable dream.