"Are ideals confined to this deformed experiment upon a noble purpose, tainted, as it is, with bargains and tied to a peace treaty which might have been disposed of long ago to the great benefit of the world if it had not been compelled to carry this rider on its back?"

Henry Cabot Lodge, a prominent American statesman and a leading critic of the Treaty of Versailles and the League of Nations following World War I, is revealing hesitation and disapproval in this quote. The text reflects Lodge's issue about the compromises and viewed failures of an idealistic vision due to political and diplomatic constraints.

The "deformed experiment upon an honorable purpose" refers to the post-war peace efforts, especially the Treaty of Versailles and the League of Nations, which were meant to foster long lasting peace and avoid future conflicts. Lodge views these initiatives as "deformed," recommending they have been compromised or damaged from their original, honorable objectives. The "noble purpose" is most likely the desire for a steady and serene global order.

His usage of the word "polluted" indicates that these efforts have actually been sullied by political bargaining and compromises, which could dilute the effectiveness and purity of the initial function. Lodge was especially important of how the Treaty of Versailles included different compromises and political plans that, in his view, weakened its possible to maintain peace. This was a common review among those who thought the treaty was too harsh on Germany or poorly structured.

When Lodge mentions "deals and connected to a peace treaty which might have been gotten rid of long ago," he is slamming the entanglements and conditions connected to the treaty. The "peace treaty" here likely refers to the Treaty of Versailles itself. Lodge recommends that they might have reached a much better, more useful arrangement had it not been for these political "deals" and the specific "rider"-- likely meaning particular arrangements or amendments connected to the treaty-- preventing its efficiency.

Overall, Lodge's statement highlights his belief that the perfects of peace and international cooperation were compromised due to political maneuvering, resulting in a flawed and inadequate resolution. His critique shows more comprehensive concerns about how worthy goals can be diminished by realpolitik and the intricacies of worldwide diplomacy.