New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1920-08-04
Misrebresentdtion"
Harding Speech Interpreted as That
of an "IrcconcilabIe"

Harding Speech Interpreted as That
of an "Lrreconcilablc"
To the Editor of The Tribune.
Sir: In your editorial Of July 27 en-
titled Misrepresentation" you insist
that Mr.. Harding has not repudiated
the league principle"
You are quite right. Mr. Harding
and the Republican platform are for a
league. The platform calls for "an
association of nations in the interest
OF peace" and Mr.. Harding promises
US that hoped-for world relationship
which shall satisfy both conscience and
aspirations and still hold us free from
menacing involvement" and later. "an
association of nations cooperating in
sublime accord to attain and preserve
peace through justice rather than
1orce," while Senator Lodge would not
object to "an agreement with other
nations for the extension of the Hague
conventions,' etc.
No, indeed, Mr.. Harding, Mr.. Lodge
and the Republican platform do not for
moment repudiate the idea of "a
league although they prefer to call
their idea "a new relationship" "a
conservation" and "a fraternized con-
science"
what they do repudiate is the League
of Nations, and, what is more cour
ageous, even the very reservations for
which Lodge fought and bed, and for
which Harding, as you so admiringlv
INSIST, twice voted Mr.. Harding is
now self-confcssed irrcconcilable, with
whatever odium attaches to the name.
Read what he says about the League
OF Nations now in existence and YOU
will have to admit that he is onnosod
to 1T, root and branch. 1t is "a mill
tary alliance, which menaces peace and
threatens all freedom, instead of add
ing to their security" (the nations who
have joined). at was conceived for
world super government and negotiated
IN misunderstanding" He rejoices that
we have been rescued from it's dangers
IN these words; "If the supreme blum
der has left European relationships in
extricably interwoven in the league
compact, our Sympathy for Europe onlv
magnifies our own good fortune in re-
slsting involvement"
And Senator Lodge thinks 1--WE can
help other nations FAR better if we are
Tree and untrammeled and do not per-
NIT our strength and our resources to
De wasted and worn away and the lives
OF our young men sacrificed in end
less hostilities with which we have no
concern"
NO, Mr.. Harding and Senator John
son see eye to eye in spite of the kindly
efforts of the Harding apoogists, for
1t must not be forgotten that Senator
johnson in Chicago was just as insist
ent as Mr.. Harding is now that he must
not be quoted as opposed to "a league"
Nor should it be forgotten that SEN
ator Lodge Informed the Committee on
Resolutions in Chicago that he would
hight IN open convention any plank
that attempted to indorse the league
as amended by the Republican Senate
reservations. The issue is perfectly
clear, and the Republican party cam
not obscure it, much as it may wish to.
The platform, as interpreted by the
Senate leader and the Presidential cam
dldate is frank reputation of the
league now in existence. Endorsed by
twenty nine nations, and at whose re-
quest, under Article XIV Of the cove
nant, Elihu Root has recently helped
so admirably to frame an international
court of justice. This league, the Re
publican nominee, if elected, will have
to persuade the governments Of TWEEN
ty-nine nations to abandon.
1t will be interesting to see in the
course of the campaign just what he is
going to pledge this country to substi
tute for it.
EDITH PERCY MORGAN.
Stockbridge, Mass, July 81, 1920.