Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1920-12-18
PRESIDENT ELECT
TALKS With REED,
GERARD AND BRYAN
Holds Democratic "Field
Day" on Front Porch
at Marion.
HARDING AND COMMONER
SPEAK TO PRESBYTERIANS
Nebrsskan Pleads for League of
Nations. but Spurns
Article x.
LINKS CHURCH WITH LEAGUE
Next Executive Says Versailles
Treaty Contained No Concept
OF the Creator.
HARDING AND COMMONER
SPEAK TO PRESBYTERIANS
LINKS CHURCH WITH LEAGUE
Next Executive Says Versailles
Treaty Contained No Concept
Of the Creator.
IBy Associated pressl


MARION, OHIO, Dec. Twin h;a
plan for an association OF nations as
sumins more definite form. Presi-
dent Elect Harding took into his con-
hdcnce today three conspicuous Dem.
"crats. William jennings Bryan.
James w. Gerard and James \. Reed,
and asked their advice and aid in
.ashionsnS program behind which
the nations can unite.
All three came as invited guests OF
he PRESIDENT elect, and their conyer
sations with him were surrounded
win an afr OF warm cordiality. Az
tcrward MIR. Bryan, taking the lead In
expressing qualification at the days
dcvelopments, declared his faith In
MT. Harding as an honest and con-
scientious public servant whom the
whole people would trust
The former Secretary of Mate
also announced that tie had found
himself In agreement with the Presi-
dent-clect on fundamentals" aud
added that he took n hopeful view or
the conferences here to evolve n plan
for world peace.
Mr.. Gerard. II former American am
hassador to Germany and during the
last campaign actively connected
with the Democratic National Com
mittec, joined with AR. Bryan in ex,
pressing satisfaction at the scope OF
the association of nations confer
Reed Reserve. Judgment.
senator Reed reserved Judgment OF
TIE outline OF an association laid be-
forc him by the Preside ant elect. but
declared himself delighted that one
so irreconc!lable opposed to the Yer
vailles covenant and to foreign en-
Engagements generally should have
been invited 10 Mr.. Hardng's council
table.
None OF them would discuss in de-
tan the subjects touched OH in their
talks with the President elect, but
II became known that something more
than scattered collection of sug-
gcstions was offered for their scrutiny.
IL Is understood that although MIR.
liardinG's plan still is far from COM
plete. his talks with leading men
have given him the basis of a scheme
OF world cooperation. which he Is
hopeful will he practicable and ac-
ccptable> to the nation.
In all of his conferences from now
on 1t is expected that opinions will
be sought with view to perfectine
that plan and asccrtaininE how far
1t may be expected to have popular
support. In his talks today Mr.. Hard
ing Is understood to have declared a
particular desire that in the end the
proposal should have no tinge of
partisanship. M
After his conference with Mr..
Bryan. the President-elect accom-
panied his guest to meeting of tho
laymen OF the Marion Presbytery and
delivered from u flag-draped pulpit
a short sermon on the need for a
national reconsecration to the reliEi-
Gus tenets of the fathers. He declared
that In the present world tumult and
IN the search for n way to end war,
no element was SO much needed as q
deep seated religious faith.
Praises Religion.
Il don't intend to come as the
finest examplar OF what we ought to
be- said Mr.. Harding, but I rejoice
in the inheritance of religious be-
lief, and / don't mind saying that +
gladly go to God Almighty for guild
ance and strength in the responsl-
biiitics that are coming to me-"
In the suggestion that the associa-
ton or nations plan be divested of
all partisan color. the presidf: elect
found himself in perfect accord with
Mr. Bryan. who made an active fight
10 Keep the league issue out of the
recent campaign. advocating accept
ance OF the Republican reservations
after 1t became apparent that unre-
served ratification was impossible. It
was not revealed, however, what part
MIR. Bryan recommended for the Ver-
saillcs covenant in the new associa-
ton plan.
II believe that Mr.. Harding is not
only an honest and conscientious
man." said Mr.. Bryan, after the con-
ference, but 1 believe no Is a man
whose whole purpose Is to do what
he believes is best for the American
people.
1T Is not expected of course, that
everybody Will agree as to what is
best. but believe that II a man wants
to do that and IL that Is all OF his
purpose, the people will trust him
and be hopeful"
Bryan Luncheon Guest.
The former secretary was a lunch
cheon guest at tho Harding home, and
Senator Reed was entertained by Tho
President-olcct and Mrs. Harding at
dinner and remained in conference In
Mr.. Harding's offlce until iato at
night.
AS one of Sthe bitterest Demo-
cratic opponents of many Of Presi-
dent Wilson's policies. and rs s
leader In the fight against the ycr-
sailles tfeaty,Sithc Missonny senator
= r-51ContInIe5go 9 n Fjehf s. IS "a ~