The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-12-18
BRYAN, GERARD AND REED CONFER WITH SENATOR HARDING
Three Conspicuous Democrats Visit Marion as Invited Guests of President-EIeCt to Dis-
 cuSs World Association
By Associated Press

Bryan. James W. Gerard and James A. Reed, and asked their advice and their aid in fashioning a programme behind which the nations can unite
 All three came as invited guests of the President-elect and their consuita- tions with him were surrounded with an air of warm cordiality. Afterward Mir Bryan, taking the lead in expressing qualification at the days developments declared his faith in MT. Harding as an honest and conscientious public servant whom the whole people would trust.
 The former secretary of state also am nounced that he had found himself in agreement with the President-e1ect on "fnndamenta.ls and added that he took a hopeful view of the conference here to evolvei plan for world peace.
 MT. Gerard, a former ambassador to Germany and during the last campaign actively connected with the democratic [ national committee, joined with Mir Bryan in expressing satisfaction at the scope of the association of nations con- ferences. Senator Reed reserved judge ment on the outline of an association laid before him by the President-elect. but declared himself delighted that one so irreconcilably opposed to the Versailles covenant and to foreign entanglements generally should have beeen invited to MT. Hardings table.
 NEARING COMPLETION
 None of them would discuss in detail the subjects touched on in their talks with the President-elect but it became known that something more than seat tered collection of suggestions was of fered for their scrutiny. It is understood that although MT. Harding's plan still is far from complete, his talks with leading men have given him the basis of scheme of world cooperation which he is hopeful will be practicable and ac- ceptable to the nation
 In all of his conferences from now on it is expected that opinions will be sought with a view to perfecting that plan and ascertainng how far it may be expected to have popular support. Tn his talks today, MT. Harding is under stood to have declared a particular de- sire that in the end the proposal should have no tinge of partisanship.
 After his conference with MT Bryan, the President-elect accompanied his guest to meeting of the laymen of the Ma } rion Presbytery and delivered from the pulpit short sermon on the need of a national recommendations He declared that air the present world tumult and in the search for a way to end war, no element was so much needed as a deep seated religious faith.
 q don't intend to come as the finest exemplar of what we ought to Se,' said Mir Harding .'but I rejoice in the in heritance of religious belief that l don't mind going to God Almighty for guidance and strength in the responsibil- jties that arc eo-rsinrr to no
 IN PERFECT ACCORD
 In the suggestion that the associations Of nations plan be divested of all partisan color, the President-eect found himself in perfect accord with MT. Bryan, who made an active fight to keep the league issue out of the recent campaign, ad- vocating acceptance of the republican reservations after it became apparent that unreserved ratification was inpos- sible. It was not revealed. however what part MT. Bryan recommended foi the Versailles covenant in the new as sociaton plan.
 T believe that MT. Harding is not only an honest and conscientious man. said Mir. Bryan after the conference, but I believe he is man whose whole pur- pose is to do what he believes is best for the American people. Ii is not expected of course, that everybody will agree as to what is best. but I believe that if a man wants to do that and if that is all of his purpose the people will trust him and be hopeful
 The former secretary was luncheon guest at the Harding home. and Senator Reed was entertained by the President elect and Mrs Hardnr r+ dsr,a- n-d remained in conference in Mir. Harding's office until late at night. As one of the bitterest democratic opponents of many of Mr. Wilson's policies, and as a leader in the fight against the Versailles treaty the Missouri senator spoke for an ele- srent hitherto unrepresented in the Ma rion consultation.
 MT. Gerard although invited here to discuss the association plan in the light of his experiences during the war at the German capital. also presented ples in behalf of the American committee for the ;ndependence of Armenia. Mir Harding made close study of the Armenian sit- uation several months ago as head of Senate foreign relations subcommittee, and Mr Gerard said he exnressed a keen interest today in steps for Arme- nian relief and political advancement.
 OTHERS CALL ALSO
 Other callers on the President-eleet during the day included Harry M. paugherty, his pre-conyention managef James A. Darden of New York. another active pre-convention supporter. and James Sheyer, the New York financ'er. MT. Daugherty recently has been in con sultation with republican leaders in the east and is understood to have brought MT Harding considerable information and advice about cabinet appointments and other subjects.
 MT Sheyer discussed conditions in Mexico. where he has large outstandns loans.
 Tn his talk at the preshvtery meetins, MT. Harding included all sects in his tribute to church influence and declared freedor, of religion the hulwark of Amer ican liberty.
 ssI do not belie~e there is any other influence so much needed in a tunul- t,,ous uc~'d se c-.@ sa~ 2 ~a--rsec-a- tion to God Almighty. I rejoice that America is free in religion. We trust our civil liberty and our political inae- perdence but when you contemplate con- ditions today. the hest thing in this re- public is religious freedom.
 ..Sometimes I think the world has zone adrift from it's moorines relieiously, and I know it will help if we have a revival of religious faith. I want gov ernment that is just. and I don't think if can be just if it does not show some how contact with omnipotent God
 T know how some of you of the rhurch have been quite carried away by the proposal of a new world relationship. you never stopped to think that in th1 conception of the Versailles treaty there was no recognition of God Almighty lust as we of America have buiided by recognizing Him, citizenship of the world must be builded upon recognition of -ne same God. ',
 q have every faith that our nation will M take it's fitting place in an association of nations for world peace. and believe