New-York tribune., 1920-10-29

but nobody will challenge my express
sion of the meaning of Article x.
"And what does this ali mean II
means that whenever any member ma
tion Of the league Is attacked from
without, then the council Of nine, sit
ting IN Europe, may cali for armed
forces for defense, ard can say to the
United States: Send over 100 COO Of
your boys They corld do that if we
had joined the Presidents league. be-
cause we would have taken a solemn
covenant, we would have plirhted
American honor to keep faith with the
contract.
Some people say: 'Mr Harding, you
ere wrong. American armies cannot
be sent abroad without the authority
Of Congress-. | agree that that is
fact, if we live under the Constitu-
tion. But we have sent thcm--we sent
them into Russia without a dcciara-
ton of war. But the covenant would
become the basic contract Of America
We would plight our faith with the
Old World Suppose the council OF
the league were TO make a call and we
failed to respond? This Repubnc
would be stained with national dis
honor; and do not want a contract
for America that we DO not intend to
keep. ] want to save American bows
and American honor at the same time
want America to decide, not accord
ing to a compact with the WORLD, but
in accordance with American con
science.
Wants to Keep Out Of War
II believe in keeping out Of war,
and | believe in keeping out OF war
not only in campaign years, but in
the years between campaigns. want
TO see the world approximate to dis
armament.
q have said from July p to now
and repeat it to you, and know |
speak what is in your hearts America
means 10 play her part in new re-
la atlonship among the nations of the
world. America does not object; she
wants an association Of nations. Amer
lea wants to bring the world con-
science to common understanding
America wants TO turn inc light Of
world opinion on probable controver-
sizes or causes of conflict America
wants to join the nations of the world
IN promoting and preserving peace
have said | favor that sort of thing;
say 1t now. But | viii never have i.
al the cost Of surrenderng American
sovereignty. | Will never have il q.
tn cost Of surreNdering American
edom, or American honor, or Amer
can pride in accomplishment, or Ameri-
can independence of action.
And know, my countrymen. tn.
the world, noting the failure of the
Paris league, which is existing but n.t
funcuoning. the world, rocognizlns
that American leadership is ossen3isl
/ and must be had if we are to havo
workable association among nations.
to be directed by the light of Justice
rather than the sword of force. ex
poets America to take the lead and
We are willing to do it,
II have not prescribed the specific
thing, because I have not vet come
into authority. do not pretend to
prescribe the specific thing myself A
cne-man covenant is what brougbt
am not the sort of candidate who
believes he can run the world. am
gong to need help in the United States
To Consult Leading Mi--ss
81 have said repeatedly, and | say
row and you find an inconsistency
II you can-that after | am elected
am going to consult the leading minds
OF all America; am going to consult
the women as well as the men. If
tnerc is going 10 be new and ideal
condition in the world we want some.
thing Of woman's intuitions and as
plratons therein. And, reactionarv
and old-fashioned as it is, an, goine.
u consult end advise with the United
States Senate.
Our problem, with the world turn
ing to us for leadership and expecting
America to point the way is first 10
harmonize sentiment in America and
find out from the meeting OF man.
minds what this country Is willing o
stand back of and support cannot tel
you this moment precisely what that
Is. can only promise you that wher
We come into power we viii seek to
Play our part, and we VIII lead the
world without in any way sacrificing
the essentials Of America Then we
VIII give OF our abundance, our IT,,
t'Nence, cur example, aye, Of our CO..
manding position in the world.
rNw order that looks toward d 4.-
anient and 10 maintaining am pre-.
serving the peace of the world But
promise YOU. my countrymen, none If
this at the expense of surreIdering The
American conscience. none Of this 1T
the cost Of substituting some conglonl-
crate thing for the Stars and Stripes
OF our own United States of America