Capital journal. (Salem, Or.) 1919-1980, 1920-09-18
Harding on Self Determination


On all questions touching the status OF colonies and de-
tendencies held by mperaistc governments Harding has
consistently voted against freedom Note the following
votes of which specially interesting in view OF the
present status of the Irish question:
"a Against the resolution expressing the hope that
the British exercise clemency in relation
to Irish political prisoners eerng especially to Sir Roger
Casement) (July 20, 1916; C. r., 1882.
~ Against the La Toilette reservation to the peace
treaty providing that article II of the covenant OF the
league of nations shall not deny the right of revolution to
the people of Ireland nda Egypt Korea or other peoples
governed without their consent November lS 1919;
c. r., 8749)
(s Against La Toilette reservation providing for with
rawal from the league if any member makes forcbe sez-
of the territory of weaker peoples &C. r., S752)
"a Against La Toilette amendment prohibiting use OF
mandates weaker states for exploitation OF the nhab
tants and resources of the country &C. R, 1888
(5) Dodged amendment of Walsh Massachusetts)
providing that article II shall not abrdge the rights OF free
speech and the press sin the advocacy of national in
dependence and self-determinaton' &C. r., 8754.
(5 Against Owen reservation declaring that the British
protectorate in Egypt SIS understood to be merely
through which the suzeranty Turkey Egypt shall be
transferred to the Egyptian people, and shall not be con-
sred recognition by the United States of any sovereign
rights the Egyptian people in Great Britain or as de-
prvng the people of Egypt of any OF their rights OF SELL
government and independence" &C. r., 8759)
On March 49, 1920 Senator Gerry Rhode Island) pro-
posed the following reservation:
United States adhere to the principle of ana 10 n
sympathy with the aspiration of the Irish people Tor
ca Harding voted to lay the Gerry reservation on the
table, thus killing without the necessity for direct vote
&C. r.. 483O), but the motion was lost
8) He voted for amendment striking out the prn-
cpe of sefdetermination thus committing the Senate
against that principle &C. r. 483 The amendment was
lost.
9) He voted for Wadsworths amendment limiting the
of the reservation thus he United States adhere
to the principle of sefdeermnaon heretofore applied
by it" &C. r., 1886. The amendment was lost.
1O) He voted against Lodges amendment limiting the
approval of self determination to sdeermnaton for the
people of Ireland &C. r. 483 which might have made the
reservation easier to pass The amendment was lost
Q1) Finally he voted against the Gerry resolution it
self C. R 4839 thus squarey opposing sefdeterminaton
for the people of Ireland any other country.
In view of these votes March 49, Hardngs letter OF
March 20 addressed to Frank Walsh is interesting
feeling for the movement to bring
Ireland and the establishment or irish
aspiration of every HbertyoVng
No less interesting what happened after this letter was
published in the Westminster Gazette Announcement was
made from Senator Harding office on June 19 that
search of the files failed disclose record of such let
and the candidate stated that he had no recollection OF
having written any. Thereupon Mr. Walsh gave out the
letter here and Senator's secretary out fresh
statement saying:
"here was no hedging and attempt to cheat about
# The letter is undoubtedly authentic.