New-York tribune., 1920-12-25
Ex.President Announces
After Conference That
Program Gives Sound
Niddle-Cround Solution
II, S. Leadership
Fully Provided
Christmas Spirit Pervades
Senator'sHOmea as Candle
ofFaith Burnsin Window
F,or. O star Correspondent

MARION, Ohio, Dec. 24.-William
Howard Taft. after conference TO-
dav with Senator Harding, said he
was much encouraged to find that the
President-elect was working out a
practical solution of Americas inter-
national relations.
He added that although this middle
ground solution might not be wholly
satisfactory to the enthusiasts of
either extreme, of which he counted
himself one, he believed it would sat
isfy those anxious for progress and
for American leadership in establish
ing permanent peace.
After breakfast in the Harding home
this morning, Mr.. Taft leaned back
in his chair and addressed himself to
his host.
Taft Laughs Heartily
well" began Mr. Taft, "how're you
getting on with your Cabinet"
Senator Harding swallowed the last
Of his waffle, and q frown revealed his
mental agitation before he replied:
Il had worked the thirteen puzzle,
but never before had l tried working
in mosaics."
Woodrow Wilson and Mr. Taft are
the only living men who could have
appreciated that simple recital of the
difficulties OF fitting together 8 group
of men 10 head the departments of the
government who are qualified both on
the grounds of personal efficiency and
political expedlency. Mr.. Taft showed
his enjoyment by raising both hands
cellingward and laughing heartily.
These two Republicans exchanged
condolences about the terrible task of
Cabinet making until Senator Harding
had finished his breakfast cigar.
and then crossed the intervening ward
to the headquarters office Of the Presi-
dent-eiect TO discuss Americas future
foreign relations in a different atmos-
phere.
After his conference with the Presi-
dent-e.ect, Mr.. Taft spoke of Mr.. Hard
ing's plans with a certain degree OF
enthusiasm.
Il enjoyed much my conference with
Senator Harding" said Mr.. Taft before
his departure for Cincinnati, where ne
planned to spend Christmas with his
brother, Charles p Taft, mis- son, Rob-
-rt, and his grandchildren.
Confirms Acceptance Speech
Il found that he had been using the
conferences with his visitors to formu-
ate and confirm the general views he
expressed in his acceptance speech and
that OF August 2S, and that he felt con-
Aaent that the desire OF the American
people, as Interpreted by him in his
campaign experiences and in the re-
suits OF the election, was to avoid the
political and military obligations of
ne treaty and the league.
He feels strongly the necessity for
feacn.ng common ground with the
leading powers OF the world for an
agreement that shall secure a gradu-
any effective s.mltatlon OF armament,
court with Jurisdiction over justiciable
questions and conference of nations
10 negotiate and press q compromise of
every on-justiciable question threat
ening war.
TINS would give us the benefit of
the adjustment of our relations with
Germany secured to the United States
IN the treaty without the Objectionable
features Of the provisions Of the treaty
as shown in the Republican reserva-
lions and without participation in such
commissions under the treaty as con-
cerns European nations alone.
i am much encouraged to think that
me Senator i woi king out a practical
solution which may not be wholly
satisfactory to the enthusiasts at
e3.aer extreme, of whom I may be CON
sidered one, but Will satisfy those
anxious to make progress and who
F2nt to give the Cnited States the
leadership she should have in guiding
q! the nations 10 permanent peace, SO
Tar as that is practicable.
For a Real Association
"Of course the Senator is properly
enary of d definite program. because it
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