The Washington herald., 1920-07-20
HARDING DISTURBS
EUROPE BY LEAGUE
STAND, SAYS HOUSE
CONTINUED FROM PAGE ONE.

to prevent war. On the other hand.
Il was said that practically every
Republican leader of note outside
of the Senate and many inside of
it, were for the league. In con-
firmation of this. such names as
Taft, Hughes. Root. Lowell. Wicker
sham, and Hoover were freely men
toned. In addition. one heard of
great church, labor. educational,
professional and commercial organ
izations being overwhelmingly for
it. There seemed never a question
of the league, but merely one with
reservations which would not null
lify it.
To-day, in the light of Senator
Harding's remarks, Europe is con-
fused and amazed. They are con-
sidering whether or not a new as
sessment OF the political forces in
the United States should be made.
Successful So Far.
THE council of the league has
used much good sense and modera-
tion in dealing with the questions
coming before 1t The Aland Is
lands controversy is case in point.
One criticism of the covenant has
been that it gives too much power
to the council, which may be termed
the political end. and not enough to
the international court. which is the
judicial end. When it transpired
that this controversy was full of
legal technicalities. the council at
once determined to ask three emf
nent international jurists to sit
upon the questions involved and re-
port their findings to the council.
1t is considered certain that the
council will follow the finding of
these jurists in their decision. This
action has given much satisfaction
and encouragement to well-wishers
of the league. 1t is highly probable
that some American may be asked
to sit as one of the three jurists.
THE Aland Islands dispute gave
the council a wide latitude of pro-
cedure. Nearly every method under
which the council is permitted to
act was brought into play. 1t was
placed before the council by a dis
interested party; small state, not
member of the council, and an
other state, not member of the
league of nations. were involved.
The only unfavorable impress
sions concerning the functioning of
the allied powers. the most recent
instance being the renewal for one
year of the AnglO-Japanese treaty.
1t is not entirely consistent with
the letter of the covenant which
both governments earnestly desire
to respect. They say they accord
ingly have the honor Jointly to in
form the league that they recog-
nize the principle that il said agree
ment be continued after July, 1921,
IL must be in the form which is not
inconsistent with that covenant
Root Great Influence.
"It will please Americans to know
that Mr.. Root was the dominating
influence in the commission of
jurists charged with the duty of
preparing the constitution of the
permanent international court of
justice. The distinguished French
man, Leon Bourgeois, in his speech
of welcome said, 1 welcome particu.
larry Mr.. Root. The great jurist's
presence permits US to affirm that
in the work which has called us to-
gether, the old and the new world,
in spite of passing difficulties, can
not be separated by durable bar
rier and that indeed the two worlds.
the old world and the new world
can now have no other meaning
than the world of the past and the
world of tomorrow, as the whole
which will form the new world OF
tomorrow
There may be disappointment
In store for Geneva in particular
and surprise for the world in gen.
eral regarding the final seat Of the
league. Geneva was unanimously
selected last year at Paris for this
honor, the reason being that neu-
trail state, removed from the infiu-
ence of a great capital was desired.
Now, however, there is decided
movement in favor OF Vienna. 1t
Is said that IL this movement were
sponsored by any one of the great
powers il would be carried with
practical unanimlty. The reason is
like this. II Vienna were chosen
Il would show magnanimity on the
part OF the allies, it would forever
keen Austria from federatipg with
Germany and the great empty PAL
aces OF Vienna would house the
league most adequately and at smaif
expense. The difficulty Is in finding
a sponsor. No allied country would
hesitate to make such a proposal"
(CopyrisAt, ls2o. By Public Ledger .Cel