Roanoke Rapids herald. [volume] (Roanoke Rapids, N.C.) 1914-192?, 1921-04-22
BY EDWARD w. PlcKARD.

President Harding, in his program
.or international relations as set forth
In his message to congress, has ac-
complished the remarkable feat of
satisfying all factions In his party, II
the expressions of leaders In Washing
ton are to be taken as representing
the opinions OF the people. The fore
cast Of this program, made week
ago, was not far astray. 1t contains,
however, a plan for the acceptance of
such terms Of the Versailles treaty as
confirm Americas rights and inter-
ests; In other words, the ratification
of the treaty with such reservations
and notifications as will completely
cut out the League Of Nations cove
nant and secure "our absolute free
dom" from ENHANCEMENT In purely
European affairs. Just how the cove
nant, so closely interviewer into the
fabric Of the treaty, can be eliminated,
is not yet apparent. In Washington
Ii is said a delegation might be sent
to Europe, or a conference of the al
Hes called In our national capital. 1t
is also suggested that 1t may be nee
essary to draw up q new treaty or
treaties to be signed by the United
States, the allies and Germany.
Any negotiations to this end, how
ever. are TO await reconsideration by
the allies of their award OF the Island
of zap to japan and their formal ac-
acknowledgement Of Americas rights In
the disposition Of all the territories
taken away from the central powers.
At first France replied to Secretary
Hughes note on zap by suggestion
that the question be settled by the
United States and Japan, and 1t is
believed Great Britain will propose
the same course, offering its good Of
fees In behalf Of the American claims.
japan wants the controversy to be in
cluded In the general negotiations to
settle all matters at issue between
this country and Japan. Neither of
these suggestions is acceptable to the
administration, and neither will be
considered. Mr.. Hughes position is
that the zap affair concerns the al
lies Jointly and must be settled by
them Jointly in negotiations with the
United States.
As was foreseen, the President said
he favored the adoption Of the Knox
resolution ending the state Of war, but
with notifications. Accordingly It
was introduced in the senate at once
with changes TO suit, and plans were
made TO push 1t through as soon as
the Colombian treaty is disposed Of.
As 1t stands, the resolution carefully
reserves all American rights acquired
by the war, the armistice and the Yer
sailles treaty. but there is no pro-
vision for the negotiation of a separ-
ate peace treaty with Germany. The
instrument also declares the state of
war with Austria ended, but no one
here thinks much about Austria these
days. except in pity for Its starving
poor.
Early comment In France on the
Presidents message indicated that the
French were trying to find It salts
factory. They expected the fiat re.
lection of the league covenant, and
many Of them are not wildly enthu-
siastic over the league. anyhow. They
are elated by the expressed determine
ton that America shall stand with the
allies In holding Germany responsible
for the war and in compelling her to
make reparation to the extent Of her
ability. They still hope that Ameri-
ca will specifically promise aid to