The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1921-11-18
To ARMS
CONFERENCE HEAR
HARDING s PLEA
President Tells Worlds States
men That U. S. Wants Less
Armament.
WARNS AGAINST INTRIGUE
Executive Voices Hope for Interna-
tionaI Peace and Better Under
standing Among Nations-Says
United States Has No Un-
worthy Designs.

Washington, Nov. 14.-America took
leadership Saturday I'm the first
movement In history for the elimina-
ton of international menaces that
threaten civilization with future war.
Reduced TO simple terms, the United
States seeks:
First-TO prevent competition among
the great powers in the construction OF
war machinery-naval, land and air
SecOnd-TO remove sources of inter
national friction i'm the Pacific ocean
zone that may lead TO future con-
fict.
Recognizing the general belief that
the Far East is the new danger spot,
America has sought the cooperation of
eight other powers with vital interests
I'm the Orient to allay the danger of
"next world war"
This Is generally regarded as the
greatest humanitarian crusade in the
history of mankind. But it is also
practical scheme for material relief
from the overwhelming burden of taxa
ton and debt.
Meeting Is Unique in History.
The veteran diplomats of Europe
who have participated in every impor-
tant international parley for the past
half century characterized this meet
ing as unique i'm world history-a
meeting called In advance of war de-
signed TO prevent war, and a voluntary
coming together of the great nations
TO limit the size of each others armies
and navies.
The President spoke from the head
of the great U-shaped table, around
which sat in rapt attention the states
men Of Europe and Asia. To the
right of him sat France and Japan,
TO the left Great Britain and Italy,
and down at the far end of the horse
shoe were the representatives of
China, Belgium and Portugal
On either side of him at the head
OF the table were the head of Amer
ica's representatives. The galleries
were crowded with the entire men,
berShip of house and senate, members
of the cabinet, justices of the Supreme
court and diplomats.
Text of Harding's Address.
President Harding delivered the fol-
lowing address at the opening of the
armament conference here:
Mr.. Secretary and Members of the
Conference, Ladies and Gentlemen:
1t is a great and happy privilege to
bid the delegates to this conference a
cordial welcome to the capital of the
United States of America. 1t is not
only a satisfaction to greet you be-
cause we were lately participants in a
common cause, in which shared sac
rifices and sorrows and triumphs
brought our nations more closely to-
gether, but it is gratifying to address
you as the spokesman for nations
whose convictions and attending ac-
tiOns have so much 10 do with the veal
or woe Of all mankind.
Will Influence Human Progress.
Ii is not possible 10 over appraiSe
the Importance of such a conference.
/ II is no unSeemly boast, no diSparage-
ment of other nations which, though
not represented, are held in highest
respect. TO declare that the cOnclu-
siOns of this body will have a signal
influence on all human progression
the fortunes of the world.
Here Is meeting, l can we'll be-
| lieve, which is an earnest of the awak-
/ ened conscience of Misunderstanding
/ civilization. 1t is not a convention of
remOrse. nor a session of sorrow. 1t
Is not the conference of victOrS 10 de-
fine terms of settlement Nor is it a
council of nations seeking 10 remake
/ humankind. 1t is rather coming to-
/ gether. from all parts of the earth. 10
apply the better attributes of mankind
to minimize the faults in our inter
national relationships.
Call Of War-Wearied World.
Speaking as official sponsor for the
Invitation. / think / may say the call
is not of the United States OF America
alone. IL is rather the spoken word of
war-wearied world, struggling for
restoration, hungering and thirSting
for better relationship; of humanity
crying for relief and craving assurance
Of lasting peace.
1t is easy 10 understand this world
wide aspiration. The glory of tri-
/ nmph. the rejoicing in achievement,
/ the love of liberty, the devotion of
country. the pangs Of sorrow, the bur-
dens OF debts. the deSOlatiOn OF ruin
/ all these are appraised alike in all
lands. Here in the United States we
are but freshA turned from the burial
of an unknown American soldier
when nation sOrrowed while paying
him tribute. Whether II was spoken
or not. hundred millions of our
people were summarizing the inexcus-
aSe causes. the incalculable cost. the
unspeakable sacrifices and the unut-
( terable sorrows. and there was the
eFer-impelling question: How can hu-
u.anity justify or God forgive? HUI
! an hate demands no such toll ambi-