The Idaho Republican. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1904-1932, 1921-04-04
A CAUTIOUS POLICY

ularly agreed on the assumption
that despite avowals that his mission
is purely courtesy visit to the presi-
dent, former Premier Viviani is in
this. country to sound out the adj
ministration on the subject upper
most in the minds of European
statesmen-the attitude of the
American government respecting the
league of nations and international
policies especially European polio
les.
1t is pointed out that courtesy calls
such as Viviani's secretary asserts
this to be are decidedly unusual;
fluctuations on changes of govern
ment can be conveyed and usually
they are by cable or thru diplo-
matte channels. Viviani comes as a
special envoy of the French republic
hence, in the view of Washington
correspondents, more than purpose
to convey to Mr.. Harding the good
wishes of the French people must be
behind this transatlantic journey.
In due season it will develop
the actual reason for Viviani's mis-
sion and it's results. Just now
there is veil of secrecy, due, doubt
less, to the rule of caution which has
marked the Harding administration
since it's assumption of authority.
For the president has been delibera-
tive in his movements. Since his
Inauguration enough big problems
have been thrust at him to keep an
ordinary administration busy for
four full years, and they have been
of Importance enough to demand
very careful consideration. Mr..
Harding has made it plain that he
does not intend to act hastily.
At the outset of his administration
Europe signalizes his advent to
power by getting into jam over
German reparations. The Columbia
treaty becomes of imperative mo-
ment, in the estimation of the execu-
tive. Russia rises once more to the
position Of problem as to trade and
political status. There is trouble in
Cuba, trouble in Panama, and, to top
It. atrouble in the domestic field
labor social and otherwise. There
are preplexities of tariff and taxation.
No wonder that President Harding
feels impelled to move cautiously in
matters affecting both home and
foreign affairs.
The discussion over Viviani's mis-
sion are, of course, of great interest.
All that has come from Washington
in the way of information has the
same tenor-that the administration
is not ready to discuss the league of
nations or reparations or any of the !
problems of European peace. The
stability of Europe is as vitaLto the
success of the Harding administra-
ton as the right settlement of the
tariff and taxation problems or any
of the numerous questions pressing
for solution here at home, but con-
ferences already held have produced |
no program which the United States |
Is ready to discuss whether league |
OF nations or an association of ma
tons such as Mr.. Harding proposed
when he was q candidate. Events |
are slowly indicating in which direc-
ton the United States must 60.
One reason for the delay in formu-
Iating the foreign policy Of the ad-
doubtless is found in
the fact that the president has not
yet been able to get behind him a
solid congressional support. All Of
his adroitness and skill as q COM
promiser have not been sufficient to
unity this support. The ending of
The war with Germany by resolution
has been smashed by what is hap
pening on the Rhine. In place Of
this resolution is the program of
and waiting to see what is
10 develop. That Is to say, the presi-
dent proposes to be guided largely
BY events In Europe.
There may be some Impotence
with this program, but 1t is the wise
)ne. That the administration has
made use of its predecessors policy,
notably with reference to mandate
rights and Russian trade, has no
significance beyond showing the de-
sire to proceed with caution along
road beset with difficulties.-Sa
Lake Tribune.
Indiana the humorist state, may
be the center OF population, but
never the center Of gravity
Nb IL, cr0 T1urpo1 "a