Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1921-02-05
Editorial Digest
Disarmament Delays.

UlSaTm6me0C UelayS.
The Borah resolution calling for an
international conference on disarma-
ment has started discussion in the
press. less over the merits of the pro-
poSal, which the vast majority of
commentators admit, than over the
question as to whether or not action
upon it should be postponed until
President-elect Harding takes office
Mr.. Roots objection to allowing the
present administration to initiate
negotiations with Great Britain and
Japan for a naval holiday has many
supporters in the press. who urge
that it will be useless to discuss poll
cieS that have not as yet been an
nounced, but the New Orleans Times
Pcayune independent democTa,ic)
says: Both tRoot and Borah) foresce
that comprehensive disarmament
program involves general compact
with the nations-'a league or asso-
citation of some sort call it what YOU
will Mr.. Rorah has set his face
against any sort of league or associa-
ton. even though he now proposes a
three nation compact covering naval
construction. BY rushing through at
this session the three nation scheme
he hopes to head off the broader pro-
gram to which Mr.. Root is pointing"
The Dallas News independent demo-
y
is well grounded" for to make the
agreement which the latter has proposed
would not preclude making the larger
one Mr.. Harding is supposed to favor"
The New York Evening Post (nde-
pendent) likewise is mot impressed with
the argument for delay. for it thinks
that no embarrassment will be caused
to a republican President by negotia-
tons instituted in accordance with "A res
olution introduced by republican sena-
tor and adopted by republican Con-
gresS."
The Denver Rocky Mountain News
independently also "deplores delay" and
hopes that the favorable opportunity
will not pass that those who believe in
armament reduction as an essential
factor in the establishment of peace
will maintain the agitation in its behalf
and that no untoward events Will hap
pen between this and the inauguration
to change the promising complexion OF
affairs"
Somewhat impatiently the Lynchburg
News (democratic) demands: In the
name of common sense. why is it that
because President Wilson happens to be
President until the 4th of March
this legislation should not receive dis
position before that time. but must be
postponed to some time until the Hard
ing administration has gotten full under
way?
Many writer's, however feel that query
can be logically answered The New
london G onH.J Day Nepublican) de-
clares that anything that Borah might
do at this time would have abortiVe re-
Suits because IL would lnpefli inc
success of Harding's compromise plan,
and to abandon this plan for any other
premature" action would be futile
The Providence Tribune independent
republican, and the Reno Gazette Gre
publican) agree that, as the latter puts
it, ito postpone consideration Oh me
Borah resolution until Mr.. Harding small
take his seat" is probably wise.
The Louisville Post Independently
also feels that Mr.. Roots advice rs
more nearly right and the boston
Herald independent republican, goes
so far as to offer as argument IN sup
port of this sentiment that II ii SuS-
gestion for conference on disarma-
ment were to emanate from "ashlnS-
ton at the present time II coulo not
be taken seriously at any foreign
capital, although it might be given
the courtesy of acceptance IN prih-
ciple.'
Some writer's, while they are en-
thusiastic over the purpose expressed
in the resolution, make it point 10
thor. The Portland (Oreg) Journal
independently, for instance. while IL
declares that the resolution observes
support" comments that 'ff Borah is
right in his present contention what
else could he be but wrong, when,
during the campaign, he violently
opposed any and all international
agreements looking to disarmament
The Norfolk Virginian-Pilot inde-
pendent democratic) also finds the
senator's object commendable.' but
ironically adds that it 8 "tarred with
the same un-Americanism that mars
the covenant Of the league Of nations.
Accordingly our splendid isolationists
are working in the dark to accomplish
it's defeat
In the resolution the Cleveland Plain
Dealer independent democratic) sees
highly meritorious" factor in the
stampede for economy in the matter
Of national defense" and points out
that 1T does not propose economy at
the expense of security. but merely
suggests that we look carefully be-
fore we leap" To the San Antonio
Light independently it is an oppor-
tunty for Congress to LAY their par
tisanship aside and take at least one
step toward the performance of a
service for the benefit of all nations
as well as their own" and the Biz
mingham News (democratic) finds the
plan the fairest of all fair proposals
ever made, seeking to minimize the
possibility Of great wars