New-York tribune., 1921-03-05
Views of New President
on international and
Dom e tic Questions
Are Sharply Defined
This Ends League,
Johnson Declares
Comment Is Generally Fa-
vorable: Democrats Join
in Commencing Views
By Carter Field

WASHINGTON. March 4.-Tn straight
forward. unmistakablc language War
rem G. Harding. in his inaugural ad-
dress to-day. told the American people
and the world just where this country
will stand for The next four years on
most Of the vital questions confronting
the country
He made it clear again, az he did re-
peatedly during the campaign, that
there is not the slightest chance Of this
nation joining the present League of
Nations. He went further and placed
shsrp and definite limitations on the
extent to which this country would
participate in any association.
The limit is always to be. he declared
in SO many words, that this country
will always reserve to itself the right
to do whatever it thinks right in any
emergency. This will be regardless of
what may be the opinions of representa-
tives of the various nations in anv as
sociation.
Stands for Adequate Protection
No doubt was left in the minds of
his hearers as to his attitude on the
question Of the tariff. There has been
strong agitation, notably on the part of
some Of the big manufacturers, for
reciprocity instead Of a high tariff
wall. Mr.. Harding is not in sympathy
with that line Of reasoning to which
so many former advocates Of high pro-
lection have been converted since the
Initial he
nation. He believes in high measure
Of protection for American industry
and in the development to the highest
extent OF the home market
Another flat statement made MANY
times before by Mr.. Harding, but Of
especial Significance to-day because
ever since his election there have been
moves IN other directions in Congress.
was that there should be no "unneces-
sary interference OF government with
business"
Mr. harding is not in favor of setting
up commissions to regulate this or that
industry, but. on the contrary, is in
FAVOR Of removing some of the shackies
now imposed by the government on
commercial activities.
Very timely, in view Of the fact that
Senator Borah and group of Senator's
had just talked the navy building pro
gram to death, was the Presidents
comment on disarmament
Disarmament Only by Agreement
This country is ready, he said, "to
recommend way to approximate dis
armament and relieve the crushing
burdens Of military and naval estab1
lishments.' Unless there shall be such
agreements, however, both Mr.. Harding
and Secretary of the Navy DENLY are
on record as favoring very strong
navy; Mr.. DENLY would have it the
equal Of any in the world.
AS a whole the speech was verv
pleasing to Mr.. Hardings former col,
leagues in the Senate and his friends
IN the House. Beyond q doubt, even
aside from his tremendous power as
president and the fact that he is now
the national leader of the party. he
spoke the sentiments Of large ma
!ority Of his party in Congress. With
the exception of his utterances on the
tariff. there is little doubt that he
spoke the sentiments of a vast ma
Jority of both Republicans and Demo
Gratis in Congress.
AS nearly as could be learned to-
night he will begin carrying out his
policies with little real opposition.
The one big issue on which bitter an
tagonism might be expected-the
League Of Nations and the peace
treaty-will in all probability not come
up in g form which would lend itself
to strong party fight. A large num-
Der Of the Democrats are delighted to
have the peace treaty fight behind
them. Many of them never cared any
thing about the Wilson league anyhow,
and row that Mr. Wilson IS no longer
in the White House their great incen-
tive to fight for it has passed away.
Most Of the views expressed on Cap
itol Hill after the address, therefore,
were h'ghly favorable. There was no
point in his address on which criticism
CONTINUED on next pass)