Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1921-04-13
IN
MESSAGE
REJECTS
LEAGUE:
Acceptance Would Be Moth
ing Short Of Betrayal of
the Mandate Of the No.
vember Elections, Claims
REPUBLICAN S0L0NS
CHEER DECLARATION
Stresses Legislation on Tar
If, Tax Revision and
Transportation; Declares
for a Merchant Marine.
lRr Ths Asnoclated Press.l

Washington, April H.
Final rejection of the Ver-
'sailles league of nations by
the American government
was proclaimed to the world
today by President Harding
in a solemn pronouncement
of the foreign policies of
his administration.
Speaking before the new con-
gress, the president declared ac-
ceptance of the league would DC
nothing short of betrayal of the
mandate Of the November elections.
Instead. he asked a congressional
declaration Of peace and for rau-
fication Of those portions of the
Versailles treaty which protect
American rights and interests in
the war settlement.
No Part In League.
SIN the existing league of ma
tions, world governing with its
super-powers, this republic will
have no part" he said, 1T is only
fair to say to the world in gem
eral and to our associates in war
in particular, that the league cove
nant can have no sanction by us
A tremendous demonstration fol-
lowed this declaration, republican
senator's and representatives lead
ing. while most of their democrats
colleagues sat silent. After weigh
ing the words of the president, the
senate irreconcilables tonight were
claiming complete victory. predict
ing that even the portions of the
treaty endorsed by Mr.. Harding
never would receive senate appro-
val.
Domestic Legislation.
In his recommendations for do7
mestic legislation, the president
gave greatest attention to tariff
and tax revision and to the railway
situation. though he endorsed les
ser measures which congressional
leaders declared might prolong
the special session until the snow
flies. He also declared his faith
in a maintained merchant marine
and In the principle of armament
reduction without asking for legis-
lation.
An emergency tariff was placed
at the head of the requests, and
within an hour after he finished.
the house ways and means commit
tee agreed to report tomorrow the
emergency measure vetoed by Pres
ident Wilson. For the permanent
tariff bill, Mr.. Harding made no
specific suggestions except that 1t
follow the principle of protection
Public Welfare Bureau.
Similarly, he refrained from de-
tailed recommendation on taxa
ton, contenting himself with dis
cussion of the situation with re-
minder that his party pledged it.
self to repeal the excess profits
tax. He also recalled the promise
to organize separate government
department of public welfare.
Declaring rates and operating ex-
penses of the railroads must be
lowered. Mr.. Harding asked that
congress investigate the transport
tation problem. He recommends
coordination of all governmental
agencies dealing with former sery-
ice men. strengthening OF the fed
eral laws affecting highway con
struction and maintenance, enact
ment of budget legislation. and a
congressional inquiry into lynching
and race relations.
His Stand No Surprise.
MIR. Harding'S definite stand
against tho covenant was not a
surprise TO republican leaders Of
the senate, although the exact
wording was unsettled until short
ly before the executive left for the
capitol. The first draft was COM
pleted soon after midnight, and
when proof sheets came this morn
ing the president cancelled the
cabinet meeting and summoned re-
publican members of the foreign
relations committee.
In this conference the president
considered the foreign relations
section for more than an hour.
hearing the advice of mild reserva-
tionists and irreconcilables, with
out exception senators present ex-
pressed afterward their satisfac-
ton with the presidents views.
though there was divergence of
views regarding the likelihood OF
an early. ratification OF the treaty
with the league and other portions
omitted.
II was pointed out that the
treaty was not now before the SEN
ate. and that Mr.. Harding had
shown no indication that he meant
10 resubmit it in the near future.