The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1921-03-19
LEAGUE PACT IS
BEING ARGUED
BEHIND SCENES
Hoover and Mellon Urge Hard
ing to Change Views.
Say America Must Have Voice
in World Affairs.
TO EXTEND FOREIGN TRADE
Declare Business Depression
Caused by Home StagnatiOn.
President, However, Won't Ac-
cept Pact as 1t Stands.
Say America Must Have Voice
in World Affairs.
TO EXTEND FOREIGN TRADE
Declare Business Depression
Caused by Home Stagnation.
President, However, Won't Ac-
cept Pact as 1t Stands.

Havre, March 19.-Rene Viviani,
former premier of France, sails from
here today on the liner Lorraine for
New York to consult President Hard
ing regarding the latter's attitude on
the League of Nations. He is ex-
pected to leave for Washington imme-
diately upon arrival in the United
States.
Washington. March 19.-Several
members of President Harding's cabi-
net hold the view that surest means
of relieving existing business depres-
sion is by increasing American foreign
trade and to do this, they say. Amer
lea must haYe a voice in whatever
association of nations is functioning.
When news of this view held by
cabinet members became known in
Washington today it greatly increased
interest in the forthcoming visit of
former Premier Viviani of France to
discuss with Harding the possibility
of getting the United States to enter
a modified League of Nations. Vivi-
ami sails from Europe today.
These members propose that Amer
lea begin the purchase of foreign Sc
curitieS, invest in public utilities and
other projects abroad and distribute
her wealth as Great Britain did when
she reached the peak as creditor
nation.
Hoover Backs Plan.
Hoover and Mellon are understood
to have urged before the president
that not only was this the best course
to relieve foreign exchange situation
and provide an outlet for surplus
American products, but that it offered
the best opportunity for the collection
of Americas foreign debt.
At this point. the league issue enters.
The president has been advised. it de-
veloPed today, that American business
will not invest it's money in the unde-
veloped parts of the world. unless
America is to have hand in directing
world affairs, along with the other ma
tions that compose the league.
Thus, Americas entry into a "modi-
fled" league as a means of aiding her
economic position, today formed one
of the most striking considerations
that has developed under the new ad
ministration.
League Fight On Again.
The League of Nations fight has
been resumed behind the scenes in
washington. Those who favor some
kind Cf q league are urging President
Harding to prepare definite plan or
revision of the existing covenant while
ing such course.
Influences working in favor of the
league include these:
/ Offers of allied powers to modify the
covenant so 1t will be acceptable to
AmeTira.
:, Powerful American financial interests
WHO believe ratification of the treaty is
essential to world economic recovery
3 Pro-leaEue members of the cabinet.
among whom are believed to be Secretary
Of State Hughes and Secretary of Commerce
Hoover.
J. American business men who believe
revival of world trade awaits upon final
settlement of international relations.
). Active propaganda in favor of the
league by various organizations of the
United States.
Harding Keeps Open Mind.
Harding is finding the situation with
an open mind. Not even the most
hopeful pfo-leaguer believes he will
consent to accepting the league cove
nant until many changes including
elimination of Article X has been
agreed to by Europe.
An intimation of this has been con-
veyed to the allied governments and
advices from abroad indicate they are
considering just how far they will &C
to secure American participation.