The Washington herald., 1921-04-09
This is hardly fair statement. though there
|. there may be sufficient basis to warrant it

as clever insnuation. The ''irreconcilables'
are still irreconcilables" far their personal
convictions are concerned as to what is best for
their country in its foreign relations. No one has
any just quarrel with them for this
On the other hand there seems to be equal
evidence that the "reservationists" also have not
changed their judgment to what is best for their
country in its foreign relations. So far the situa-
ton has not been changed by the election The
nreconcilables" claim the election issue against
the United States entering this, or any, league or
association of nations. The "reservatonists" are
equally insistent that the issue was not mo league
but league with reservations, the Democratic posi-
ton being recognized by both this league and
covenant without change"
The White House door is open to all of them
without discrimination, though it may be that more
of President Hardings personally more intimate as
sociates, while in the Senate, of the former
rather than of the latter group. But that is per-
sonal situation and Mr.. Harding has shown no indi-
cation of permitting his personal relations to over
influence his political policies.
1t has happened that NJ Viviani's visit came
just before the opening of Congress and while the
President was framing his message which many
have taken for granted would specifically outline his
foreign policies Viviani not only talked with the
President and Secretary Hughes but met socially,
the "irreconcilables" group. To those more or
less familiar with the political methods of the
French, there seems to have been matching of
minds and Lusannes publicity is distinctly French
AS for the President he is, apparently undis-
turbed 1t comes semieficiay through such cor
respondents as Mark Sullivan that the message will
be devoted quite exclusively to domestic problems
of which there plenty of the greatest import
ance-taxation, tariff, the budget reorganization
finance, labor soldiers relief, and the rest As for
foreign affairs, they can wait.
No President has ever had closer personal re-
lations with the Senate than has Mr.. Harding
There is genuine personal fondness, real friend
ships between him and all the Senators who served
with him. II is beyond question: too that the Knox
resolution is the quickest and easiest way to reach
the goal of peace. But mere peace with Germany
might leave the international situation worse rather
than better. --
A resolution is not a treaty 1t cannot include
treaty provisions. 1t cannot be an international
agreement. 1t is but declaration. 1t would have
to be followed by ratification of the Versailles
treaty or by separate treaty to restore economic
commercial and diplomatic relations. 1t is what
must come after, which concerns the President who
if it is humanity possible, it is steer middle
course which will bring united party action and also
the Democratic votes that must be secured on any
settlement in the form of a treaty now or at any
time.
He is waiting not debating. He is taking what
to the impartial onlooker, would seem the wise
course to prevent impasse such as came in the
preceding Senate 1t is now known positively that
the allied powers will accept whatever this gov
ernment may choose to offer international as
socation, and in this, and other factors the situa-
ton has wholly changed within the year.