New-York tribune., 1921-03-05
The Inaugural Address

lhe inaugural Address
An inaugural address, according
to American practice, is rather a
preface than program. SO Presi
dent Harding the more indicates a
spirit than declares a policy.
His dominant mood is that of a
deep and almost mystical reverence
for the work of the founders of the
Republic He looks at our political
and economic life with no innovating
eye He is a conserver, and would
stick to the time tested.
The old America is good enough
for him. He attributes our present
comparatively great national felicity
to the rugged strength of a system
which has not been shaken by the
shocks which elsewhere have toppled
many things.
But, though unwilling to let go of
the hand of the past, President Har-
ding recognizes that the days of the
old aloofness are over and that to
preserve our own health it is not
enough to Quarantine-that plague
spots must be removed, even as
our doctors protected our ports by
cleansing Havana. But when and
how we are to participate in sani-
tation he would have a matter of
judgment in each particular case.
Many have believed it is possible
through a definite league and it's
machinery to maintain some sort of
international army to veto unauthor-
lied wars. The scheme broke down.
1t broke down not because Of this
country's failure to join but through
the weight of its own impracticality.
Poland was not ordered to respect
the Russian frontier nor Russia to
respect the Polish frontier. Holland
would not surrender the Kaiser for
punishment. Switzerland has de-
clined to allow league forces to pass
through her territory. Argentina
has fatty refused to obey commands,
and even Turkey laughs at league
DEGREES.
So President Harding would not re-
peat the blunder of doing nothing by
attempting too much. He has no
liking for advance pledges Though
glad to further an association of ma
tions where the 'mponderables Of
world opinion may marshal their
force, and though willing to join in
common enterprises when there is
need, he would reserve liberty Of
action.
The plan is not an ambitious one,
and it implies no long and compli-
Gated constitution, but it is by no
means impossible that it's fexibility
would make it hetter peace pre-
server than any systematized agree
ment. The formal obligation of the
Entente, it will be recalled, was of
gossamer-was merely an agree
ment to Consult" together-yet it
proved cord strong enough to bind
the Teuton giant
President Harding as Senator
voted twice for entry into the league.
He closes no door to future entry.
What will be his ultimate judgment
doubtless depends On events and the
attitude of the other great nations.
But it is clear he has no intention
of limiting the nations liberty of
action or Of assuming sweeping re-
sponsibilities. He would participate
in big, world disturbing troubles, but
would keep out of tribal wars, and
rs to when a particular conflict is
one or the other he would have this
country judge for itself. AS to this
there is no reason to doubt he
expresses the thought, indefinite
though it be, Of the great majority
of his fellow citizens.
A year ago more than two-thirds
of the Senate were ready to vote to
enter the present league, but the
then President would not have it so,
and SO new negotiation has become
necessary. To forward this will be
6ne of the first labors of the Admin
istration, and the attention the Pres
fdent devotes to the subject shows
how near this is to his desire.