The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-09-24
HARRISON THINKS
 OPEN SESSIONS TO
 RULE ARMS FARLEY
Mississippi Senator Expects Big Battle Over Resolution. Believes Public Opinion Will Open Doors
By HUGH W. ROBERTS

800 Davidson Building
 Washington. September 2S.-(Spe- eial. l.)--Editor and Publisher, in let ter addressed to Washington newspa- per correspondents, declares that sS of 11s editors throughout the United States have publicly stated their con viction that the sessions of the con ference for the limitation of arma- ment must be subject to the observa- tion of the press.
 Public opinion, according to Senator Pat Harrison of Mississippi, in an in terview with this correspondent to- day, will force the Senate to adopt his resolution. His resolution, if adopted, would respectfully" request the American delegation to use it's influence to secure the admission to the conference of newspaper core spondents
 There will be a big battle waged with the Harrison resolution as an issue, The outcome Is doubtful, 1t Is admitted. Those opposing 1t think that it would be discourteous to raise an Issue with invited guests. They are animated, further, by belief that the raising of such an Issue might jeopardize the objects of the confer ence.
 Have Many Arguments
 The debate in which practically all senators will participate will refer to the alleged evil involved in Euro pean secret diplomacy" and the ne- cessity for making "open covenants openly arrived at"
 On the other hand, there will be argument to the end that very excel lent things may come of conferences behind closed doors. The constitution of the United States was written be- hind closed doors, it will be pointed out, The debate regarding the con stitution and It's several features was not made public until 50 years after the adoption of the constitution.
 While all senators will admit that the constitution as originally adopt ed was entirely worth while, despite the conditions under which 1t was pre- pared many of them will be able to cite instances of horrible character which resulted from secret counsel and diplomacy.
 Not Playing Politics
 Senator Harrison, in his interview today, declared that in no respect was he playing politics. Senator Borah of Idaho. author of the resolu- tion, which authorized the President to call the conference, declared today that ii was silly for any one to think his efforts for light were inspired by any ulterior motive whatever. 0
 The Senate" said Senator Harri- n . ftc ch tp state of mind, to declare in other words, that the conference should be subject to the observation of the press; the Senate has right to ask the American delegation to make an effort to secure the admission of members of the press.
 That Is all my resolution seeks to do. I do not believe that it contains anything which If enforced would jeo- pardize the conference. On the con tnary, I believe that If the conference is held in the open 1t will be success full, or more successful than if held in secret. There should be an oppor- tunity for the world. following the conference, to reach conclusion as to the individual or individuals responsi- ble for success or failure.
 Where is the nation which would ubTe to assume TesDOuSlplllLy TOT re- fusing to disarm the world?'
 Has Three Features
 The Harrison resolution contains three features. The first would request the American delega ton to make an effort to secure the admission of the press; the second would request the American delega- ton to make an effort to have the conference maintain and preserve a record of it's proceedings; and tho third would request the American delegation to use it's influence against any form of censorship that would prevent the public from being in- formed of the correct attitude of del- egations touching disarmament.
 It is taken for granted that the President. who ardently hopes foi practical achievements. and would dc nothing to mar the prospects, opposes the Harrison resolution, and will move, If 1t be proved necessary. to secure It's defeat.