New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1921-07-16
The Great Conference

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With the formal approval by
Japan Of the project for disarma-
ment conference, the way is now
open for a dispatch Of the formal
invitations. This country is to have
the high honor Of bringing together
tho most important international
gathering in the interest Of general
peace that ever assembled.
Into a vague and clouded world
opinion whose persistence threat
ened to undo the work Of the war
Mr.. Harding and Mr.. Hughes dis
titled q few drops of the reagent Of
common sense. The result has been
an instant precipitation, leading to
action and happy Qualification. A
notable feature Of the achievement is
thesease Of its accomplishment. The
initiative of this country was every"
whore cordially welcomed and has
greatly restored American prestige.
The world was waiting and ready to
respond.
So far as this country is concerned
it { seems certain that our dele
gates will be supported by a
practically unanimous opinion as
they labor for practical results.
Neither the President nor his Sec
rotary Of State has boasted much
of political subtlety, but their direct
and open course has been better
than maneuvering. All shades of
opinion have been brought together.
Senator Borah, leader Of the Senate
irreconcilables, was not interfered
with as he strongly committed him
self to disarmament conference.
The, lively sensibilities Of the res
ervationist Republicans Of the SEN
ate were respected by separating the
problems of peace with Germany
and forming league Of peace, just
assthe round robin of March, 1919,
said they should be separated. By
judicious delay both elements on the
Democratic side Of the Senate gained
the notion that the new Administra-
ton was scuttling from world re-
sponsibilities, and partisan cannon
aiding began to be heard in behalf Of
the program adopted. With former
opponents now working amicably
together, it would seem that perhaps
the new Administration is not so
innocent and unskilled in manage
nent as it's belittlers have charged.
To reach agreement on a specific
plan for limiting ornaments will, of
course, be task of enormous diff
Guilty. If the status quo is taken as
the starting point, as it is likely to
be, and relative strengths pre-
served, the experts Of the various
countries may be expected to show
CREST ingenuity as they argue
against particular restrictions. But
II there is a proper will a way can
probably be found. Practically
everything depends on the atmos-
phere surrounding the deliberations
ON the spirit in which the work is
carried on. AS this country is to be
host as we'll as participant, it seems
the special duty of Americans to
avoid agitations making for distrust.
Our representatives must see not
only with American eyes, but Brit
ish eyes, French eyes, Italian eyes
and japanese eyes. Any person
whose mind turns first to the thought
That some nations are to be sus-
sspseted is q poor friend Of general
pace.
1.-THE inquiry may well develop be-
ynd mere numbering Of ships and
& ms and regiments and address
Itself to considering the causes that
lead nations to fear to disarm. So
far as the five nations are concerned.
th6snay most profitably iron out
tEesns differences, real and imagi-
nary. 1t will be recalled that before
Great Britain and France signed
their entente they adjusted long
series Of disputes, and Secretary
Hughes has solid precedent to sup
port his belief that similar disposal
of vexing questions will smooth the
path to disarmament.
But probably the greatest value of
the conference as projected is that
while for the common benefit of all
It sis*confined in the first instance to
the Ave nations in whose custody is
the peace Of the world. It is thus
based on reality. and should serve to