Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1921-11-12
Text of Prcsident-Ha rding's
Speech Opening Conference

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Washington, Nov. t1a-The text Of
President Harding's , address at the
opening of the conference on limita.
ton of ornaments follows:
Mr.. Secretary and Members Of the
Conference, Ladies' and Gentlemen:
1t is a great and. happy, privilege to
bid the delegates to this conference q
cordial welcome to the capitol Of the
United States OF America. 1t Is not
only a satisfaction to greet you be-
cause we were lately participants in
a common cause in which shared
sacrifices and SORROWS and triumphs
brought nations more closely to-
gether. but it is gratifying to address
you as the spokesman for nations
whose convictions and attending ac-
lions la so much to do with the
veal or woe of all mankind.
1t is not possible to over-appraise
the Importance of such a conference.
1t is no unseemly boast, no disparag-
ment of other nations. which,, though
not represented, are held in high re-
Of this body will haveaa signal infu-
ence on all human progression the
fortunes of the world.
Here is a meeting, I a well be-
heve, which Is an earnest Of the
awakened conscience of twentieth
century civilization. 1t is not a con
vention of remorse, nor a session Of
sorrows. 1t is not the conference Of
visitors to define terms of settlement.
Nor is it a council of nations seeking
to remake human kind. 1t Is rather a
coming together. from all parts of the
earth. to apply the better attributes
Of mankind to minimize the faults in
our International relationships.
Call Of World.
Speaking as official sponsor for the
invitation. I. think I may say theecall
is not Of the United States OF America
alone. 1t is rather the spoken word Of
a w~ar-wearied world, struggling for
restoration. hungering and thirsting
for better relationship; of humanity
crying for relief and craving assur-
ances of lasting peace
1t is a to understand this world
wide aspiration. The glory Of triumph.
the rejoicing in achievement, the love
Of liberty, the devotion to country,
the pangs of sorrow. the burdens OF
debt, the %desolation Of ruin-all these
are appraised alike in all lands. Here
In the United States we are but fresh
ly turned from the burial of an I'M
known American soldier. when a ma
ton sorrowed while paying him trib-
ute. Whether it vas spoken or not, a
hundred millions Of our people were
summarizing. the inexcusable cause.
the ~incalculable, the ~unspeakable sac-
~rifces. n the unutterable sorrows,
and there was the ever-impell!ng
question. How can humanity justify
or Go forgive? Human hate demands
no such toll; ambition and greed must
be denied it.. If misunderstanding
must take the blame then let US ban
ish it, and let understanding rule and
make good will pregnant everywhere.
All of us demand liberty and justice.
There annot be without the 9TH
er. and. they must be held the un-
questioned possession Of all peoples.
Inherent rights are of God. and the
tragedies of the world originate in
their attempted denial. The world to-
day is infringing their enjoyment by
armins to defend OF deny. when sim
pie sanity calls for their recognition
through common understanding.
Out of the cataclysm of the world
war came new ~fellowships, new o
v%ictions, new aspirations. 1t is ours
to make the most Of them. A world
lifted. Humanity which has been
shocked by wanton destruction. could
minimize the agencies of that de-
struction. Contemplating the measure
less cost of war and the continuing
burden Of armament. all thoughtful
peoples wish for real limitation of
armament and would like war outlaw
ed. In soberest reflection the worlds
hundreds Of millions who pay in peace
and die In war wish their statesmen