New-York tribune., 1921-04-12
Capital Alert to Learn
Intentions of the Presi-
dent in Regard to Big
Issues Now Impending g
Advisers at Odds
On World Policy
Relief Grows His Foreign
Program Will Be Left
to Develop Gradually
BY Carter Field

WASHINGTON. April 1l.-Probably
mot since the early days of April, 1917,
inst before President Wilson asked Con-
gross to declare war, has there been
such suspense and intense interest in
an approaching message of a Presi-
dent as are evident here with regard to
President Harding's address to Con-
eress tomorrow.
The President told the committee of
House and Senate members which called
to notify him formally OF the convening
Of Congress to-day that he would read
his message at a Joint session at l
o'clock Tuesday.
1t is known that the President will
touch on foreign affairs, and it is eX-
pected that he will make some definite
statement as to what this governments
policy is to be with regard to the pro-
posed association of nations, with re-
card to the Knox resolution dec 'aring
peace, with regard to negotiations for
Disarmament ana with regard to a
declaration Of policy such, for instance,
as was conta ned in Section Of the
Knox resolution.
The President is represented as be-
irg torn between two groups of ad-
vsers. On the one hand those in
sympathy with Senator Knox are urg-
Ing the immediate passage of the Knox
resolution, coupled with some declara-
tion of Americas intention to fill her
obligations to the world by taking
peace and freedom. On the other hand
it is said that Secretary of State
Hughes and Secretary of Commerce
Hoover are hopeful of more detinite
moves toward the establishment of an
association Of nations, if not the
modification of the existing league
and the Versailles Treaty.
Knox Holds Back Resolution
Indicating the uncertainty as to just
what the President will desire, Sena-
tor Knox did not Introduce his reso-
luton today, as had been expected.
He will not introduce it, it became
Rnqwn, until after the delivery of the
residents message.
Even then it may be introduced
Just as it was passed by the last Con-
gress-and vetoed by President Wilson
without any such declaration of pol
icy as that contained in Section 5. Ir
this event it is possible that after il
mas been referred to the Foreign Re
lations Committee the resolution vii
be modified by a declaration of nation
al policy in line with what the Presi
dent may say tomorrow or what he
may indicate to the Senators later.
There was distinct impression or
Capitol Hill to-day that Mr.. Harding
anxious as he is to avoid trespassins
on the functions and duties of Con
10 ol Nf IL
gress should not attempt to tres.
pass on Executive functions and du
ties, and in line with this is desirous
OF stating the foreign policy of this
country himself rather than permit
ing Congress to state it for him. Thi:
IS SAID to be the reason for holding
PACK the Knox resolution until the
President has spoken.
Nowhere in Washington is there
any real expectancy of speedy action
with regard to the much discussed as.
socatlon of nations to which the Pres.
ldent committed himself during the
campaign. The President himself has
made 1t clear to advisers that the for
eign policy will be formulated SLOWLY
ana probably piecemeal. SO while the
Anox peace resolution may be passed
wtnln the next two months-some
.i's .e.Malors to-day thought 1t would be
within SIX weeks-it is unlikely tina,
mere VIII be any such hurry about
s.eps looking to an association OF
nations.
Harding's Views Unchanged
1t Is said that the Presidents views
ABOUT an association of nations arc
unchanged. He approves the idea Of
Iecodlficaton Of international Law
.L aila the setting up of world cour;
MNnlcn could make findings of fact and
law. he is absolutely opposed te
anytnlng remotely resem mbling su.
pers'ate' and is opposed to granting
(ContInued on mann four,