The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-11-13
HUGHES OFFERS u. S. PROPOSALS
 TO THE FARLEY
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Hague. although it made notable progress In provision for the peace ful settlement of controversies, was unable to deal with limitation of arr mament except by a resolution in the following general terms:
 The conference confirms the res olution adopted by the conference of 1898 in regard to the limitation ot military expenditure. and inasmuch as military expenditure has consider ably increased in almost every coun- try since that time the conference declares that 1t is eminently desirable that the governments should resume the serious examination of this qGes- tion
 This was the fruition of the efforts of eight years. Although the effect was clearly perceived. the race in preparation of armaments. wholly un- affected by these futile suggestions, went on until 1t fittingly culminated in the greatest war of history. and we are now suffering from the unpar- alleled loss of life, the destruction of hopes, the economic dislocations and the widespread impoverishment which measure the cost of the victory over the brutal pretensions of military force.
 Extraordinary Opportunity
 But If we are warned by the in- adequacy of earlier endeavors for limitation of armament, we cannot fail to recognize the extraordinary opportunity now presented.
 We not only nave the lessons of the past to guide us. Not only do we have the reaction from the distiiu- sioning experiences of war. but we must meet the challenge of impera- tive economic demands. What was convenient or highly desirable before Is now a matter of vital necessity. If there is to be economic rehabilita- tion. if the longings for reasonable progress are not to be denied. If we are to be spared the uprisiags of peoples made desperate in the desire to shake off burdens no longer en- durable, competition in armament must stop. The present opportunity rot only derives it's advantage from a general appreciation of this fact. but the power to deal with the exi- gency now rests with a small group E-of nations represented here, who have every reason to desire peace and to promote amity. The astound- liiK diIbiklOn WHICH idy dtbN d-t tAiS promise of the second The Hague con- ference no longer menaces the world, and the great opportunity of liberty loving and peace preserving democ- racies has come. Is it not plain that the time has passed for mere resofu- tions that the responsible powers should examine the question of limi- tation of armament? We can no longer content ourselves with inves- tigations, with statistics. with re- ports, with the circumlocution of in- quiry. The essential facts are suf- ficiently known. The time is come and this conference has been called. not foregeneral resolutions or mu- tual advice but for action
 Aspirations of Mankind
 We meet with full understanding that the aspirations of mankind are not to be defeated either by plausi- ble suggestions of postponement or by impracticable counsels of perfec- tion. Power and responsibility are here and the world awaits a practi- cable programme which shall at once be put into execution.
 q am confident that shall have your approval in suggestion that in this matter. as well as in others be- fore the conference, it is desirable to follow the course of procedure which has the best promise of achievement rather than one which facilitates division: and thus, con constantly aiming to agree so far as possible we shall with each point of agreement. make 1t easier to proceed to others.
 "The question:, in relation to armaments, which may be regarded as of urinary importance at this time, and with which we can deal most promptly and effectively, Is the limitation of naval armament. There are certain general considerations