Indiana daily times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1914-1922, 1921-03-09
HARDING TO ACT
CAUTIOUSLY ON
FOREIGN MESS
Home Problems First, Is Bur-
den of Conversations
With Leaders.
PANAMA SQUABBLE UP

WASHINGTON, March 9-There were
unmistakable signs today that the new
administration is going to proceed slow
Iy and with extreme caution in straight
ening out the kinks in our European re-
lations.
The allied occupation OF German terri
tory and the tide of revolution which
for the first time in three years bids
fair to enguf soviet Russia are two
situations that are being closely watched
by the administration. But they are be-
ing scrutinized more against the time
when American policies must be fOrmu
lated than with any idea of taking steps
Immediately.
In the five days that he has had in the
White House President Harding has con
ferred with scores Of men high in pub
lie and business life, but the Overwhelm
ing burden of his talk has concerned
conditions at home and not abroad. With
only two men. Secretary Of State Hughes
and Senator Henry Cabot Lodge, has he
discussed international affairs, and even
with these the conversations are de-
scribed as general" in character.
HOPES TO SET OWN
HOUSE IN ORDER.
Those in the confidence OF the new
President said this was in keeping with
the promise often made by Harding dur
ing the campaign that If elected he
would adopt a policy of putting our
own house in order first" before attempt
ing to cross eiIuer rns Atlantic or Pa
cihc
The Panama Costa Rica controversy.
so far as known, is the only International
issue to which the new Administration
has given serious attention, and this is
so close to home that it is considered
practically a domestic Qrsstion.
President Harding is committed more
or less to the recag Of American troops
from the Rhine as soon as that is found
practicable. During the campaign he
frequently asserted American troops
have no business there and they should
be home"
The allied advance into German terri
tory, however. has altered the aspect of
this problem materially, and II there had
been any intention on the part Of the
new Administration OF Immediately re-
turning these troops 1t is now considered
virtually certain such intention will not
be carried out for the present at least.
To call for the return OF the troops
might result in embarrassing England,
France and Belgium and certainly would
be construed in Germany as widening the
crack which admittedly exists between
the policies Of this Government and the
allies. While the new Administration
may differ greatly with the allies on
questions Of policy, there Is no intention
to advertise that fact to our late enemy.
The same situation exists TO a great
extent in the proposed passage of the
Knox resolution, declaring a state OF
peace with Germany. Following the ex-
ample OF their candidate. Republican
speakers during the campaign told their
audiences that if the Republican ticket
was elected there would be peace with
Germany 'as soon as a Republican Con
gress could pass such a measure for
Republican executive to sign"
Whether the resolution will be pre-
sented and urged for immediate pass
age when the new Congress assemblies
early In April. Is problematicaL
In any event, there is going to be no
hurry in getting at the European prob
lem. Taxation and tariff and other do
nestle affairs are going to occupy the
attention of the new Administration al
most exclusively at first, regardless Of
European matters.