Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1921-01-06
HARDING TO GUARD
WEWSON LEAGUE
Believes Criticism Unjust and
Will Continue Talks After
Inauguration.
BY ROBERT T. SMALL.

MARION, Ohio, January 6.-Senator
Harding is not unmindfu1 of the criti-
c1sm which has been leveled at him
from certain quarters for his course in
not taking the public into his conf
Tor an association of nations to re-
place the so-cailed Wilson league.
T He has spoken of this criticism to
several of his callers of late, and has
characterized it as inconsistent and
unjust. President Wilson, it is point
ed out here. was bitterly attacked for
presenting to the Senate a fixed plan
and declaring 1t could not be modified
IN any material way.
senator Harding is not striving for
what might be termed Harding as
aoefation of nations" While he is said
20 mold some Very definite views on
the subject he is content for the pres
ent 70 keep both the plan and his mind
flexible. He viii not attempt arbitra-
rily to dictate to the Senate what it
snail do or shall not do. The whole
situation as to, the proposed associa-
ton of nations is fluid, so far as the
is concerned. He is
wiling that every one should lend a
hand in the formation of the plan, Just
as ne expects these same people to
lend hand In the adoption of the
plan once it is worked out.
In Formative STAGE.
The principal reason Senator Hard
ing has made no public statements
respecting his plan. IS that he regards
1t as only in formative stage. There
may be, and probably will be, ma
terial changes in it from time to
which remain to be heard can OFFER
a better plan. the senator would not
hesitate to support 1t. To state the
plan indefinitely. as it now exists,
might prejudice many persons against
It., whereas the objections which
will be met before public announce
ment is made.
AS a matter of fact. there Is no
purpose in Senator Harding's mind
at this time to make the plan public
until as President. he has consulted
of some of the more important ma
tions of the world.
The senator does not want 10 be
placed in the position of saying to
the nations of Europe: This is our
plan; come and take it, or leave it,"
courtesy to announce the plan before
inviting these nations to assist in the
formation OF plan. So the matter
is likely to be kept open and indeh-
mite for a long time. and the events
of the next few months may have an
important bearing upon the form the
association finally will take.
Knox Resolution First.
The first purpose of the new admin
assembled about the middle of March
will be the passage of the Knox reso-
luton declaring a state of peace be-
tween this country and Germany and
Austria. If this resolution contains.
as Senator Harding expects it will.
States that the freedom and peace of
Europe being again threatened by
any power or combination of powers
this country will regard such a situ-
alton with grave concern as a menace
to it's own peace and freedom, and If
necessary will cooperate with the
friends of civilization to remove such
a menace, it is felt that the attitnda
of the United States under the new
regime at Washington will be suffi-
GENTLY understood. and that no great
haste need be taken in the negotia-
tions looking to the associa ton of
nations.
Senator Knox maintains that such
of policy, accepted ana re-
stated by other governments, wouId
form very definite and sacred asso-
citation of nations looking to the nre.
vention Of wars and the peace of the
world.
There is reason to believe, therefor.
that in the adoption of the Knox resor
luton and the necessary adjustments
with the former central empires grow
ing out of that resolution a strore
effort will be made by certain senators
to convince Senator Harding his "a
paign promises have been fulfilled ana
that he can let the international sitna1
tion rest for an indefinite period or
time.
The reaction in Europe to the Knox
resolution and its declaration Of
American policy unQuestionabIy will
be awaited by President Harding haa
fore he commits himself or the conn.
try to more definite internationaI