Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1921-11-30

or tne nei9nt OF dtecOurtesy for Ameri-
ca to refuse to Join II. especially a. Il
originated on American soil. If such
action is taken by this Conference, It
VIII not be case OF Europe being
handed IA new league every ninety
days. 1t would be Europe. with the
hind assistance OF Asia. giving her
s'u new League with Americas =
smiling approval. One cannot go too
Tar In saying that President Harding
VIII be vastly disappointed II the as
S"ci"tion Il not formed. But II Is also
certain That In no manner will ne Of
hcially propose II.
The intimations that have come from
the White House on this matter are
not calculated to hasten the work of
the Conference toward that end. Presi-
dent Harding understands the vast
program before the delegates. and he
appreciates the forward steps that they
have taken In No short period. The
hrst thing to do Is to limit ornaments,
ana settle the Far Eastern puzzle
lhen, II an association seems feasible
and why should 1t not be feasible, is
the Administrations view-action
would be appreciated.
A Second League.
Senator Borah. In his attack upon
the idea of "a second league" further
stated:
1T does not appear as vet whether
We are To have two leagues. or one
league and one association, or whether
II Is to he that the league organized
hkH H.
the association organized by Presi-
dent Harding. 1t will he very difficult
To get rid OF the present league un-
less the Versailles treaty is radically
modified. but | presume We will know
more when the matter is reduced to
such concrete form as will enable us
To grasp II or at least TO try TO do So -
OF course the Presidents idea is In
nehulous form only. But this solid
! bit of fact II contained In the center
this desired association is not intended
as rival OF the League. or az a fore,
to undermine the League. 1t is to he
loose grouping of nations -possibl,
without even covenant. such as tn,
League has-which will have az its
sole object the considering of the prob.
[ lens of the future. 1t will not at.
I tempt to remake the world.
The nearest way TO express the ides
/ IN concrete form lis to say that the as
sociation would he continuation %
I the present conference. This year q
discusses limiting naval armament
and Far Eastern matters. Next year
meeting In another country. IL nigh
D l..lk ga. 1nN nj
( during the twelvemonth. Say. the mat
/ ter of arhi,rating seal fisheries. or Goa
mines reported to have been discovere,
on the edge OF the Antarctic.
No Covenant.
| Another objection which Senate
Borah voiced was expressed in thi
manner:
~ conclaVe OF diplomats, sittii.!
behind closed doors with nothing Z,
direct or limit their powers save thei
own will and discretion, would BE-
rather interesting proposition. I an
inclined to think that II the America al
people choose n league, they vii
choose one which has its powers de
fined, or at least an attempt to defin
them. rather than trust their destin,
20 the unbridled discretion of FEY
men,"
The Administration opposed tn
League OF Nations. which has writ
ten constitution. The proposed asso
citation would have none. but II wa
pointed out yesterday that the world
destiny would not he entrusted 1T
the unoridlcd discretion OF a few men
II that association is formed. What
ever acts would be agreed upon 4
Conference would have 60 be rattle
by either our Senate. or else the pub
Hes opinion as expressed through Il
elections.
IL was further explained that ther
might he meetings FOR several year
In which given country would no
be interested. and therefore would no
he bound by the decisions. For ex
ample. II England. Japan and Franc
wanted 10 arrange for n series of mu
tuel wireless stations in certai
portion Of the Pacific. the Unite
Stats would not necessarily have I
he considered. The Conference woul
DE held and only the nations involve
would have To attend.
nave entered into this matter 9
length because yesterday high a,
: thor.ty. whose name cannot be quote
{ explained all this. and ] think IL onl
fair that the readers OF Every Ev,
ning should know the Administration
views.
|. My personal opinion is n differtl
, matter. ! am inclined TO believe tn:
: this proposed association would eth,
. overhp. or else parallel in a poor maj
ncI" the work which the League a
Y ready Is doing efficiently. But IL
= not fair To criticiz, at length an id.
= which has not solidifed in thu. mir
q ~ the chief protagonist. More will
! said wnen the Administration +, ach
the point where it may be asked f
: definite views or its desired associ
!. fipp