Omaha daily bee., 1921-04-13

program, as outlined by the
thus:
|. Adoption OF a modified Knox
resolution ending the state of war
and stipulating non-waiver OF any
American rights under the Versailles
treaty. but excluding any provision
for the negotiation of separate
peace treaty with Germany.
2. Acceptance of such Versailles
peace terms as confirm American
rights and interests, including the
economic provisions, if that can be
Satisfactorily accomplished" by
ratification Of the Versailles treaty
with "such explicit reservations and
notifications" as wall achieve conf
plcte rejection of the league oi
nations covenant and secure our abb
solute freedom" from ENHANCEMENT
in purely European affairs.
Germany Must Pay.
3. Regard in whatever settlement
is affected for American determine
ton to stahd with the allies in hold
ing Germany responsible for the
war and bound to make reparation
to the full extent of its ability.
a. Eventual effort to create an
association of nations to prevent war
and preserve peace without Sur
render of national sovereignty" in
lieu of the league of nations, which
is an agency of the victors to en-
force the terms of the Versailles
peace.
5. Statement by the executive of
Americas future policy with re-
spect to European affairs" to be
known as the Harding doctrine of
the participation of the United
States in the stabilization of world
peace, analogous to the Monroe
doctrine of American policy in re-
spect to European aggression on
American republics.
Presumably American troops will
stay on the Rhine pending the evo-
luton of the American peace pro-
gram.
Expect Early Action.
The Knox resolution declaring
peace with Germany will be, con-
sidered in the, senate as soon as the
Colombian treaty is disposed of in
about a week hence and il is ex-
pected that the measure will be
passed by both houses and signed
by the president before the end of
the month.
Whether the Versailles treaty will
be resubmitted for the partial rati-
fcation proposed by the president is
matter of speculation.
Either a refusal of the present
signatories of the Versailles treaty
to accept American ratification with
reservations, or great opposition in
the senate to the course proposed,
or both, would constitute difficult
ties which might convince the prcsi-
dent of the impracticability of re-
submitting the treaty to the senate.
To ascertain whether the powers
would accept American ratification
OF the treaty with reservations, Sec
retary of State Hughes will enter
into conversations with foreign
chancetiors and it is not impossible
that conference of the allied and
associated nations will be called to
discuss this question.
Given Warm Welcome.
The discussion OF the peace pro-
gram was the conclusion of the
8,000-word message, chiefly devoted
to the presidents recommendations
of domestic reconstruction .kgisla-
ton. When idr. Harding appeared
at p. m. before the joint sesSon
of the two houses and distinguished
audience of administration officials
and diplomats, he was received with
prolonged and enthusiastic cheering.
When he pronounced for coma
plete rejection OF the league of naI
tions covenant, the great cl,ambel
of the house was swept with storm
OF applause. Many democrat sena-
tors and representatives joined thd
republicans in this demonstration OF
approval.
The presidents approval OF a
declaration of peace by resolution
was greeted by similar wave of
applause, though less in volume and
confined in the main. to the repub-
licans. The proposal for a partial
ratification of the Versailles treaty
passed without any demonstrations
even on the part of treaty pro.
ponents, though it is possible they
did not catch the meaning of the
somewhat involved phraseology.
Treaty Opponents Pleased.
Wien the senator's returned I'd
their chamber, the irreconcilable opa
ponerts of the entire Versailles
treaty were a unit in their enthu@
siast:c praise of the message. Theif
Srdor was not dampened in the least
by the presidents advocacy of par
tial ratification of the Versailles
treaty. They expressed the opin-
ion that such ratification would nos
be found feasible and that once
peace is declared by resolution, tho
question of accepting the treaty in
part would drag along in the face
Of insuperable obstacles. either
among the other powers or in tbs
senate. until the shelving. of the
proposition and the negotiation of .
separate settlement with Germany
would be necessary.
Mr.. Harding called the republican