South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1921-11-27
THE HARDING PLAN.

The answer 10 France. with her announced policy
OF isolation and determination TO maintain gi-
gantlc army unless assured Of some measure OF
protection against possible foes. is the Harding sub
stitute for the League OF Nations.
Those who fought that and crucihed Its
sponsor. Woodrow Wilson. have discovered its
necessity.
Politics at home after a presidential campaign.
viii not Permit the president boldly and frankly
say 10 the world that there should and must be
an agreement Of the great nations the meeting
ground that was offered by the league at which
disputed questions or irritating problems could be
settled.
The necessity OF civilization does force the sug-
geston that there be a permanent arrangement by
which nations may meet
Instead OF the orderly. regular and recognized
tribunal Of Wilson. the Harding suggestion Is for
an informal gathering
Instead OF court It is proposed 10 take the prob
lens OF the world to international hot stove
league"
Instead Of fixed and general rules. based upon
definite aims and ideals. It Is proposed to substi-
tuto the casual horse-swapping methods OF coun-
try auction
Instead Of lasting pledges and obligations. it Is
proposed TO call in the neighbors and TO decide
from year to year what viii be done
Such Is the limitation which practical politics
places upon craftsmanship.
But even that IS advance over the position
taken i'm regard to the Wilson League position
which declared IN effect that we to stand alone
in the world fight TO the end Of time and make
no concessions to the necessities of civilization.
The logical answer to the American defeat of
tho Wilson program was the defiant attitude that
France would maintain large army as # saw
ft as many submarines it could build. many
airshps as seemed necessary in the light Of the
refusal Of this country give definite pledges Of
aid through the medium of a world organization
based on good faith and honor
France made that answer. other nations be
expected to make the answer as necessity
arises.
The burdens of war can be lifted only when the
nations arrive at the spiritual desiring
10 end wars The peoples Of the world at that
stage now. They are kept lighting because their
governments do not represent them but keep them
at threats by subtle appeals to fear and
Jealousy.
wero Japan to go boldly her people
and say that her policy in China is based on a
desire 10 get profit from occupation of territory
from control over customs. from the sale of opium.
not one IN ten Japanese would rise to the lure
FOR he would know that such profits meant little
direct profit TO himself.
But 10y appeal to national honor and raising the
CRY OF support for the government, she is able to
keep IN line her millions Of who have terrified
a part OF China into acceding to her demands.
The coolio in Southern China and the low caste
Jap do not hate each other. Their governments do
inspire hate Of each other.
The American soldier. planted along the Rhine.
fraternlzed with the against whom he had
fought in all bitterness but months before. In
dlviduals do not make upon each other. If the
hearts of those who fight could dictate when
wars are made there would be no wars
For the plan Of Harding It can be said that any
movement that brings the world to a reasonable
basis OF existence is to be welcomed. 1t can be
said also that ne shows certain adrOitness in
avoiding the body Of which he a member in
that he viii have no treaty 70 lay before them at
which the senator's can aim their shafts. He has
lodged the bitter enders" by his plan.
Against It the fact that a weak sub
terfuge for the proposal Of Woodrow Wilson, lacks
dehuIteness or orderly procedure, and fails bring
governments into open and positive agreement.
Perhaps. after two informal sessions with
results that satisfy the people at home even this
country win he brought to demand only 4
League. but the very League which Woodrow Will
son with his knowledge of the ideals OF the people.
rut into words
Eventually that will come, for It written
IN the spirit which came TO this world with The
Man OF Galllee. and was forecasted in that dis
tant day when Plate asked the question Am I
my brothers keeper2"
The world viii some day give unanimous
answer.