South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1921-04-16
PREsT HARDING's PURSUIT. OF PEACE.

Reduced to the last analysis Pres't Hardings
message as it relates to world peace. means
Harding proposes that congress shall de-
clare this country TO be at peace with Ger
many.
2-That this government then shall accept
the treaty OF Versailles, with specific reserva-
tions. one Of these reservations will be the alb
solute nou-acceptance Of the League OF Ma
tions.
3-That this government and its recent
soriates I'm war shall negotiate the necessary
changes in the Versailles treaty accomplish
the desired reservations. In other words that
there shall be new peace eonference-prob-
ably in Washngton-,O remold the peace treaty
nearer to the presidents desire.
4-That place OF the League OF Nations
his proposed association Of nations shall be
up.
This is the program he pronounced to congress
Tuesday and that the cables have by now present
ed to the governments OF the world. 1t is a gro
gram that can be accomplished If the other nations
of the world willing Considering the four steps
in detail may give a line their acceptabil'ty
10 our foreign friends and recent foes
First; Notwithstanding that Mr.. Harding says:
cit could be construed desertion
CT those with whom we shared our sacrifices in
the war since these powers are already at peace
a declaration by America OF a state of peace with
Germany. without accepting the Versailles treaty.
and assuming our share Of the responsibility under
it, we will be deserving them Mr.. Harding's words
cannot change the fact. and though the allied pow
may acquiesce. st viii take long time for them
10 forget il. even though subsequent arrangements
Iatch 1t up.
Furthermore when the president says he would
have the resolution Of congress contain the quail
heations essential to protect all rights" he says
exactly the thing TO make Europe suspicious. By
such qualification We would retain. until furtAev
adjustments can be made. such rights were
written for Us in the Versailles treaty leaving the
rights OF the allies their separate fate. If nc
means that by such qualification would simp.y
refuse waive any OF our rights "a beligerents
until formal treaty with Germany suIpants the
resolution OF congress- ne hasn't bettered it
Second and third must be considered together.
As we read the message. the congressional reselu-
ton would hold rights intact during the period
IN which our reservations the Versailles treaty
were being framed by and agreed UPON by the
other signatores. such agreements could only be
reached. doubtless by conference OF the interest
I'd nations-an OF the % allies and associates. per-
hsps though that is a matter 20 be determined.
Here. naturally. where real trouble begins. TIE
Versailles treaty a compromise beswe.7 what
each Of the % allies and associates wanted and
-ybst each could get IL finally riveted together
with lot OF smothered protests inside IT, once the
rivets are knocked OF those protests viii bang
again into the open.
shantung for example which member
~ last fall
II is bound 10 be peace conference that is at
east warlke that which met in Paris. There
Wiil be the complication too. OF having door
20 the u. 6 senate. our senators certain to -