Norwich bulletin., 1922-12-30
NUMBER FOUR
(Continued from Page one)

 out? The fundamental condition Is that in this critical moment the merits of the question, as an economic one, must alone be regarded. Sentiment, however natural, must be disregarded, mutual re- criminatIons are of no avail. Reviews of the past, whether accurate or inaccurate, promise nothing; assertions of blame on the one hand and excuses on the other come to naugh.
 There ought to be way for states men to agree upon what Germany can pay, for no matter what claims may be made against her, that is the limit of satisfaction. There ought to be q way to determine that limit and to provide Q financial plan by which immediate results can be obtained and the European na- tions can feel that the foundation has been laid for their mutual and earnest endeavors to bring about the utmost pros- perity to which the industry of their peo- pie entitle them.
 If statesmen cannot agree and exi- gencies of public apinion make their course difficult. then there should be call ed to their aid those who can point the way to a solution.
 Why Men of Highest Authority? "Why should not they invite men of the highest authority in finance in their respective countEies-men of such pres | tige, experience and honor that their 1 agreement upon the amount to be paid, and upon a financial plan for working out the payments, would be accepted throughout the world as the most author | itative expression obtainable. Govern ments need not bind themselves in ad- vance to accept the recommendations but lr<- .la | inquiry with their approval~and free the men who may represent their country in such commission from any responsi- bility to foreign offices and from any duty to obey political instructions. Tn i other words, they. may invite an answer to this difficult and pressing question | from men in such standing and in such | circumstances of freedom as will insure a reply prompted only by knowledge and conscience. l q have no doubt that distinguished Americans would be willing to serve ir such a commission. If governments saw fit to reject the recommendation upon which such a body agreed, they would be free to do so. but they would have the advantage of impartial advice and of ar enlightened public opinion. People, would be informed, the question would be rescued from assertion and counter assertion and the problem put upon it: way to solution.
 Dcprecates General Conference.
 T do not believe that any general con ference would answer the purpose better much less that any political conference l would accomplish a result which pre- miers find it impossible to reach. But do believe that small group, giver proper freedom of action, would be ablt soon to devise a proper plan It would be time enough to consider forciblt measures after such an opportunity hat been exhausted. Such body would no only be expert but friendly. It would no be bound by special official obligations 1t would have no aninIus and no duty but | to find and state the truth. In a situa tion which requires an absence of techni lcality and immunity from interference, hope that the way may soon be found fo1 8 frank discussion and determination o what is essentially an economic problem
 U. s. Ready to Aid in Any PractIcsbl,
 Way.
 i "The United States has the most friend ly and disinterested purpose in this mat II ter and wishes to aid in any practicabi,
 way. But 1t Is idle to make suggestion
 which arouse false hopes and are so i'm practicable that they they cannot bea
 fruit On the other hand, there lies ope1 a broad avenue of opportunity of thos whose voluntary action is indispensabl
 are willing to take advantage of it. Ant
 once this Is done, the avenues of Ameri can helpfulness cannot fail to open hope
 fully" Washington Arms Conference.
 Aside from the economic question, MI
 Hughes devoted most of his address to
 discussion of the results of the Washing ton arms conference. With respect to tn recent public discussion of auxiliary craf lproblems, such as the Japanese and Brit ish cruiser projects. he said:
 'There is nothing that can be called i any degree alarming.
 Tt ought to be possible" Mir. Hughe
 said, also with reference to total auxil
 iary craft tonnage untouched by tn
 Washington treaty. to arrange modu
 yivendi which would preclude a wastefr and unnecessary competition"
 So far as American strength Is con
 cerned, he said, ''the United States 1 not as well supplied as 1t should be. bu !. the treaty does not interfere with ade
 quate provision by the United States |
 supply this want and it should be sup piled" is.4 MT. Hughes declared that difficuitie . which prevented further naval limitation iby the conference. so far as he was ,abl
 to see, still stand" The failure the to make more sweeping limitations, h . added Ifs not attributable to us." ,I Summarizing his review Of the, nays
 pact and criticisms directed against i
 the secretary said:
 My conclusion is that the naval treat . will stand the test of analysis and fal statement. taking all the pertinent fac;
 into consideration and that it will be
 desirable safeguard and not menace { our security and at the same time a ' important assurance of peace. Thes l happy results will be attained, howeve, ] on the condition that we act toward othe E nations in the same spirit Of reasonabi,