The Washington herald., 1922-02-11

did not covenant the relations
which tend to guarantee 1t. For
more than a half century we have
had a part in influencing the affairs
of the Pacific, and our present pro-
posed commitments are not mate
rally different in character, nor
materially greater in extent, though
fraught with vastly less danger,
than our undertakings in the past
I We have convinced the on-look-
ing and interested powers that we
covet the possessions of no other
power in the Far East, and we know
for ourselves that we crave no fur
ther or greater gov srnmental or
territorial responsibilities there
Contemplating what Is admittedly
ours. and mindful of q long time
and reciprocal friendship with China
We wish the opportunity to con-
tinue the development of our
trade peacefully. and on equality
with other nations. to strengthen
our ties of friendship. and to make
sure the righteous and just rela-
tionships of peace. -
Holding the possessions we do
entertaining these views. and con-
Tossing these ambitions, why should
we not make reciprocal engage
ments to respect the territory OF
others and contract their respect OF
ours, and thus quiet apprehension
and put an end to suspicion?
There has been concern. There
has been apprehension of territorial
greed. most fruitful cause of war.
The conference has dissipsted both,
and your ratification of the cove
nants made will stabilize a peace
for the breaking of wh:.n there is
not a shadow of reason or rea. ex-
cuse. We shall no: have less than
before. No one Of us shall Eave
less than before. There is 30 mar
rowed liberty, no nampr-s1 inde-
pendence, no shat:er II sovereignty.
no added obligation. We will have
Eew assurances. new freedom from
anxiety, and new manifestations of
the sincerity of our own intentions:
a rev demonstrate OF that hon
esty which proclaims a righteous
and powerful republic.
Rights to BE Respected.
1 am ready to assume the sim
certify and the dependability of the
assurances of our neighbors of the
Old World that they will respect
our rights, just as ] know We mean
to respect theirs. believe there
is an inviolable national honor. and
I bring to you this particular cove
nant in the confident belief that II
is the outstanding compact Of peace
for the Pacific, which will Justify
4
prove a new guarantee to peace and
liberty, and maintained sovereignty
and free Institutions.
No allusion has been made to the
treaty restraining and limiting the
use of the submarine, and the pro-
hibition of noxious gases in war
fare. Since we are asking the
worlds adherence, 1t is easily as
sumed' that none in America will
hold aloof.
Nor need I dwell on the nine.
power treaty relating to principles
and policies to be followed in the
relationship of the signatory powers
to China. Our traditional friend
shin for the ancient empire. our
continued friendship for the new
republic, our commitment Of more
than twenty years to the open door
and our avowed concern ror cniness
integrity and unimpaired sover'
eighty, make it easy to assume
that the Senate will promptly and
unanimously assent. China's own
satisfaction in the restorations
covenanted here has been officially
expressed, quite apart from the
testifying signatures.
Perhaps 1 may fittingly add a
word which is suggested by my re-
lationship as a former member oil
the Senate. I had occasion TO iearn
of your vers proper jealousy of the
Senate's part in contracting for-
eign relationships. Frankly, 1t was
in my mind when / asked repre-
sentatives of both the majority ano
minority to serve on the Ameri-
can delegation. It was designed tr
have you participate. And you
were ably represented.
Greater Peace Assured.
The Senate's concern for freedom
from entanglements. for preserved
traditions, for maintained independ-
ence. was never once forgotten by
the American delegates. II 1 did
not believe these treaties brought
us not only new guarantees, Of peace
bat greater assurances Of freedom
from conflict. I would not submit
them to your consideration.
Mach depends on your decision
We have Joined In giving to the
world the spectacle of nations gath
ering about the conference table
amid the convictions Of peace. free
from all passion, to face each other
in the contacts of reason. to solve
menacing problems. and end dis
putes, and clear up misunderstand-
ingE. They have agreed to confer
again when desirable, And turn the
revealing light Of world opinion
on any menace to peace among
them. Your government encour-
aged, and has signed the compacts
which IL had much TO do In fash
ioning. II TO these understand
ings for peace, II to these advanced
expressions OF the conscience OF
leading powers. ~ to these concoros
to guard against conflict and lift
the burdens OF armament. if to all
of these the Senate will not advise
and consent. then II will be futile
to try again. Here has been exer-
cised every caution consistent with
accomplishment. Here was be-
ginning on your advice. no matter
when conceived. and the program
was enlarged. only because assu--
ances of tranquility were deemed
the appropriate concomitants OF the
great experiment In arms Limitation.