Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1922-02-12
Hartllng's Good Judgment

THE Presidents address to the Senate
asking prompt ratification OF the nine
treaties negotiated By the Washington con-
ference. submitted by him, was most IA
vorably received on both sides OF the cham
Der. While disclaiming that all Of the
treaties were interdependent, he stressed
the fact that they have such important rela-
tfonship that favorable action on all of them
was necessary to carry out the dominant
thought OF making them covenants of har-
mony, OF assurance. OF conviction, of con-
ference and OF unanimity." Recognizing
that there has been more expressed opposi
ton to tho four-power pact designed to
guarantee the peace Of the Pacific, he closely
linked 1t with the naval reduction pnct, and
IN reminding the Senate that It was nego-
tiated and signed in accordance with its ex-
pressed wish. argued that the particular
ratification OF the naval treaty was the set
tlement Of International problems found
in the Pacific. the basis for which was laid
in the Horsepower treaty
In mis- extended argument in behalf OF the
four-p0wer pact the President made the
point that all of the Eastern treaties take
the place OF various other treaties, agree
ments and understandings affecting ,ho
Pacific, and that the new treaties serve 10
end contradictions and remove antiquities
he told the Senate that neither he nor tho
conference was unmindful OF the opposition
OF that body to international acknowledgements
ana III response to that sentiment he could
prins every assurance that nothing In any
OF these treaties commits the United States
or any other power TO any kind OF alliance
enlargement or Involvement II does mt
require MS or any other power TO surrender
Worthwhile tradition" In case OF trouble
arising under the four-power treaty the
signing powers. he said are to communi
cate and perhaps to confer. but he explicit
~ ahrmed that there is no commitment 10
armed FORCES. no alliance, no written or
moral obligation 10 join in defense and no
express or implied agreement to act except
IN accordance with constitutional methods
ihese methods. he thought. would be erfec
i've moral warning TO any aggressive ma
ton.
IN the careful phrasing of his appeal to
'"e senate Tor prompt ratification of the
'rea'ies the President scrupulously respect-
eu us TRADITIONAL attitude on foreign policies
lc "'o not use any words implying that
'"e p"''s should not be thoroughly studied.
VI 'ha' me senate should refrain from exer-
Using IT'S risht TO include reservations I'm its
'"''oi VI Ia'HchtlOn. In this cOnuec-
uon' particularly good judgment WAS shown
IN submitting to the Senate. along with tho
teaties. Tor its Information, the comnle,a
minutes or the plenary sessions and COM
mttee meetings and the report made IN him
py inc American delegation. This remark
aoie example Of open diplomacy will dis-
arm much OF the criticism OF the methods
u! "hich the agreements were reachad
winch otherwise might have cropped ON, IN
me subsequent consideration OF the treatias
d! the Senate. Significant OF the good i'm
preston created by his speech was the state
'ihen' or senator Borah that he considered q
f" very line address," adding that he had
been most favorably impressed ana ,b,, no
would support the treaties il he found tho
freS!aehts construction Of them correct
NOT only did the President sat tho di.o,,
sion OF the treaties on the high plane az mi
'ersal world desire for practical ma,hoJs
OF lorestalling future conflicts hetweo, M
uohs. nut In inviting the Senate In con-
s'oer them entirely on their merits eschew-
ing partisanShip he Indicated the cours.
oi true wisdom for that body 10 pursuo IN
us forthcoming debates. There Is ma douh,
ABOUT American sentiment heinz f,voro,,o
10 ratihcation. and the Senate will come
"hder double public condemnation IL u d.-
ieats this second attempt at intorna,ion.1
accord for reducing TO minimum H.
danger OF future wars