New-York tribune., 1922-06-20
Hughes Wants
Right to Voice
In Congress
Secretary Tells Michigan
University Men Cabinet
Should Have Opportunity
To BE Heard on Policies
Is Not Seeking a Vote
He Argues Department
Heads Should BE Given
Chance to Speak on Floor

ANN ARBOR. Mich. June 10 Sec
retary OF State Charles Evans Hughes
who was one o. the eleven mon 90 re-
ccivc honors to-day from thc V1iver-
sity Of Michigan. was ihc principal
speaker az the commencement day eN-
er-.ses. making plea for new sense
OF responsibility in matters of interna-
;ionai concern. and suggesting The wis
dom Of a plan iha' would enable the
President. through h.s executive chirfs'
20 explain matters Of policy before the
law making bodies In order 90 secure
an intelligent judgment
American practice has hhuniantiy
confirmed the initiative OF the Prcsl-
oent in the formulation q foreign
policy" Mr Hughes said. adding that
the wisdom o. this disposition o.
power has been fully demonstrated '
But the "separateness of the Executive
power under our system he added
deprived the Executive of oppoftuni-
ties open 10 parliamentary leaders Of
participation in parliamentary debate.
No Chance 10 Explain
"The Secretary Of State" the speaker
said. acting for the President may
negotiate an important treaty, bot he
20 opportunity 90 explain or dciend
= upon the floor of the Senate when rs
provisions are under debate.
There are numerous situations in
which an opportunity for the EXecu-
tive through his department chieis 70
eYplain matters Of policy would be OF
greatest aid in securing an intelligent
Judgment. This is especially true IN
relation 70 foreign affairs, where the
department concerned has sources Of
information which generally are not
available 90 others.
IL should not favor change IN the
distribution Of power or any modih-
cation Of practice which would en-
courage tho notion that the oXccgt We
Is responsible to the legislative b--net
81 the government I'm matters which
under the constitution are exclusively
az executive concern. ! should also
deplore any method so contriyed as 70
facilitate antagonism between the ex-
ecutive department and legislative
leaders or which would merely pro-
vide opportunities FOR the censorious'
Should Be Heard in Senate
"Bus speaking in my private ca,
pacity and expressing only personal
opinion, do believe IN multiplying
the facilities for appropriate coop
Grafton between responsible leaders
who understand the respective iunc.
tions In a manner suited 10 the Iul
/ discussion Of great international ques
tions when these fall within the con
stitutional competency Of the senate
To enable Cabinet officers 90 vote ~
either House OF Congress would re.
ouire a constitutional amendment, and
should not favor il, but 10 is quite
consistent with our system that inc
head Of a department should nave th'
opportunity personally 20 be heard
where important departmental meas
urcs and policies are under conaioer'
alton ~.
contact with the press was fully rec
ognized. and added that the daily press
conferences between the secretarie.
and tho newspaper men in the various
Sonartmerts were "our substitute ioi
parliamentary interpellation.'
at is In this manner Mr.. hugnel
said "that In substance account IS ren
dered to the final authority
The Secretary pointed out. however
that this press contact, iu ;he natur'
Of things was for the most part IN
formal and that news writer's deslre'
"to write IN their own way ana 10 oD
tain material by their own inquiries
Accuracy Is Aim
"What Is desired" he said. is no
control Of news but accurate informa
ton"
But even under these conditions tn
Secretary said, "opon diplomacy mus
still be diplomacy and ). cannot b
oTened az the cost OF losing It's essen
tial character and OF frustrating II
proper purpose
Even democratic governments mus
desire 20 succeed In their negotiation.
he said. and premature disclosure
may prevent the accomplishment o
tae most enlightened aims II N
governments and peoples concerne
were in complete accord th3re wOll
bc 10 need Tor negotiations. the Secre
tary pointed out. adding, "and whe
they are no. in accord ard are endeav
or.nr 20 reach q basis Of agreement
IS fairous 20 suppoae that acrotiation
can be conducted without prudent reteI
gations on each side