Perth Amboy evening news., 1923-04-24

ASIlJ n4lGu We CaiiCg ldbOL OAAI "
set up a mixed claims commission
to settle the claims of American ma.
tionals against Germany, that nation
named n Commissioners, we named
one, and then, for the first time in
the history of international relation.
ships, Germany asked us. as a con.
tending nation. to name the umpire
the third member. whose vote would
decide all differences I know Of
no like tribute to a nations fairness
in all the records of history.
Then in the fulfillment of the
pledge of free conference, the inter.
national conference on the Limitation
OF armament was called, not In
haste not because someone was
prodding, but az early as the bar
riers to success could be removed.
The spirit of that conference and
the achievement wrought have been
written into history, and will grow
UNNECESSARILY beyond the almost
universal popular favor already ac-
corded. There was not alone the
triumph in reducing naval arma-
and ending competition which
leading to oppressive naval
strength and adding staggering bur-
to the treasures of competing
powers: Not alone the removal of
every war cloud and every reason
for conflict in the Pacific, so that
now accord and concord abide, where
suspicion and fear had previously
But we gave an example to
the world of the conference way to
peace, which time will appraise as
the supreme accomplishment.
Hardly had this gratifying work
been accomplished before the admin
istration began its endeavors for
further fulfllment. Meanwhile an
International court of Justice had
been established 1t was an agency
of peaceful settlement which had
long been sought. It's establishment
had failed because. no
agres1ent had been possible over
the method of electing judges. The
of the League of Nations
offered a solution. Almost all the
member nations had signed a proto-
col establishing the court. The menu
bers of the council, in which the
larger powers have permanent repre-
afforded one voting body
'feNH - WV OAA ~ 4lClIDeIS OI INA
assembly consisting of representa-.
tlves OF all the nations. and member
nations of the assembly. could have
a veto on the larger powers repre-
sented in the council. Here was a.
device for %electing judges which re-
moved the heretofore unsolvable
or a satisfactory means of
selecting them. Not the council, but
me nation members thereof, must
Vote In majority for the same can
nidates for which members of the
assembly voted in a majority, else
election is void until a confer.
ence points the way to agreement.
The court was established and is
unctioning. An American Judge sits
IN the court, though we had no part
choosing him.
Under the provisions of it's es-
the United States can
apply for a court decision on any
utic1able question even as any me-
participating in its establish
nent. Perhaps the court is not all
nat some advocates of the court
plan would have It, but it is in a
arge measure the fulfIlment of an
we long have boosted,
l thought, and 1 still think, we
to be a party to the agree
nent, our part in its main
and give to 1t the benefit
wealth and ideals may prove to he.
Appeal 10 Court
For mere eligibility to % to
ne court, nothing was needed, But
t didn't seem fair 40 seek it's ad-
antages without accepting all be-
omlng responsibilities. and here de-.
clipped the stumbling block. Natu-
ally we should wish to participate
n selecting the judges, and the
lectors designated were members If
ne league. We had no thought of
dining the league. we sought none
I its offerings and will accent none
I It's obligations. The President
ould propose no solution to the
lgnatory powers, because the world
as witnessed. in disa appointment the
pectacle of the executive propos-
ng n the senate disposing.
so the situation was felt out and
satisfied that there was an an
'roprtate course Of action without
Connection with the League, I pro-
'osed adherence to the court pro-
ocol n asked the Senate's consent
Inc documents speak for them
elves. 1t wa spointed out that no
tights under the League and no OBJ
igauons of the League would be in
urred, but to make certain that we
you'd not be involved the letter of
he Secretary OF State suggested
uftable reservations to afford ample
guaranty.
This is the complete recital. 1t is
n h0rrOnnTy guffh rfaffne~, ~1zl-z
,andidatorial promises, and, I be-
ieve, with American aspirations.
The Senate's decision was hardly TO
e expected amid the enormous pres
ure of business incident to the clos
ng weeks of the short session. But
felt that the Senate, the Country.
the friendly nations whose coun-
el we had sought were entitled to
Inow that our gestures abroad were
incere, and our own people should
Know there are no secrets about our
purposes at home, once they are
natured.
Excessive friends of the League
lave beclouded the situation by their
inwarranted assumption that it is a
move toward League membership.
let them disabuse their minds, be-
,ause there is no such though
lmong us who must make our COM
abroad. And the situa-
ion is likewise beclouded by those
Who shudder excessively when the
is mentioned and who as
sumo ENHANCEMENT is unavoidable.
Any ENHANCEMENT would first re-
Iuire assent of the Senate, which is
,carcely to be apprehended, and If
~ any chance the Senate approved
II an ENHANCEMENT. the present adj
ministration would not complete
he ratification.
Frankly, there is one political
ougbear. When we discussed the
League of Nations and its rule of
.orce, with its super powers through