The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1923-04-26

AOOHLlnueQ from page
munication asking its advice and con-
sent to the adherence by the govern
ment OF the United States to the pro-
tocol establishing the international
court Of justice. Out of this simple,
natural, normal proceeding has de-
veioped so much of mystery, so much
of misunderstanding, so much of pro-
test and approval, so much of threat
ened muddying of the political waters,
that welcome the opportunity on so
appropriate an occasion to reveal to
the American people both the purpose
and the motives impelling.
Ours is popular government through
the agency of political parties and it
must be assumed that the course of
the successful party which is at the
same time an honest party, must be
fairly charted by the platform of that
party and by the utterances of its can
didates when appealing for popular
approval. On that assumption it is
seemly to recall the declarations of the
party now in power relative to the pro-
Recalls Party Pledges.
In 1904 the national platform of the
Republican party said, "we favor the
peaceful settlement of international
differences by arbitration"
Four years later in the national con-
vention of 1908, the party in its
platform alluded to progress made in
keeping faith with the previous dec
laration and said:
t"The conspicuous contributions of
American craftsmanship to the cause
of international peace so strongly ad-
vanced in The Hague conferences are
occasions for just pride and gratifca-
ton. We morse such
achievement as the highest duty of
people to perform and proclaim the
obligation of further strengthening the
bonds of friendship and good will with
all the nations of the world"
Again Stated in 1912.
In 1912 the Republican platform
made very explicit declaration re-
lating to an international court of
justice. I quote from the party,
covenant Oh Ia1Gn:
Together with peaceful and orderly
development at home, the Republican
party earnestly favors all measures
for the establishment and protection
of the peace of the world, and for the
development of closer relations be-
tween the various nations of the earth.
1t believes most earnestly in a peace
full settlement of international dis
putes and in the reference of all con-
troversies between nations to an in
ternational court of Justice
Similar Pledge in 1916.
The next formal and solemn pledge
was made in 1916. 1 quote again:
"The Republican party believes that
a firm, consistent and courageous
foreign policy, always maintained by
Republican presidents in accordance
with American traditions is. the best
as it is the only true way to preserve
peace and restore to us our rightful
place among nations. We believe in
the peaceful settlement of disputes
and favor the establishment Of world
court for that purpose"
No Doubt In Last Campaign.
In 1920 the question of our foreign
relationship was very acute. The sem
ate had rejected the Versailles treaty
and the League Of Nations pact. The
convention voiced it's approval of the
rejection, but was unwilling to pledge
aloofness from the world. Therefore it
said in its platform pronouncement:
"We pledge the coming Republican
administration to such agreements
with other nations of the world as
shall meet the full duty of America
to civilization and humanity in &C.
cordance with American ideals with
out surrendering the right of the
American people to exercise its judg-
ment and its power in favor of JUS
tice and peace"
AS participants in the making of
some of these platforms and as the
banner-bearer Of one campaign, have
a right to believe they speak the
party conscience so plainly that it is
not easy to misconstrue.
But there are other utterances
which it is seemly to recall. allude
to theNinterpretation Of the platform
by the candidate in 1900
Opposed to League of Nations.
On August %, 1920, speaking on the
League of Nations proposal, I said
frankly and very definitely, I did not
favor the United States entering the
League of Nations. 1t was declared
then that the issue as defined by the
candidates, Involved this disparity
between world court of justice, sup
plemented by world association for
conference, on the one hand and the
council of the league on the other"
Quoting further from the same adj
dress, I said:
"The one is judicial tribunal to be
governed by fixed and definite princi-
pies of law, administered without pas
sion or prejudice. The other is an
association of diplomats and politi-
clans whose determinations are sure
to be influenced by considerations of
expediency and national selfshness.
~. One a government of
laws and one a government of men"
In that same address ] commended
The Hague tribunal. One para
graph is particularly appropriate to
quote afresh';
Suggested Tribunal Then.
81 believe humanity would welcome
the creation of an international as
ISOLATION for conference and world
court whose verdicts on justifable
questions this country in common with
all nations, would be willing and able