The Omaha morning bee. [volume] (Omaha [Neb.]) 1922-1927, 1923-02-25
II. S. Seat In
New Court
Advocated
Harding Asks Senate to Ap-
prove American Member
ship in International Tri-
bunal of League.
Message Big Surprise

Washington, Feb. 24.-R)-Condi-
tional American membership in the
International court set up by the
league of nations was proposed today
by President Harding.
In message to the senate asking
that It advise and consent to such a
step, the president declared partici-
patton In the tribunal offered an op-
portunity through which the United
States could demonstrate its willing.
ness to aid in preserving world sta
bility without in any manner assum-
ing ANY legal relation to the
league"
Four reservations, the first of which
would specifically disclaim any obli-
cations under the league, were sug-
gested by Mr.. Harding as necessary
conditions to membership in the court.
The others would give this govern
ment a voice in selecting the judges
of the court and in making changes
in its basic regulations and would
provide that congress determine what
part of the expenses of the tribunal
are TO be paid out of the American
treasury.
Message Is Surprise.
Although there had been intlma-
tons that American participation in
the court was favored IN administra-
tion quarters, the presidents message
came as a complete surprise to sena-
tors generally and all indications
pointed to delay In senate action
on the recommendation until the ses-
sion of congress which meets in De-
cember.
Among the leaders of the "irrecon
cilables" of the league OF nations
fight in particular. there were pre-
dictions that nothing would be done
until time had been given for mature
reflection and debate. A special meet
ing of the foreign relations commit
tee was called to meet Tuesday to
take up the presidents proposal. but
there seemed to be no hope that final
action would be possible in the four
days remaining thereafter before the
present congress goes out of ex-
istence.
Comment Withheld.
SO far as the merits of the proposal
we're concerned. there was a general
Gisinciination to comment. Even the
''irreconciIables' wehe unwilling to
tapenlv declare war on the Plan, de-
spite their private expressions Of Dis
satisfaction. The republican organi-
zation leaders. including Senator
Lodge of Massachusetts, chairman of
the foreign relations committee.
would only say that they must give
the subject further study before an
nouncing what would be done. Among
the democrats who had supported the
league there was a general disposi-
ton to endorse the objects sought by
Mr.. Harding, but they all stopped
there and asked for time to think 1t
over.
1t was indicated that one factor
standing In the way of an immediate
expression of individual senatorial
opinion was the fact that the presi
dents message, having gone to the
capitol late in the day. had not yet
received a careful reading. even by
the leaders. 1t arrived at the senate
chamber five minutes before the days
business was halted under n previous
unanimous consent agreement and SO
had TO be read to the senate behind
the closed doors of the brief executive
session held to consider nominations
before the senate recessed until Mon
day.
Hughes Sends Letter.
letter by Secretary Hughes ac-
Turn to Page Two. Column One.)