New Britain herald., 1923-11-30
THE PRESIDENTS PLEDGE


 ! II is hard always for the practical man to look favorably upon any movement the chief inspiration of which is suspected of being idealistic, even thought he may admit that such plan has practical advantages. The very fact that it is backed by theorists seems to taint the whole thing with the cloud of idealism which is likely 1 to obscure those practical advantages. The plan to have the United States enter the World Court and assume some Of the obligations living in the world imposes upon individuals and l nations, certainly his ideaIistic inspir- ation But this fact should not make less prominent it's practical advan- tages and those practical advantages, chief among which is the tendency if would have to prevent war to stabilize Europe and to throw open her mar kets to the United States. should be emphasized always-for the sake Of those who will do nothing, favor nothing, unless material profit may be seen in the movement
 But the World Court idea. having about it this atmosphere Of idealism, becomes a strang weapon in the hands Of men who oppose 1t because they know that when it comes to mat ters Of personal safety and personal purse, the great majority Of people will play safe" and will oppose any thing that they think may threaten ,lthor Much stress win be laid by the opponents Of the plan, on the fact that practically every idcslist in this country favors our entry into the World Court. They, these opponents, say little Of the practical men who favor lt as well who base their ad- vocacy upon the soundnoss of the theory that world devoted 10 con- struction and not destruction is a more prosperous world in which prosperity the United States as well as other other nations will share.
 Next week President Coolidge will deliver his message 10 Congress, The matter of the World Court is not here touched upon lightly. With the decp- est sincerity it is stated that this ei- drnee Of our oagerncss to share our responsibilities and face a business proposition which aside from its theoretical side. can not fail 10 bring us benefit, should be shown. President Coolidge will have to meet tho qucs- ton. It is almost inconceivabie that he fails to SEC a participation by the United states in the affairs of the world some time in the future. If will take courage, possibly more poe Htical courage than one not in his confidence may know, to oppose the wishes Of the men of his party 10 op- 1 pose the plan to enter the court Were i there way to escape taking de- termincd stand the President might i moi be blamed 1T he Is not strong ! enough to turn from that easier way. l Rut if ho docs avoid fho question, un- ! decided merely because He may think '. the people Of the country are nnde- eided. he will diss ppoint his admirers; he win justify the belief Of those who : consider him a weak man.
 And there is this final point He. the President o' the United states has pledged himself to follow the policies Of his predecessor fhn late President Harding. The one outstanding feature Of President Hsrding's political life is his advocacy Of the Tinted States en- trance into the World Court The sit- nation in Europe has not changed in any way 10 justify change Of posi- ton were Inc late president to be alive today. Nothing has happened 10 jus tify President roeHdeo ir failing to redeem hts pledge to the memory of the man who has died,