The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1923-12-06


principles of government WI
For US peace reigns everywhere.
We desire to perpetua1e It always
by granting full justice to others
and requiring Of others fnll justice
TO ourselves.
Our country has one cardinal
principle to maintain in its foreign
policy. It Is an American prin-
ciple. It must be an American
policy. We attend to our own af-
fairs. conserve our own strength
and protect the interest Of our
own citizens: but we recognize
thoroughly our obligation to help
others. reserving to the decision
of our own Judgment the time.
the place and the method. We
realize the common bond of
humanity. We know the inescap-
able law of service.
Our country has definitely re-
fused to adopt and ratifY the cove
nant Of the League Of Nations.
We have not felt warranted in
assuming the responsibilities
which its members have assumed.
/ am not proposing any change
n this policy: neither is the Sem
ate. The incident, so Tar as we
are concerned, Is closed. The
League exists as foreign agency.
We hope It win be helpful. But
the United States sees no reason
10 limit its own freedom and In
dependence Of action by joining It.
We shall do well to recognize this
basic fact in all national affairs
and govern ourselves accordingly.
World Court.
Our foreign policy has always
been guided by two principles.
The one Is the avoidance OF per-
manent political alliances which
would sacrifice our proper indie
pendence. The other is the peace
full settlement Of controversies
between nations. BY example
and by treaty we have advocated
arbitration. For nearly twenty
five years we have been q mem
Der OF The Hague Tribunal, and
have long sought the creation OF
q permanent World Court of
Justice. I am in full accord with
both of these policies. I favor
the establishment Of such court
intended to include the whole
world. That is, and has long
been, an American policy.
Pending before the Senate Is a
proposal that this Government
give its support to the Permanent
Court of international Justice,
which is new and somewhat
different PLAN This is not a par
tisan question. It should not
assume an artificial Importance.
The court is merely a convenient
instrument of adjustment to
which we could go, but to which
we could not be brought. 1t
should be discussed with entire
candor, not by a political but by
q, judicial method, without pres
sure and without prejudice. Par
tisansIlip has no place in our
foreign relations. As wish to
see a court established. and as the
proposal presents the only prac-
teal plan on which nanv nations
have ever agreed. though it may
not meet every desire. I therefore
commend IL to the favorable con-
sideration of the Senate. with the
proposed reservations clearly in
dicating our refusal to adhere to
the League of Nations.
Stand on Russia.
Our diplomatic relations, lately
20 largely interrupted, are now
being resumed. but Russia pre-
sents notable difficulties. We have
every desire to see that great
people, who are our traditional
friends, restored to their position
among the nations Of the earth.
We have relieved their pitiable
restitution with an enormous
charity. Our Government offers
no objection to the carrying on Of
commerce by our citizens with
the people of Russia. Our Gov
eminent does not propose, how
ever. to enter into relations with
another regime which refuses to
recognize the sanctity of inter-
national obligations. I do not
propose to barter away for the
privilege OF trade any of the
cherished rights of humanity. I
do not propose to make merchan-
disc of any American principles.
These rights and principles must
go wherever the sanctions of our
Government go.
But while the favor OF America
Is not IOf safe, ana VIKING 70
make very large concessions for
the purpose of rescuing the people
of Russia. Already encouraging
evidences of returning to the an
cient ways OF society can be de
fected. But more are needed
Whenever there appears any dis
position to compensate our citizens
who were despoiled. and to recog
nize that debt contracted with ouI
Government, not by the Car, bu'
by the newly formed republic Of
Russia; whenever the active spiri
of enmity to- our institutions h
abated; whenever there appear
works mete for repentence: oul
country ought to be the first TO q
to the economic and moral rescu,
OF Russia. We have every desifr
70 help and no desire to injure
We hope the time is near at han.
when We can act.
The current debt and interes