The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-25


 here today President Harding spoke as follows:
 During the closing days of the last Congress l sent to the Senate communication asking it's advice and consent to the adherence by the gov ernment of the United States to the tional court of justice. Out of this simple natural, normal proceeding has developed so much of mystery. so much of misunderstanding, so much of protest and approval. so much of threatened muddying of the political waters, that l welcome the oppor tunity on so appropriate an occa- slon To reveal to the American people both the purpose and the motives i'm polling.
 Ours is popular government through the agency of political par ties, and it must be assumed that the course of the successful party, which Is a the same time an honest party, must be fairly charted by the plat form of that party, and by the utter ances of it's candidates when appeal ing for popular approval. On that as sumption it is seemly to recall the declarations of the party now in power relative to the promotion of international relationships.
 Platform of 1904.
 Tn 1904 the national platform of the republican party said: We favor the peaceful settlement of interna tional differences by arbitration" Four years later, in the national con- vention of 1908, the party in it's plat form alluded to progress made in keeping faith with the previous dec laration, and said:
 "'The conspicuous contributions of American statesmanship to the cause of international peace so strongly advanced in The Haze conferences are occasions for Just pride and grat- ification. We indorse such achieve ment as the highest duty of people to perform, and proclaim the obliga- tion of further strengthening the bonds of friendship and good will with all the nations of the world
 "In 1912 the republican platform made very explicit declaration re- lating to an international court of justice. I quote from the party cove nant of faith:
 Together with eaceful and order ly development at home. the repub- lican party earnestly favors all measures for the establishment and protection of the peace of the world, and for the development of closer relations between the nations of the earth. It believes most earnestly in an International settlement of inter national disputes, and a reference of controversies of all nations to an in- ternational court of justice.'
 Pledge of 1918.
 The next formal and solemn pledge was made in 1916. I quote again:
 The republican party believes that a firm, consistent and con- ageous foreign policy. always main- tained 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 onr rightful place among nations. We believe In the peaceful settlement of international disputes. and favor tEe establishment of world court for that purpose
 Tn 1920 the question of our for eign relationship was very acute. The Senate had rejected the Versailles treaty and the League of Nations pact. The convention voiced its ap- proval of the rejection, but was un- willing to pledge aloofness from the world. Therefore, it said in its plat form pronouncement:
 I've 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 ac- cordance with American idee/s, with out surrendering the right of the American people to exerci/e It's 1udg- ment and its power in favor of justice and peace.'
 As participant in the making of some of these platforms and as the banner-bearer of one campaign, I have right to believe they spoke the party conscience so plainly that N;..s
 Disapproves League.
 But there are. other utterances which 1t Is seemly to recall. l allude the interpretation of the platform by the candidate in 1920 On August 2S, 1920, speaking on the League of Nations proposal. I said frankly and United States entering the League of Nations. It was declared then that the issue, as defined by the can didates Involved tho disparity be- tween a 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 address. l said:
 For more eligibility to apeal to the court. nothing was needed. But it didn't seem fair to seek It's ad- vantages without accepting all be- coming responsibilities and here developed the stubling block. Ma turally who should wish to partici- pate in selecting the judges. and the electors designated were members of the League. We had no thought of Joining the League, we sought none of its offerings and will accept none of Its obligations. The President could propose no solution to the sig natory powers, because the world has witnessed in disappointment the spectacle of the executive proposing and the Senate disposng. It was not desirable to make some proposals abroad that could be carried out; in- deed none would be considered and 1t was not pleasing to think of asking the Senate's consent to program to which the nations concerned would not agree. So, very informally and very dscreetly. the situation was felt but, over considerable period of time and when satisfied that there was an appropriate course of action without connection with the League, provided the Senate consented, a cotol and asked the Senate's con- sent.
 Suggest Reservations.
 The documents speak for them selves. It was pointed out that no rights under the League and no obligations of the League would be incurred but to make certain that