Perth Amboy evening news., 1923-12-17
THE WORLD COURT

THE WORLD COURT
The publication of Senator Lodges
letter in which he comes out in the
open in opposition to the Coolidge
Hughes program for American entry
into the world court is the first real
jolt the President has received in the
carrying out of his policies since he
delivered his message to congress.
President Coolidge left no doubt as
to where lie stands on the question
of the world court. He endorses the
sentiments of President Harding alb
solntely. He would have the United
States become a member of the
court under certain restrictions that
would insure against being dragged
into the League of Nations.
In taking the stand there is good
reason to believe that President
Coolidge represents a majority of the
American people. Having rejected
the League of Nations entirely, the
world court is the only a of ac-
complishing anything toward world
unity against war, and 1t vas to ac-
complish something along this line
that the war vas fought, as far as
the Americans + concerned. How
frequently we heard the expression
when the war was on, that it was a
war to end war.
or course, no sensible man be-
lieves that there never will be any
more war. But every sensible mar
will do everything within his power
to adopt means to avert war. And
the only way war can be averted is
to adopt some peaceful means of
settling disputes between nations.
When some fifty or more nations
have agreed upon a plan whereby
their differences can be brought be-
fore an impartial tribunal for ad-
Indication 1t would seem as If there
was a chance of accomplishing
something in the desired direction.
The United States has always
prided itself upon being a peace
loving nation. 1t likes to be looked
upon as a leader in protecting the
weak against the strong. This is
the fundamental idea of the world
court. 1t is. perhaps, the most ad-
vanced step that civilization has
taken in international affairs. True,
II was brought into existence
through the medium OF the League
of Nations, but It has been conclu-
siveiy proven hal it is in no way
dominated by the League of Nations.
and participation in the world court
in no way obligates a nation to be-
/, come a member of the league, or to
recognize its authority. This has
been conclusively proven. The
League OF Nations has merely set up
this court as one of its numerous
achievements toward advancing
peace in the world, and IL there are
those In America who are afraid to
have this country participate in the
great work the league is doing, and
49, r1nVaa - no M \ II al arc
they ought at least to be willing tc
Join with the other civilized nations
OF the earth in a world court fol
settling International disputes In
stead of always ~resorting to var
This is all that President Coolidge
asks, and he cites Americas attitude
from the beginning of this country
history to back his argument il
favor Of becoming a member of tn
court. He is big enough to realize
hat the United States cannot dictatt
10 the whole world. The fact tina
fifty or more nations have actual!
gotten together on this world cour
idea ought to be SO welcome to
nation hat loves peace as much a
The United States does. that thi
nation would jump at the chance II
be among the leaders in the move
ment, instead of being the n tina
is hanging back and doing Its utmos
through criticism and indifference
to kill the plan.
1t is a short sighted policy, indeed
hat the leaders in the senate ar
adopting in regard to this world
vide movement for the advancement
OF peace. 1t is so easy to raise tina
old cry about entangling alliances
but there is nothing of the nature c
an alliance in the world court.
Would seem, however. that just be
cause a certain few in the senat
cannot dictate the n in whic
the court is to be organized tines
rev will not permit the United state
ito play a mans part in this gre'
forward movement,
senator Lodge, as chairman of II
Committee on foreign relations an
as leader Of the Republican maiOrit