The Delta independent., 1923-12-07
PRESIDENT in His Message to
Lawmakers, Defends Policies.
TO FOLLOW HARDlNG'S IDEAS
10 Opposed to League of Nations, but
FaVors World Court-Wants Dis
abled Veterans Cared For, but
ls Opposed to Grant
Ing Bonus.

tho LOiV"AAb "
offer:
Since the close of the last congress
the nation has lost President Harding
The world knew his kindness and his
humanity, his greatness and his char
acter. He has left his mark upon
history. He has made justice more
certain and peace more secure. The
SURPRISING tribute paid to his mem
ory as he was borne across the con-
tinent to rest at last at home re-
vealed the place he held in the hearts
of the American people. But this is
not the occasion for extended refer
ence to the man or his work. In this
presence, among those who knew and
loved him, that is unnecessary. But
we who were associated with him
could not resume together the func-
lions of our Office without pausing for
moment, and in his memory recon
secrating ourselves to the service OF
our country. He is gone We re-
main. 1t is our duty, under the In
spiration of his example, to take up
the burdens which he was permitted
to lay down, and to develop and sup
port the wise principles of government
which he represented
Foreign Affairs
For us peace reigns everywhere,
We desire to perpetuate 1t always by
granting full justice to others and re-
Quiring Of others full justice to our
selves.
Our country has one cardinal prin-
ciple to maintain In its foreign pol
icy. 1t is an American principle. 1t
must be an American policy. We
attend to our own affairs, conserve
our own strength, and protect the In
terests 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 lnescapable law of service.
Our country has definitely refused
to adopt and ratify the covenant OF the
League of Nations. We have not felt
warranted In assuming the RESPONSE
billties which Its members have as
sumed. 1 am not proposing any
change In this policy; neither Is the
senate. The Incident, so far as we
are concerned, is closed. The league
exists as a foreign agency. We hope
1t will be helpful. But the United
States sees no reason to limit It's own
freedom and independence of action
by Joining It. We shall do well to rec
sgnlze this basic fact In all national
affairs and govern ourselves accord.
tngly.
World Court.
Our foreign policy has always been
guided by two principles The one is
the avoidance OF permanent political
alliance which would sacrifice our
proper independence. The other Is
the peaceful settlement OF controver-
nss between nations. BY example
and by treaty we have advocated arbl-
tration. For nearly IS years we have
been a member of The Hague tribunal,
and have long sought the creation Of
a permanent World Court OF Justice.
I am in full accord with both OF these
policies. / favor the establishment
OF such a court Intended to include
the whole world. That is, md has
long been, an American policy.
Pending before the senate is pro-
possl that this government give Its
support to the Permanent Court Of In
ternational Justice, which Is new
and somewhat different plan. This is
not partisan question. II should
not assume an artificial Importance.
The court Is merely a convenient In
strument 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 judicial method, without pressure
and without prejudice. Partlsanship
has no place In our foreign relations,
As wish to see a court established,
and as the proposal presents the only
practical plan on which many nations
have ever agreed. though It may not
meet every desire, therefore com
mend II to the favorable considera-
ton Of the senate, with the proposed
reservations clearly indicating our re
fusal to adhere to the League Of Ma.
tons.
Russia.
Our diplomatic relations, lately so
largely interrupted, are now being re-
sumed. but Russia presents notable
difficulties. We have every desire to
see that great people, who nre our ira
ditional friends, restored to their po-
sition among the nations Of the earth.
We have relieved their pitiable destl-
tuition with an enormous charity. Our
government offers no objection to the
carrying on Of commerce by our cit-
Iens with the people Of Russia. Our
government does not propose. how
ever. to enter into relations with an
other regime which refuses to recog
ulxs the sanctity of international OBJ.