The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-05-02
HARDING RECALLS
WILSON'S BITTER
BATTLE Of 1920
Executive Plans To Take More
Conciliatory Attitude
In Campaign

WASHINGTON, May because OF
opposition in the Senate, President
Harding has decided to slow up his
campaign for American membership
in the world court. This change OF
strategy is prompted by a desire to
keep clear of such quarrel as grew
up between Woodrow Wilson and the
Senate over the League of Nations
Back of this desire is determine
ton to prevent a breach in the party
as election year approaches.
There is no intention of abandoning
the western trip, but it is probable
that the President will tread some
what carefully when discussing the
world court. He may devote one or
two speeches largely to this oues-
ton. But for the most part, he Will
content himself with reference to
it and brief explanation. The Presl-
dent intends to keep away from any
suggestion of swinging club over
the Senate, and of arousing the coun-
try to crusading pitch.
saw wilson's Defeat.
AS a. senator, Harding saw the dis
astrous effect of Wilson's western
tour in behalf of the League of Ma
tons. Every time Wilson attacked
the senator's for attempting to cut
the heart out of the covenant" Hard
ing saw, and participated in, the sub
sequent indignation meetings in the
Senate cloak room. Soon the battle
became a personal one. Senator'S felt
that their dignity as a cor-ordinating
treaty making body had been In
fringed upon and were filled with
wrath The result was that senators
who might have accepted the league
with some reservations became so
personally embittered that they were
resolved to vindicate the prestige or
the Senate at any cost.
Cses Extreme Tact.
This senatorial dignity is more
than a state of mind. 1t is a real
condition which any President who
would accomplish his ends must han
die with extreme tact. Hence the Of
ficial word from the White House on
Tuesday that the President IL not 60
ing about the country carrying on
campaign seeking Endorsement for
the world court. The President, II
was said, has explained the merits OF
his proposal and now he intends to
allow deliberate American opinion
TO assert itself.
Harding has been prompted ia
adopt this cautious attitude because
of the hostility which has been man.
ifested among senators, even OF the
most loyal administration group.
since his New York speech. Even
Lodge the majority leader. and
chairman Of the foreign relations
committee, declines to support the
President without reservations. He
is seconded in this attitude by Sena-
tor Watson. Senator Mccormick and
others OF this middle ground faction
They will insist upon reservations
divorcing the world court from the
League of Nations. 1t Is ppbahle
they will ask that the judges b
elected by direct vote of the nations
instead of through the assembly and
council of the league.
Committee Is Hostile.
AS stated. mmediately after thu
New York speech. the Senate foreign
relations committee is in a hostile
mood and unless there Is marked
change in sentiment before Decem-
Der world court plan may not see
the light Of day-at least in Its pres
ent form.
President Harding has canvasset
the situation and discovered the dan
ger. Hence his tone OF moderation
This is his natural way OF doing
things. He departed from 1t In ths
ship subsidy fight. against his bettei
Judgment, and his clubbing tactici
in behalf of that Inflated measure
brought him defeat in the end. NO"
he has returned to his favorlte forn
OF strategy, that Of Cancellation anc
give and take. BY paying due DEF
erence to the prerogatives OF the Sen