The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-22

in that particular case.
 Such, in brief, Is an outline of the basis upon which I shall hope, at the opening of Congress, for the consent of the Senate to initiate negotiations with the powers which have asso- ciated themselves with the permanent court of international justice.
 'No program could be devised that would win unanimous approval either at home or abroad. We cannot hope to attain perfection or to satisfy eX- treme demands The best and the most we can do is to appeal, let us hope successfully, to reasonable minds selves and ready for our duties as liberty loving, duty-realizing Amer leans.
 There are those who openly advo- cate our proposed association with the court of justice as a first step toward joining the League of Nations Their number is not large, and they cannot hope to prevail. There are those who, in fear and tremblins proclaim their opinion that this mighty republic should live a s her. init nation. They. too are few and hold to an impossible position. Both arc extremists. In an endeavor to obtain actual results. both may be safely omitted from serious consider atipn.
 Difference In Opinion.
 But two great groups, comprising a vast majority of our people, need to be considered. And between these there lies no difference In professed desire. l am striving for fulfillment of that expressed desire. Both urge participation of the United States Tn a world court of justice. in fulfill .
 a in conformity with our unbroken tradition. They agree that to achieve its funda purpose of suostl- tuting justice for warfare Tn the settlement of controversies between nations such a tribunal must De us own master. The distinction between the two Is not one of essential prln- ciple or of avowed intent, put one only of fact and opinion.
 There are those who hold that the creation of the existing court under A distinct protocol, instead of dlrect- ly under the covenant of the league removes every tincture of subserV- fence or obligation. For present purposes, granting its correctness there can be no real objection to clarifying the fact in plain, simple terms to the end that all doubts shall be dispelled and that all minds shall be wholly convinced by ready understanding instead of being only partially persuaded by intricate eX- position. If. as we all believe, the corner stone of every judicial struc- ture is unquestioning faith in it's integrity, 1 am unwilling to deprive it of any particle of strength which would enhance popular respect for and confidence in it's decisions. Surely no harm. but rather much good, might spring from simpliflcN tion of an admitted condition.
 Suspicious Of Court.
 The other large group comprises those who, while equally earnest in advocacy of an international trl- bunal regard the present court with suspicion because of its origin. This objection, for reasons which I have noted, is unimportant. Indeed, from a practical viewpoint, l consider 1t matter of distinct congratulation that there is In existence body which already has justified itself. upon it's merits, by demonstration of its character and capabilities.
 If American adherence could be made effective in the reconstruction of the court, with respect to it's con tinuing operation, that would seem to dispose conclusively of all other cited apprehensions of. danger from the exercise of any influence what soever, either open or furtive, bS the League of Nations or by any other organization.
 "The whole question of support or opposition % the part of these two controlling groups clearly resolves into test of sincerity. When once American citizens have compre- hended that vital point. l shall nave no doubt of their answer.
 T have taken very frank cogni- zance of the avowed objections, be- cause we have come to this very test considerable minority which is hos tile to any participation in workl eff fort toward security, which our bet ter impulses are ever urging, there is overwhelming sentiment favorable to our support of world court. But I want the United States to give it's influence to the world court already established Since any adherence must be attended by reservations, l am willing to give consideration to our differences at home and thereby remove every threatening obstacle worth considering, so we may go whole heartedly to the world with an authorized tender of support.
 50 much for the domestic phases of this problem. But there is anoth- CT heard the voice of the doubter: This is all very well. but it cannot be done. The 40 nations which have signed the protocol will refuse to make these changes. They have for mulated their plans. have arranged their procedure, have constructed their machinery, have established a themselves content. but they can see no reason why :. few remaining powers should not be equally satis- fled with the result of their endea- yors.
 ""They will resent the mere sug- gestion of such proposals by the United States as an attempt at dic- tation It would be an act of dis courtesy, if not indeed of unfriendli- ness on the part of the American government, to approach them along these lines. They will spurn the of fer. They will not brook interfer- ence from an outsider. They will not consent to upset or modify their fait accompl. The whole project will fall to the ground
 Wish No More War.
 ITO which I reply: Primarily. at this time it is to satisfy the ac- knowledged hope and to comply with the earnest wish of our sister states that are striving to find way to join and strengthen the one body created by them when bears prom ise of eliminating the need of war to regulate international relations. We wish no more of war. To sub init terms which we consider essen- tial to the preservation of our na- tionality is not an act of discour- tesy; 1t is the only fair, square, and honorable thing a great, self-respect- ing nation can do. So far from be- ing unfriendly. it springs from a sin cere desire. through frank and inti- mate association. to help to restore stability, and. in the words of Wash ington. to cultivate peace, throughout the world
 Manifestations of resentment at our pursuing this natural and usual course would appear far less as evil dences of indignation than would at tend a course of aloofness or an ut ter disregard for so potable an in