The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-25
International Court Plan Not to Bring Nation Into League, President Asserts

utterly unjustifiable apprehensions on the other, know of no word fit tingly to apply.
 "One Political Bugbear."
 Frankly, there is one political bugbear. When we discussed the League of Nations and it's rule Of force, with its super powers through a political council and assembly, l myself contended as a senator for equal voting power on the part of the United States with any nation in the world. With her dominions members of the League assembly the British empire will have six votes in that branch of the court electorate, but 1t has only one in the electorate Of the council. In view of the fact that no nation can have more than one judge, it is a less formidable ob- lection than when applied to the League as superpower. dealing with problems likely to abridge members s national rights. I appraise the objection, as one who voted against this disparity of power in the League assembly, but in an ap- praisal now l do not hesitate to say that If other great powers can ac- cept without fear the voting strength of the British dominions, when they are without ties of race to minimize International rivalries, and suspic- ions, we ought in view of the na- tural ties of English-speakin kin ship. feel ourselves free from dan ger.
 The perfected court must be a matter of development earnestly commend 1t because it is great step In the right direction toward the peaceful settlement of justifiable questions, toward the elimination Of frictions which lead to war, a surer agency of international justice through the application of law than can be hoped for in arbitration which is influenced by the prejudices Of men and the expediency of politics Attacks Isolation.
 We can do vastly more to per feet 1t in the capacity of an adher- ent than in an aloofness in which to say to the world we dictate but never comply. I would yield none of our rights. none of our national lty. but would gladly give of our in fluence and cooperation to move forward and move upward toward world peace and that reign of justice which is infinitely more secure in the
 
 -ional or international force. Hopes for Greather Things.
 T have indulged the dream, nay. a justified hope, that out of the en- and sustained court might come the fulfillment of larger aspira- ions. In the proof of it's utility and l spirit of concord among nations might come that voluntary confer af .1,f fNt, be expected a clarified and codified law to further assure peace under the law, and bring na- tions that understanding which Is aver the first and best guarantor of peace.
 T would not have it thought that hold this question paramount to all others confronting our government. do not hold it menace to the unity of any political party. It is not 70 be clasSed as a party question, but if any party, repeatedly advocating I world court, is to be rendered by he suggestion of an effort to per form in accordance with its pledges. 1t needs a new appraisal of its as- ,ets.
 Our problems at home invariably call for first consideration. Our house must be kept in order; our SOou fortune must be assured beIOft we can be large contributors to world progress or measurably helpful to humanity. l have little patience with tho contention of those who believe arge commercial advantages will at end our larger assumption of world responsibility. Nations are not en- gagged in bartering their trade advan- ages for larger fellowships. We do lot do it ourselves. and We need not NY n e-iy
 Commerce Life of People.
 Commerce is the very life blood f every peoples existence, and na- ions commercial opportunities are 'alued little less than the security if it's citizenship.
 "A restored Europe, with less con- in conflict and more pro- duction and consumption in hopeful peace and banished hate, would ada o the volume of world commerce. We would gladly acclaim such res .oration. Our influence and helpful ess are ready when they will avail, ut we cannot intrude where we our elves would resist intrusion.
 Our position commercially Is gain ng in strength, because we are free rom political entanglements. and an be charged with no selfish de- igns. In the making of new pacts nd the remaking of old. we ask no nore and accept no less than the qual opportunity we are ever ready O grant others, and the position is lnassaila ble The nation which grants justice may confidently ask t, and the world-social, political IT ommercial-which would promote ustice through association of adjudg- nent of it's court must practice jus ice in Its daily transactions. Pressing Problem.
 T made allusion in the beginning 10 political charts and the good faith of political parties. Sometimes there must be a variation from the ,harted course, because of the unex- pected development of impossible shoals. This administration, pledged by a sponsoring party for a quarter of a century to the building up of merchant marine was unable to se- cure the enactment which was be- lieved to be the way of fulfillmnet. But 1t would be a small administra- ton which would surrender the as piration for an American merchant marine and scrap or sacrifice our great merchant fleet in piQue of dis disappointment over the Senate'S failure to give approval.
 "The one Is judlcial tribunal gov erned by fixed and definite princi- ples of law, administered without passion or prejudice. The other is an association of diplomats and poli- ticians whose determinations are sure to be influenced by considera-