The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-07
BRIEF REFERENCE
 |s GIVEN T0 ISSUE
Coolidge Makes No Direct Reference To Ford Offer
 For Muscle Shoals

Congress today spoke as follows:
 Since the close of the last Congress the nation has lost President Har- ing. The world knew his kindness and his humanity, his greatness and his character. He has left his mark upon history. He has made jusice more certain and peace more secure. The surpassing tribute paid to his memory as he was borne across the continent to rest at last at home revealed the place he held in the hearts of the American people. But this is not the occasion for extended reference 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 functions of our office without pausing for moment and in his memory reconsecrating ourselves to the service of our coun- try. He is gone. We remain. It is our duty, under the inspiration of his example, to take up the burdens which he was permitted to lay down and to develop and support the wise principles of government which he represented.
 Foreign Affairs.
 For us peace reigns everywhere. We desire to perpetuate it always by granting full justice to others and requiring of others full justice to ourselves.
 Our country has one cardinal prin ciple to maintain in is foreign pol icy. It Is an American principle. It must be an American jolicy. We att tend to our own affairs, conserve our own strength, and protect the inter
 
 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 unacceptable law of service.
 Our country has definitely refused to adopt and ratify the eonvenant of the League of Nations. We have not felt warranted in assuming the re- responsibilities which it's members have assumed am not proposing any change In this policy; neither is the are concerned, is closed. The league exists as a foreign agency. We hope it will be helpful. But the United States sees no reason to limit it's own freedom and independence of action by joining 1t. We shall do well to tional affairs and govern ourselves accordingly.
 World Court.
 Our foreign policy has always been guided by two principles. The one is the avoidance of permanent polit- ical alliances which would sacrifice our proper independence. The other is the peaceful settlement of con- troversies between nations. By ex- ample and by treaty we have ad- vocated arbitration. For nearly 2F mn, 1INar Y, Hague tribunal, and have long sought the creation of permanent world court of justice, I am in full accord with both of these policies. I favor th- establishment of such court in- tended to include the whole world That is, and has long been, an Amer lean policy.
 Pending before the Senate is a pro- posai that this government give its support to the permanent court of international jrsice. which is a new and somewhat different plan. This Is not a partisan question. It 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. It should be discussed with entire candor. not by a political but by a judicial method, without pressure and without prejudice. Par tisanship has no place in our for eign relations. As I wish to see a court established. and as the pro- posal presents the only practical plan on which many nations have ever agreed, though it may not meet 70 every desire. I therefore commend 1t to the favorable consideration or the Senate. with the proposed reser vations clearly indicating our refusal to adhere to the League of Nations. Russia.
 Our diplomatic relations, lately so largely interrupted, are now being resumed. but Russia presents notable difficulties. We have every desire to see that great people. who are our traditional friends, restored to their position among the nations of the earth. We have relieved, their pitt able destitution with an enormous charity. Our government offers no objection to the carrying on of com merce by our citizens with the people of Russia. Our government does not lations with another regime which refuses to recognize the sanctity of International obligations. do not propose to barter away for the privi- lege of trade any of the cherished rights of humanity. I do not pro- pose to make merchandise of any American principles. These rights and principles must go wherever the sanctions of our government go.
 But while the favor of America is not for sale, I am willing to make very large concessions for the pur- pose of rescuing the people of Rus sia. Already encouraging. evidences society can be detected. But more are needed. Whenever there appears any disposition to compensate our citizens who were despoiled. and to recognize that debt contracted with our government. not by the czar. but Russia; whenever the active spirit of enmity to our institutions is abated; whenever there appear works mete for repentance; our country ought to be the first to go to the economic and moral rescue of Rus and no desire to injure. We hope the time is near at hand when we can act.
 Debts.
 The current debt and interest due from foreign governments. exclusive of the British debt of s4,600.0 .000, 900. Q abolt s7.200,000. 900. I do not fa- vor the cancellation of this debt, but l see no objection to adjusting 1t in accordance with the principle adopt cd for the British debt. Our country would not wish to assume the role of an oppressive creditor, but would maintain the principle that financial obligations between nations are like wise moral obligations which inter- 0Ational faith and honor require EAould be discharged.
 Our government has liquidated claim against Germany for the ex- pense of the army of occupation of over $225. 100000. Besides this. the mixed claims commission have before them about 12,500 claihs of Ameri- can citizens, aggregating about $1, 225,00O,OO0. These claims have all ready heen reduced by 8 recent de-