Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1923-02-27
PRESIDENT ASKS
SENATE To RAT|FY
WITH RESERVATIONS
Message Is Surprise in Capt.
tai Circles. and May Revive
Old Discussions on YER
SaiIIes Pact

SalIleS Pact
WASHINGTON, Feb. 24.-Condi-
tional American membership in the
international court set up by the
League of Nations was proposed to-
day by President Harding.
In a message to the senate, ask
ing that it advise and consent 20
such a step, the president declared
participation in the tribunal offered
an opportunity through which the
United States could demonstrate its
willingness to aid in preserving
world stability without assuming
''any legal relation to the league"
Four reservations, the first of
which would specifically disclaim
any obligations under the league,
were suggested by Mr.. Harding as
necessary conditions to membership
in 'the court. The others would give
this government a voice in select
ing the judges of the court and in
making changes in it's basic regula-
tons and would provide that con-
gress determine what part of the ex.
penses of the tribunal are to be
paid out of the American treasury
Although there had been intima-
tons that American participation in
the court was favored in admfnistra-
ton quarters, the presidents mes
sage came as a surprise and all I'M
dications pointed to a delay In sen.
ate action on the recommendation
until the December session OF con-
gross.
Committee to Call
Among the leaders of the ir-
reconciliables" of the League of Ma.
tons fight, in particular, there were
predictions that nothing would be
done until time had been given for
mature reflection and comprehensive
debate Aaspeciai meeting OF the
foreign relations committee was call
ed to meet Tuesday to take up the
presidents proposal, but there SEEM
ed to be no hope that final action
would be possible in the four days
remaining there after the present
congress goes out of existenc.
So far as the merits of the proposal
were concerned, there was a general
Discrimination to comment. Even
the "irreconcilables' were unwill-
ing to openly declare war on the
plan, despite their private express +
ions CT dissatisfaction.
The Republican organization lead
ers, including Senator Lodgt, OF
Massachusetts, chairman Of the for
eign relations committee, would
only say that they must give the
subject further study before an
nouncing what would be done.
Among the Democrats who had
supported the league there was q
general disposition to indorse the
objects sought by Mr.. Harding, but
they all stopped, there and asked
for time to think it over.
1t was indicated that one factor
standing in the way of an immedi-
torial opinion was the fact that the
presidents message had not receiv-
ed careful reading even by the
leaders. 1t arrived at the senate
chamber five minutes before the
days business was halted, and so
had to be read to the senate be-
hind the closed doors. of the brief
executive session held to consider
nominations before the senate re-
cessed until Monday.
Hughes Letter
A letter by Secretary Hughes ac.
companying the message was not
read, no copies were distributed,
and senators had no opportunity Of
learning his speech except from the
newspapers. Arrangements were
made, however, for printing Of the
papers and their distribution Mon
day.
Senator Robinson, of Arkansas,
acting Democratic leader, was one
of those who approved the purpose
sought by the administration, but
withheld comment on the specific
plan presented.
II have thought all along" Sena-
tor Robinson said, that the United
States should have representation
on the international court, but I do
not care to comment further until
] have had an opportunity to study
the plan submitted"
1t was disclosed that Senator
Lodge, although he also declined to
comment, had been appraised of the
intentions and had
discussed the matters with Secre-
tary Hughes. The leaders among
the Republican. "irreconcilabyes,'
Senators Borah, of Idaho:
aFollette, of Wisconsin,; Brandegee.
of Connecticut; Mccormick, of II
linois, limited that they might have
much to say within a day or two.
Some disclosed plain evidences of
hostility in private conversation
and declared that such an important
step in American foreign relations
could not he taken, in any case. in
the short time remaining before the
end of the session.
American on Tribunal
In his letter ACCOMPANYING tha
presidents message, Secretary
recalled the traditional
stand taken by the United States
for arbitration of international dis
putes pointed out that Elihu Root
advised with the league representa-
tives and the other in bringing the
court into existence, called attention
that another distinguished American
jurist, John Bassett Moore, has ac-
cepted place as one of the judges
on the new tribunal, and declared
mat with the reservations suggest
"a the United States could accept
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