Evening star., 1923-06-22

| They agree that to achieve its funda-
mental purpose Of substituting justice
J for warfare in the settlement. of con-
troVersies between nations, such a
tribunal must be its own master. The
distinction between the two Is not one
of essential principle or of ayowed
intent, but one only of fact and
opinion.
There are those who hold that the
creation of the existing court under
distinct protocol, instead of directly
under the covenant Of the league. re-
moves every tincture of subservience
or obligation. For present purposes.
granting it's correctness, there can be
no real objection to clarifying the
fact In plain. simple terms. to the end
that all doubts shall be dispelIed and
that all minds shall be wholly con-
Vinced by ready understanding in
stead of being only partially per-
suaded by intricate exposition. If,
of every judicial structure is unques-
tioning faith in its integrity. / am
unwilling to deprive it of any par
ticle of strength which would en-
nance popular respect for and con-
fidence in it's decision. Surely no
harm, but rather much good, might
spring from simplification of an ad-
mitted condition.
Test of Sincerity.
those who. while equally earnest in
advocacy of an international tribunal,
regard the present court with sus-
picion because of its origin. This OBJ
lection, for reasons which l have
noted Is unimportant. Indeed, from
a practical viewpoint. I consider 1t
matter of distinct congratulation that
there Is in existence a body which
already has justified itself. upon its
merits. by demonstration Of it's char
acter and capabilities.
If American adherence could be
made effective in the reconstruction
of the court, with respect to its 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. by the
league of nations or by any other
organization.
The whole question of support or
opposition on the part of these two
controlling groups clearly resolves
into a test of sincerity. When once
American citizens have comprehended
that vital point. | shall have no
doubt of their answer
Lists Many Arguments.
I have taken very frank cosnizance
of :he avowed objections, because we
have come to this very test of sin
cerity. Except for the very inconsid-
eraDle minority, Wnlcn Is nOStile 10
any participation in world effort to-
ward security, which our better i'm
pulses are ever urging, there Is over
whelming sentiment favorable to our
support of a world court. But l want
the United States to give it's influence
to the world court already establish
ed. Since any adherence must be at
tended by reservations. | am willing
to give consideration to our differ
ences at home and thereby remove
sidering, so we may go whole-heart-
edly TO the world with an authorized
tender of support.
So much for the domestic phases of
this problem. But there is another.
j hear the voice Of the doubter: This
is all very we'll but II cannot be done.
The forty nations which have signed
the procotol will refuse to make these
changes. They have formulated their
plans, have arranged their procedure.
have constructed their machinery.
have established a going concern;
they are not only themselves content.
but they can see no reason why the
few remaining powers should not be
equally satisfied with the result of
their endeavors. They will resent the
mere suggestion of such proposals by
the United States as an attempt at
dictation. 1t would be an act of dis
courtesy, if not indeed OF unfriendli-
ness, on the part of the American
these lines They will spurn the offer.
They will not brook interference from
an outsider. They will not consent to
upset or modify their fait ae-
compli. The whole project will fall
to the ground
Strives to Avoid War.
To which l reply: Primarily, at this
time, it is to satisfy the acknowledged
hope and to comply with the earnest
wish of our sister states that we are
striving to find a way to join and
strengthen the one body created by
them which bears promise of elimi
mating the need of war to regulate
International relations. We wish no
more war. To submit terms which we
consider essential to the preservation
of our nationality is not an act of dis
courtesy: it is the onil fair, square, and
honorable thing great, self-respect-
ing nation can do. So far from being
unfriendly, il springs from a, sincere
desire. through frank and intimate as
sociation. to help to restore stability,