The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-28
SAYS COURT ISSUE IS NUT PART|SA
President Harding's Pro- posaI" Is Broadcast To
 Nations Pastors

wASHINGTON, Oct. 2S.-Asserting that the question of the United States joining the permanent court of international justice is not a par tisan issue and that politics should have nothig to do with it, the com mission on international justice and goodwill of the federal council of churches in statement issued today declares that it Is a moral question and one in which the churcheS are vitally interested.
 This statement is being sent broad east to pastors throughout the coun- try under the heading: President Harding's Proposal" It is part of an aggressive move on the part of the churches for the United States to join the permanent court of interna- tional justice As part of this move ment the week beginning November and ending on Armistice Day, No- veplber Il, will be observed by the churches as world court week.
 The statement issued today says in part: "On February 24, 1923, the late President Harding sent to the Senate a special message urging it's speedy consent to our adhesion to the protocol and to the statute ere ating the court so that we might remind the world anew that we are
  thering peace and adding to sta bility in world affairs
 He also submitted at the same time the recommendations of Secre- tary Hughes, which indicate how, with certain reservations we may fully adhere and participate in, the court and at the same time remain wholly free from any legal relation to the League of Nations or assump- tion of obligation under the Cove nant of the league.
 These reservations provide by carefully wofded paragraphs that
 'No legal relation to the league is involved.
 The United States may partici- pate in the election of judges through representatives designated for the purpose and on an equality with other states;
 "The United States will pay a fair share of the expenses of the court:
 'The statute establishing the court shall not be amended without the consent of the United States.
 MT. Harding did not propose that America should adopt the optional clause for Compulsory ljurisdiction.' The record of the Senate in dealing with proposed arbitration treaties SiiOW tudl IL IS WnOlly dVerSe to any surrender of it's freedom of action. These conditions,' President Harding stated in his message to the Senate, there is good reason to believe will be acceptable to the signatory powers.'
 Two days before his death, Presl- dent Harding, anticipating the end, insisted on the release of what he felt was to be his farewell address. It had been carefully prepared. The closing paragraphs, it's climax, dealt with his proposal for American membership in the world court. For many months this had been a sub Ject near his heart. as intimate friends testify, and the subject mat ter itself shows. He said: The big tflng Is the firm establishment of the court and our cordial adherence thereto. All else is mere detail. The way therefore, in Which the United States may become a full member of the permanent court of justice is now clear. large majority of the sena- tors Of both parties have expressed their approval, as have also the Chamber of Commerce. of the United states, the American Bar associa- ton, the American Legion, the Gen. eral Federation of Women's Clubs, the National League of Women voters and many other organiza- tions.
 This, therefore, is not a partisan issue. but moral one in which all Christians are interested"