Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-12-07

Harding. The world knew his kind
ness and his humanity. his greatness
md his character. He has left his
~,ark upon history. He has made
srs,ice more certain and peace more
sacure. The surprising tribute paid
~ his memory as he was borne
across the continent to rest at last
~ home revealed the place he held
o. the hearts OF the American peo-
n,o But this is not the occasion for
ppstended reference to the man or
Sis work. In this presence, among
.hoce who knew and loved him, that
ss unnecessary. But we who were
nssoriated with him could not re-
snme together the functions of our
oeire without pausing for moment.
and in his memory reconsecrating
"nrselyes to the service OF our coun-
,.~ He is, gone. We remain. 1t
;s our duty, under the inspiration
- his example, to take up the bur-
Jnns which he was permitted to lay
Sown. and to develop and support
,he wise principles of government
mich. he represented ..&
Foreign Affairs
For lis peace reignS everywhere.
We desire to perpetuate it always by
'o,t;nr full Justice to others and
ssanmiring OF others full justice to
ourselves
..;rcinlp TO maintain in it's foreign
= noicy 1t is an American principle.
II ,nnst be an American policy. We
onr own strength. and protect the
,Ye recognize thoroughly our obli-
cation to help others. reserving to
Tho decision of our own judgment
the time, the place. and the method.
we realize the common bond of hu-
mainly. We know the unacceptable
law of service.
our country has definitely refused
N adopt and ratify the covenant of
the League of Nations. We have
rot felt warranted in assuming the
responsibilities which its members
have assumed. / am not proposing
. any change in this policy; neither
,s the Senate. The incident, SO far
as we are concerned, is closed. The
league exists as foreign agency.
we hope it will be helpful. But the
limited States sees no reason to limit
its own freedom and independence
of action by joining it. We shall do
well to recognize this basic fact m
all national affairs and govern our
selves accordingly.
World Court
Our foreign policy has always
been guided by two principles. The
one is the avoidance of permanent
political alliances which would sac
rifce our proper independence. The
other is the peaceful settlement of
controversies between nations. BY
example and by treaty we have ad-
vocated arbitration. For nearly 20
years we have been a member of
The Hague Tribunal; and have long
sought the creation of a permanent
World Court of Justice. l am in full
accord with both of these policies.
favor the establishment of such a
court intended to include the whole
world. That is. and has long been,
an American policy.
Pending before the Senate is a
proposal that this Government give
its support to the Permanent Court
of International Justice, which is a
new and somewhat different plan.
This is not a partisan question. 1t
should not assume an artificial i'm
portance. The court is merely a
convenient instrument of adjustment
10 which we could go, but To which
We could not be brought. y should
be discussed with entire canuor, not
by political but by a judicial metht
cd, without pressure and without
prejudice. PartiSanship has no place
in our foreign relations. AS / wish
to see a court established, and as
the proposal presents the only prac-
teal plan on which many nations
have ever agreed. though it may not
meet every desire, / therefore COM
mend it to the favorable considera-
ton of the Senate, with the proposed
reservations 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 nota-
bic difficulties. We have every de-
sire to see that great people, who
are our traditional friends, restored
10 their position among the nations
OF the earth. We have relieved
their pitiable restitution with an
enormous charity Our Government
olers no objection to the carrying
on OF commerce by our citizens with
Inc people of Russia. Our Govern
meht does not propose. however, to
enter INTO relations with another
regime which refuses to recognize
me sanctity Of international obliga-
IONS. | do not propose to barter
away for the privilege of trade any
Oh the cherished rights of humanity.
40 not propose to make merchan-
nlsc of any American principles.
lhese rights and principles must GO
Wherever the sanctions of our Gov
eminent go.
But while the favor of America
not for sale, l am willing to
make very large concessions for the
purpose of rescuing the people OF
russia. Already encouraging evil
uences of returning to the ancient
ways OF society can he detected. But
more are needed. Whenever there
appears any disposition TO compen-
sa'e our citizens who were despoiled
ana 10 recognize that debt contract
va Wlth our Government, not by the
Ear but by the newly formed Re-
pubic of Russia; whenever the ac-
1--WE Spit OF enmity TO our institu-
Aohs is abated: whenever there APP
peaT works mete for repentance; ouI
,oui,lry ought to he the first to &C
me economic and moral rescue
VI hussla. We have every desire tC
hnelp and no desire TO iniure. We
nope the time is near at hand when
We can act.
Debts
The current deht and interest due
from foreign Governments, exclusive
OF the British debt of $4,000. O00, OOC
~ about $1,000 900, O0o. do not favor
,ne cancellation Of this debt, but see
no objection TO adjusting it in accor-
uance with the principle adopted for
.he British debt. Our country would
lot wish to assume the role of an