Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1924-08-20

ident Coolidge. again. in pursuance OF
this constructive foreign policy, there
has been urged upon the nation MEM
bership in the World Court. What a
confused mass of argument. pro and
con, as to our entrance into the World
Court, has been created. not only by the
political demagogues but by some pro-
foundry wise men, What. again, are
the fundamental propositions which
will determine eventual public senti-
ment in the matter of our adherence to
the World Court? AS said before.
the people have in their minds princi-
pally but two things in regard to our
foreign policy: First, they do not
want any impairment of the right of
sovereignty of the United States or its
right to make a decision as to its own
interests, by itself: and second, with
that settled, they want the United
states to do its duty in its interna-
tional relations
But in the propositions OF President
Coolidge in connection with the World
Court, there is safeSuarded the SOW
ereignty of the United States and its
interests.
In the fog Of the argument to which
the people of the United States are
asked to listen on this subject. they
want to keep clearly in mind that even
When we Join the court we are not
compelled to submit case to Il IL we
40 not wish to do so. If any particular
case Is one where our national inter-
ests seem to forbic legal arbitration,
we are not bound to resort to the
court. Because We help build the
courthouse, We do not have to try any
cases in 1t, unless at the time, in any
particular case, we desire to do It. But
We must remember that sometimes
when a house is built. it may be q very
convenient thing to 90 into to avoid
rain and lightning. Yes, and probably
avoid the thunder-bolts of war! 1t is
to our national interests and the in
terests of the world to have a court to
use II its use is mutually desired by
two nations in a given case.
These simple thoughts upon the
World Court and the obligations which
We would assume by adherence to 1t
are sufficient to relieve us from any
fears of the bogymen and the smoke-
screens thrown up from behind politi-
cal fences by the men who would drax
this question of high purpose, OF clear
simple and plain duty, into the miro of
polltlcal demagoguery. International
problems are always susceptible Of
clear statement when thoughts Of poll
teal expediency as to form Of state
ment give way to the desire to plainly
set forth truth.
Here we are, the greatest and most
powerful nation on the face of the
earth, possessing the capacity for
world leadership. There may be peo-
pie In the United States who fear tina
our representatives, when sent abroad.
are not the peers. in patriotism and
sense or duty, in ability and independ-
ence of character, of those whom they
meet; they may believe that we should
have a ''crawflsh' foreign policy: but
the great majority feel that to what
ever conference in foreign matters.
winch involves the interests of the
united states, our representatives may
pe sent they will ably and fearlesslv
uphold the honor of the American peo-
pie and the American flag.
The American people are proud
people. They will tolerate no leader
ship which will surrender an iota Of
thelr Independence or sovereignty to
any other nation or combination OF ma :
| tions. such an action on the part of
any OF our representatives would be re-
sarded as treason and dealt with &C.
cordingly. But the man mis- judRes the
N' ZIG ipCI VI AHleTlC4n GILL
zenship who maintains that IL is NOT
! as fearless in trusting its represents
ives In any conflict Of peace as It 1.
IN trusting its youth behind the flag in
war. 80
10 morally rot In policy Of ma
1onal isolation rather than to cleanIv
contest In those mental battlefelds in
Whlch questions must be solved for
tne advancement of civilization, both
here and abroad-is that the temner Of
the American people" l think not!
The Republican platform on foreign
relations outlines policy which. car
RED out with the common sense clear
| vision and courage of Calvin Coolidge.
oHers the American people a CON
structive course of honor, safety and
progress for its own and the world s
good 1t offers the only policy, which.
at the present time, means the possi-
bihty OF accomplishment.
In the matter of our foreign noIicv
| therefore, the two ma ior parties. in
thelr Platforms have made an issue tn
De decided by the American pcople
Inc democratic party asks them 10
turn back with them into the mora &C
OF the debate on the League of Ma
'ions, through public referendum.
tnerehy paralyzing the hope of CON
Structive action and policy in this time
or an existing world crisis.
The Republican party asks them ia
ahenoon the dehate upon the question
OF the League Of Nations, which they
! nave already decided, and to stand bv
."e common sense and constructive
foreign policy of President CooIidro
and the Republican party. which Is
| placing the United States in that proud
position Of world leadership for which
she has been designed ny Providence
ana from which she can he debarred
only by reversion to political expedi-
ency.