Evening star., 1924-04-16

must rest with those who oppose the
plan and not upon those who pro-
posed IL.
"When the Republican administra-
tion came into power we were still
in technical state of war. In the
far east our relations were embar-
rassed by suspicion and disgust, Civ
ing rise to grave apprehensions. In
fostering
1T Is not intended TO revive an old
dispute. but IL Is believed that dis
passionate history will record the
serious mistake of making a perma-
nent plan for international organiza-
tion, or for a society of nations, a
part of treaty enbodying the terms
of peace laid down by the yictors
IN the great war. and of introducing
into that plan political commitments IS
which were opposed to the genius
of our institutions. When President
that II would be worse than futile to
reopen that debate. on any prstext
or proposal. and he followed the
only course in which there was prom
ise OF achievement, and this promise
was abundantly realized.
Contribution 10 Peace.
Perhaps there has never been a
more important contribution to the
made under the auspices of this gov
ernment through the Washington
conference. For the first time a lin
itation of the naval strength of the
great powers was agreed upon. The
most important result of the confer
ence was the establishment of a new
understanding. in the Far East. The
darkening clouds were dispeiied. Dis
trust yielded to mutual confidence.
The Anglo-Japanese alliance was
brought to An end and provision for
the future was made by an agree
nent which did no violence to Ameri-
can tradition. but in its very sim
piicity and adaptability contained the
highest promise of continued accord.
Peace in the Pacific, SO far as this
generation can see ahead, is un-
doubtedly assured
There is sound reason for gratifi-
and mutual helpfulness which have
characterized during the last few
years the development of the rela-
tions between the United States and
her sister republics Of the American
continent. The troublesome Difficult
ties which for many years have dis
turoed our relations with Mexico have
yielded to a friendly adjustment. ]
am glad to be able to add that the
efforts to secure an Independent and
stable government in Santo Domingo.
SO as to permit the ending of our
occupation, have met with gratifying
success.
Promoting Arbitration.
Our record as a government in the
cooperation we have maintained
during the past three years in mat
ters not involving political entangle-
ments or injurious commitments is
one which should afford qualification
We have always advocated the ju-
dicial settlement OF international dis
putes, and TO this end both President
Harding and President Coolidge
recommended, upon appropriate con-
ditions, the support of the Permanent
Court of international Justice. In the
meantime, we are promoting the use
OF the processes of arbitration.
Whoever says that America stands
aloof and withholds her support from
a stricken world is guilty of reckless
slander. We do stand aloof from po-
litical entanglements, but not other
wise. American aid, American advice.
American impartiality in dealing with
dificult problems are sought and
given.
There has Just been dramatic il
lustration of this. American brains,
American experience, American COM
potency of the high order have been
given to the solution OF the most
urgent European problems. A prac-
ticable adjustment of the questions
pertaining to reparations is the es-
sential foundation of the economic
recovery for which the world is wait
ing. Central Europe has been in an
economic chaos and has suffered the
resulting evils of mistrust, of indus
trial distress. Nor has the injury due
to the inability to find settlement
been limited to Europe. Our farm
ers have suffered through the de-
creased consuming power and the
lack OF markets. With a sound basis
for economic necuperaticn abroad
there will be new hope and the prom
Use of the dawn of a new era of
general prosperity and peace. Had
this government attempted to max e
this contribution we should still be
in controversy and be held, as Europe
has been held. in the grip of politics
and racial antagonismS.
'"The world needed the unfettered
servics of men of affairs to deal with
the vital problems of industry and
finance upon their merits. 1t is
none the less an American contribu-
tion because IL has been made by
such men in the only practicable
way"