Evening star., 1924-06-10


that Europe has system of often
sive and defensive alliances which
are entirely alien to our most cher
ished policies. Our traditions and
cannot relinquish that independence
which is the natural result of our
detached position. SO long as the
league remains a political body, in
eyitabiy dominated by the Larger nac
tradition of age-long animosities,
membership is not for US.
Another Arms Conference.
think, however, speak the SEN
timent of the people in saying that
we are ready to join in any confer
ence the aim of which is to limit
indeed the friends of all. We covet
none of their territory and harbor no
1ehlousies of their progress. The con-
ference for Limitation of armaments
| at Washington was more successful
than any attempt in this direction
for many years, because it was far
removed from the riyalries of Eu-
rope, because its aims were clear
cut, definite and generous. When
the time is ripe, President Coolidge
has promised that another confer
ence shall be called to meet at WasS
ington. But with the question of
reparations still unsettled, with bit
ter animosities between the victors
alive and burning, we can have little
hope that our Intervention. still less
our membership in the league. would
ald We cannot enter a conference
release the obligations of foreign
countries to US in the way of debts
contracted, for if 1 can Judge cor
rectly of the sentiment of the Ameri-
lease of these obligations Our hopes
are that the recommendations of the
Dawes commission will be accepted
and that there will be a profound re-
action in Europe against the enmity
| and strife which have survived since
the peace. In a conference called
when these objects have been ac-
complished, may we not trust that
with Americas leadership there will
be a more settled world, an abiding
desire to secure the peaceable ad-
justment of disputes between nations
and to introduce better order in
which 1nte ternational law and mutual
corporation will everywhere prevail
age-old animosities and recollections
of a bitter past do not occupy the
center of the picture is we'll illus
trated by the part played by this ad-
treaty in which sixteen nations of
| the new world have joined, each
promising all the rest that the sword
shall not be taken up until after com
iilooioHs VI inquiry nave Deen CHOSEN
and full opportunity given to adjust
their controversies without collision
or the threat of war. This was a
| more forward step than any ever yet
taken in securing peace in the west
ern hemisphere. The new world, in
Its peaceful attitude and promise of
permanent good will, is a shining ex-
ample for the old.
World Court Recommended
Let me earnestly recommend par
| ticipation in the world court now
functfoning at The Hague. The
league of nations is political. and the
| action of the representatives of the
according to directions from the
chancelleries at home. The court, on
the other hand, is judicial. and the
august judges receive dictation from
no one. Our attention should be
| called to the fact that this court is
essentially an American idea, and,
more than that, a Republican idea
Our own Elihu Burritt, the learned
| argued for it on both sides of the At
lantic- more substantial step was
taken when Secretary Hay. in giving
instructions to our delegates to The
Hague conference in 1899, set forth
in the strongest language the fSr-
and directed our representatives to
advocate it before that body. In 1907
Secretary Root again gave instruc-
tions to our delegates to support the
| officially indorsed in the Republican
platforms of 1912 and 1916, and at
least implicitly in others. Both Presi-
dents Roosevelt and Taft advocated
it The late President Harding, on
the stump in 1920, stated his un-
Qpalified Endorsement of the court
The plan for adherence to a tribunal
now functioning and rendering most
60 of~ u 80.
must have the strongest possible ap-
peal for us. 1t must be remembered,
also. that f1fty-four nations are mem
bers of the league. and that most of
them adhered to the separate protocol
for the court. It is not for US to as
sert that the league is a wicked in
stitution, and in any case the provi-
sions set forth in the protocol for
the court itself remove it from any
domination on the part of that body.
condition of joining the court by
Hughes, whose action has since been
approved by President Coolidge, make
1t certain that our adherence will not
involve us in the league. These are
sufficient safeguards and reserva-
tlons to protect our own interests.
and they DO not affect the great pur-
party, in accord with its expressed
policy. should make every effort
promptly to establish our member
sniI. in this great tribunal
Many New Problems
Otter issues might well be touched,
but the time would fail me. The
strength and grandeur of our coun-
try in the future can only be at
tained and orr mission in the world
can only be fulfilled by constructive
accomplishments which will meet the
demands of an era in which new
n ~ inc n
maddening rapidity.
In international affairs let us re-
member that chaStened world can
| not be lifted out of the depths OF
insistence of any nation upon the ac-
ceptance of maximum of its claims.
| That conception was banished from
! the earth when ambitious monarchs
desiring absolute sway were driven
from their thrones. Some ambitions
| must be relinquished to secure the
larger benefits of intern ational CO.
operation. A spirit of concession and
Of regard for every people. great or
small, near or remote, must dictate
the policies of statesmen everywhere.
| If this is a new rule in foreign af
fairs, let America proclaim it.
In our domestic concerns let it be
known that the people take stock of
| individual conduct as never before.
Admiration no longer rests so much
| upon the triumphs of success and
| power as upon devoted service to
country and humanity.
For the glad accomplishments os
/ these most noble aims at home and
abroad the nation looks to the Re-
| publican party.
Conndent of VbcfSrJ.
Just seventy years ago this was a
small but gallant band, actuated by
| the highest ideals. Then, in 1856, a
multitude, defeated but alive and un-
daunted. Next, a mighty conquering
host, which through long tract OF
years shaped and guided the des-