Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-05-03

Statements made by Hugh S. Gibson
chairman of the American delegation to
the preparatory disarmament commits
sion at Geneva, proposing reduction OF
naval strength by the nations, are hail
ed by the people of the United States
generally as notable for their frankneSs
friendliueSS and courageous spirit. The
proposal to- make total tonnage the
basis of agreement is accepted as offer
ing hope of results. Removal of inter-
national suspicion is predicted as re-
suit of the policies set forth.
Hope that the general ratification of
the Kellogg peace pacts will be followed
in reasonable time by another and more
promising naval disarmament confer
ence is now kindled throughout the
world" in the opinion of the Syracuse
Herald, while the st. Louis Globe-Dem-
ocrat, calling the effect upon the gov
ernments and public opinion of Europe
electrical" adds that there is conf
dent hope where despair had prevailed"
The Savannah Press believes that the
program "broadenS the expectations of
a new peace"
There was an assurance, a direct
ness, a freshness about Mr.. Gibson S
presentation of a much-handled topic,
according to the New York Sun, that
MAKES IOT Tie UclleL IIldI ILLS pEOpOSdI
will receive from the governments of
other countries consideration to warrant
the cordial phrases with which their
representatives received the speech"
The Sun points out that mo other ne
gotiations have begun with a great
naval power taking quite so clear and
promising a stand for concession and
compromise"
\ X \ X
with the spirit prevailing" says the
Columbus (Ohio) Evening Dispatch, lit
is an undue pessimism which would
take it for granted that nothing of real
value can come out of the Geneva dis
cuSsions." The Kalamazoo Gazette re-
marks that the candid, fact-flnding
spirit of the Gibson message ought to
have its effect on the disarmament
cause. 1t seems to be having that eff
feet already" The South Bend Trib-
une emphasizes the point that evidence
OF American sincerity is found in the
fact that our Government is willing to
forego inSiStence that its own limitation
program be given first consideration"
The American delegates made it
plain" declares the Nashville Banner,
that the United States is ready to
blaze the way along the paths of peace
and to lead the civilized world, If pos
SlDIe, W COIlSuIIutldlIOI1 VI IIldL lOuB-
dreamed day which should see war out
lawed among the civilized nations. OBJ
Stacles. some of them grave, must yet
be encountered. Racial animoSitieS and
national rivalrieS cannot be dismissed
in moment, but it is entirely probable
that Ambassador Gibson. under COM
mission from the American Govern
ment, wrote history at Geneva"
THE Hoover Gibson program is bold
almost beyond belief" asserts the Har-
risburg Telegraph. Perhaps that quail
ity will do more for its success than
any other. Certainly it puts Great
Britain and other nations with big
navy ambitions squarely before the bar
of public judgment. In the meantime
1t will be hoped that the plan will sue
coed to the point, at least, where the
world will cease to pour untold billions
into ships built as the result of mutual
fear and distrust."
The Houston Chronicle suggests that
''the greatest lack heretofore seems to
have been real desire for accomplish
ment": that possibly that is provided
now" The Birmingham News lauds
the favorable attitude of Mr.. Gibson,
and Sir Esme Howard exclaims: More
strength TO both these men and to the