Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-08-12

The optimism expressed by Newton
D. Baker, Secretary of War in Presi-
dent Wilson'S cabinet, in a discussion
of foreign affairs in his speech open
! ing the sessions Of the Institute of
| Politics at WilliamStown, Mass, i'm
presses the country, which recognizes
| the worth of his opinions as those
Of an outstanding statesman and stu
dent of world problems. His state
ments that economic planning on q
world scale could be made effective
and that the peoples of the world,
rather than their governments. will
work out the worlds salvation, are held
as worthy Of consideration and COM
ment.
There was not a trace of personal
or partisan politics in the address, /"
according TO the Worcester Telegram.
The Springfield Mass Union, obServ-
ing that much loose thinking and
speaking goes with the professional
pessimism OF the day" adds that lin
refreshing contrast to this sort Of thing
paper continues: He is not simply q
man of practical affairs. His official
experience, as well as his studies, have
given him a detached perspective and
wide vision. He is probably the most
outstanding example of an interna-
tionalist within his party. His was the
keenest mind, probably, in the Wilson
cabinet" The Union quotes his state
ment as to 1.-The achievement of q
helpful internationalism," and adds:
He ably outlined some of the out
standing features Of this progress, with
the optimistic conclusion that, as Sc
verely as the world has been rocked in
great storm and grave as are some
of the immediate problems, lights are
already appearing which indicate that
at the end of a great striving we may
hope for safe port.
~
HE looked out upon the world. and
found it good" says the Philadelphia
Evening Bulletin, quoting his state
ment that "the hope OF the DtSarna-
ment Conference lies not in the states
men OF the world, but in the peoples
of the world and the strength of the
peoples of the world at that confer
ence depends, not upon the knowledge
of good viii Of few elect and thought
full spirits, but in the extent to which
popular knowledge is thorough and
tives of the people with the support
of an informed and resolute public
opinion" The Bulletin continues
There is a lot In that sentence. 1t
leads to an explanation of the situa-
ton which has struck Mr. Baker, even
in his view OF the United States, where,
in his mind, the people have gone far
ahead of their Government
Most governments are representative
and are dependent upon popular will.
They cannot 60 far ahead Of their peo-
pie, with safety. They cannot always
follow the majority, even If it be wise
in its purpose, lest a minority form a
bloc to displace them. The govern
ments of the world-of the leading
poWers-are TO be credited with striv-
ing for peace, and there is not one OF
them that is not going ahead as fast
as popular opinion in its constituencies
will sanction"
Mr., Bakers proposal for world tariff
reductions over successive periods OF
years is considered by the Youngstown
Vindicator. with the statement: Each
nation would control its own policy, but
instead Of considering only its narrow,
selfish interests. 1t would take into ac-
count the effect Of its action on foreign
nations with which 1t must do business
and which must themselves be pros
porous II trade Is to be mutually adj
vantagecus One commentator. point |
ing out that the Brussels international
conference of economic and financial
EXPERTS more than 0xn ERars ago warn
ed the world ard stressed che danger
which has nov eventuated IN aBNreral |
economic collapse, remarks that AFr. |
Bakers discussion Of the subject ~
veals the statesman rather than tn !
politician
-
The propotel TO refuse 70 trade with 7
an agaretsoi nation is war is held by
me wheeling Intelligencer 70 promise