Evening star., 1937-03-31

History in the making" is a term
which frequently is loosely applied to
events of an inconSequential nature.
Not so, however, as to the 'overshadow-
ing issue" of the Supreme Court which
now is shaking Capitol Hill. and the
Nation as well. This was manifested by
the Nationwide, in fact worldwide,
interest in the decisions which were
handed down by the Supreme Court last
Monday. By telegraph and other means
of rapid communication this news was
eagerly awaited and scanned by count
less thousands in all parts of the land.
Realizing the vital significance of what
was tranSpiring in Washington that
day, these throngs of Americans in every
city, town and village throughout the
United States read with avidity every
word that reached them, discussed it
and pondered on its relation to the
great issue at stake. Meanwhile. with
the Judiciary Committee of the Senate
still proceeding with its hearings on the
question as to what the size of the
court should be. Washington awaited
with keen interest the reaction from the
country at large and the ultimate ver-
dict of the people as to their opinion"
on the controversy. In Congress, pend
ing decision on this all-important sub
ject, other important legislative proposals
are being held virtually in allegiance.
Distinguished international lawyers
from a number of the American re-
publics are now en- route to Washington
and will assemble at the Pan-American
Union next Monday for a conference
Wh tho unrl nf
national law codification and related
questions. They will study topics raised
at the inter-American peace parley at
Buenos Aires last December. Various
treaties and conventions signed there
are now awaiting transmission to the
Senate by President Roosevelt. The
juridical experts will take up and ex-
anime resolutions and projects on the
coordination of inter-American peace
instruments. They will discuss, also,
among other things, the question of
defining an aggressor and of strengthen
question of pecuniary claims, nationality
and immunity of government vessels.
OF more than usual significance and
interest is the visit to Washington of
the governor general of Canada, Lord
Tweedsmur, not only because of the
important position he occupies, but be-
cause of his personality Well known in
the United States as John Buchan, au-
thor. long before he was appointed by
the King to his present post several years
ago, he will be welcomed by many friends
here who are better acquainted with
him through his writings than through
his public service in the British Parlia-
ment and elsewhere. With his wife
guest at the White House during their
two days in Washington, his return of
President Roosevelt's visit to him at
Quebec last year will be accepted by his
host of friends here as the act of good
neighbor."
Japan's army and navy are for de-
fense. that she may enjoy feeling of
security"-and she is mot participating
in any naval race" These were the
declarations of the Japanese Ambassa-
dor, Hirosi Saito. in addressing the an
nual dinner of the Japan Society in New
York. The size of his country's appro-
priations for army and navy together, he
asserted, indicates unmistakably that
our policy is like that of the United
States, one only of defense" These
appropriations would be infinitely
larger" he said, IF it were true that our
policy contemplated war with one or the
domination of another of our colossal
neighbors, or naval race with either
of the other great sea powers" The
types Of ships Japan is constructing, he
explained, ARE vessels capable Of de-
Tending our shores in case of war, but
not such as can carry war across the
seas" Turning from armaments to the