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Show PRESIDENT HARDING f OUILIflESPOLIGIES jpeclares America Will Have No Part in the Existing League of Nations. SEPARATE PEACE IS DEMANDED Calls Upon Congress to Adopt Resolution Resolu-tion Ending War With Germany and Suggests Measures to Lower Taxes and Reduce Prices of Goods to Consumers. Washington, April V2. Tho text of President Harding's message to con-gress con-gress follows : Members of the Congress: You have been called into extraordinary extraor-dinary session to give your cousidera-t cousidera-t ion to mitioinil problems far too grossing gross-ing to be long neglected. We face our task of legislation and administration amid conditions as difficult dif-ficult as our government ever contemplated. contem-plated. Under our political system the. people peo-ple of the United States have charged the new congress ami the new administration admin-istration with the solution the readjustment, read-justment, reconstruction and restoration restora-tion which must follow in the waUe of war. Invite All to Join. it may be regietted that we were so illy prepared for war's aftermath, so little made ready to return to the ways of peace, but tve are not to be discouraged. Indeed, ve must be the more firmly resolved to undertake our work with high hope, and invite every factor iu our citizenship to join in the effort to find our normal onward way again. d.uuental industry through the high cost of transportation from farm to nmrket and through the influx of fnr-olgn fnr-olgn larm products, because we offer essentially unprotected, the best market mar-ket in the world. , It would bo better In err in protecting protect-ing our basic food industry than para-l)w para-l)w om' 1'arin activities in the world M niggle for restored exchanges The iiml iii-oi- revision of ur tariff laws should be based on the policy of protection, pro-tection, resisting that selfishness which turns (o greed, but ever concerned con-cerned with that productivity at home which is the source of all abiding good fortune. To Sell and Buy. It is agreed that we cannot sell unless un-less we buy, but ability to sell is based on home development and the fostering of home markets. There is little sentiment sen-timent in the trade of the world. Trade can and ought to be honorable, but it knows no sympathy. While the delegates dele-gates of the nations at war were debating de-bating peace terms at Paris, and wlule we later debated our part in completing the peace, commercial agents of other nations were opening their lines and establishing their outposts out-posts with a forward look to the morrow's mor-row's trade. .It was wholly proper and lias been advantageous to them. Tardv as we are, it will be safer to hold our own markets secure and build thereon for our trade with the world. A very important matter is the establishment es-tablishment of the government's business busi-ness on a business basis. There was toleration and the easy going, unsystematic unsys-tematic method of handling our fiscal affairs when indirect taxation held the public unmindful of the federal burden. But there is knowledge of the high cost of government today, and the high cost of living is inseparably linket with high cost of government. Theri! can be no complete correction of Ihi high living cost until government's cost is notably reduced. Budget System. Let me most heartily commend the enactment of legislation providing for the national budget system. Congress has already recorded its belief in tho budget. It will be a very great satisfaction satis-faction to know of its early enactment, which are the heritance of capitalistic exploitation must be removed and labor must join management in understanding un-derstanding that the public which pays is the public to be served and simple justice is the right and will continue to be the right of all the people. Highway Building. Transportation over the highways is little less important, but the problems relate to construction and development and deserve your most earnest intention inten-tion because we are laying a foundation founda-tion for a long time to come and the creation is very difficult to visualize in its great responsibilities. The highways are not only feeders to the railroads and afford relief from their local burdens; they are aetually lines of motor traffic in interstate commerce. They are the smaller arteries ar-teries of the larger portion of our commerce and the motor car has become be-come an indispensable instrument in our political, social and industrial life. Federal Assistance. There is begun a new era in highway high-way construction, the outlay for which runs far into hundreds of millions of dollars. Bond issues by road districts, counties and states amount to enormous enor-mous figures, and tiie country is facing fac-ing such an outlay that it is vital that every effort shall be directed against wasted effort and unjustifiable expenditure. ex-penditure. The federal government can place no inhibition on the expenditure in several states; but since congress has embarked upon a policy of assisting the states in highway improvement, wisely, I believe, it can assert a wholly becoming influence in shaping policy. General Supervision. With the principle of federal participation partici-pation acceptably established, probably prob-ably never to be abandoned, it is important im-portant to exert federal influence in developing comprehensive plans looking look-ing to the promotion of commerce and apply our expenditures in .the surest way to guarantee a public return for money expended. Targe federal outlay demands a federal voice in the program of expenditure. ex-penditure. Congress cannot justify a mere gift from the federal purse to the several states, to be prorated facilities and designed to further the exchange of messages. To Carry News. Private monopolies tending to prevent pre-vent the development of needed facilities fa-cilities should be prohibited. Government Govern-ment owned facilities wherever possible possi-ble without unduly interfering with private enterprise or government needs, should be made available for general uses. Particularly desirable is the provision of ample cable and radio services at reasonable rates for the transmission of jn-css matter, so that tht'Aniorican reader may receive a wide range of news and the foreign for-eign reader receive full accounts of America n act i vi t ies. The daily press of all countries may well be put in position to contribute to international understanding by the publication of interesting foreign news. Practical experience demonstrates demon-strates the need for effective recognition recog-nition of both domestic and international interna-tional radio operation if this newer means of intercommunication is to be fully utilized. Especially needful . the provision of ample radio facilities for those services where radio only can be used, such as communication with ships at sea, with aircraft and with out of the way places. International communication by cable ca-ble and radio requires co-operation between the powers concerned. Whatever What-ever the degree of control deemed advisable ad-visable within the United States, government gov-ernment licensing of cable landings and of radio stations transmitting and receiving international traffic, seems necessary for the protection of American interests and for the securing secur-ing of satisfactory reciprocal privileges. privi-leges. Another Program. Aviation is inseparable from either the army or the navy and the government gov-ernment must, in the interests of national na-tional defense, encourage its development develop-ment for military and civil purposes. The encouragement of the civil development devel-opment of aeronautics is especially desirable as relieving the government largely of the expense of development and of maintenance of an industry, now almost entirely borne by the government gov-ernment ' through appropriations for nation of social vice, and many other subjects, the government has already undertaken a considerable range of activities. ac-tivities. I assume the maternity bill, already strongly approved, will be enacted en-acted promptly, thus adding to our manifestation of human interest. But these undertakings have been scattered scat-tered through many department s and bureaus without coordination and with much overlapping of functions which fritters euergies and magnifies the cost. Rights of States. In creating stub a department it should be made plain that there is no purpose to invade fields which the states have occupied. In respect to education for example, control and administration ad-ministration have rested with the siates, yet the federal government has always aided them. "National appropriations appro-priations in aid of educational purposes pur-poses the last fiscal year were no less than .?G.",000,000. Halt Lynchings. Somewhat related to the foregoing human problems is the race question. Congress ought to wipe the stain of barbaric lynching from the banners of a free and orderly, representative democracy. We face the fact that many millions of people of African descent de-scent are numbered among our population, popu-lation, and that in a number of states they constitute a very large proportion of the total population. It is unnecessary unneces-sary to recount the difficulties incident to this condition, nor to emphasize the fact that it is a condition which cannot can-not be removed. Appropriation Bills. It is needless to call your attention to the unfinished business inherited from the preceding congress. The appropriation ap-propriation bills for army and navy will have your early consideration. Neither branch of the government can be unmindful of the call for reduced re-duced expenditure for these departments depart-ments of our national defense. The government is in accord with the wish to eliminate the burdens of heavy armament. The United States ever will be in harmony with such a movement move-ment toward the higher attainments of peace. Need of Defense. the advancement of human activities, among the compensations of peaceful, achievement. To Keep Pledge. In the national referendum to which I have adverted we pledged our ef-i forts toward such association. and the pledge will be faithfully kept, hi the plight of policy anil performance, we told the American people we meant lo- seek an early establishment of peace. The United Stales alone among Ihe allied and associated powers continues con-tinues in a technical slale of war against the central powers of Europe. This anomalous condition ought not to be permitted to continue. To establish the state of technical peace without furl her delay. I shouldi approve a declaratory resolution by congress to that effect, wiih the qualifications quali-fications essential to protect till our rights. Such action would be the simplest sim-plest keeping of faith wiih ourselves, and could in no sense be construed as a desertion of those with whom we shared our sacrifices in war. for these powers are already at peace. To Declare Peace. Such a resolution should undertake to do no more than thus to declare the. state of peace, which all America craves. It must add no difficulty in effecting, with just reparations, the restoration for which all Europe yearns, and upon which the world's recovery must be founded. Neither former enemy nor ally can mistake. America's position, because our attitude atti-tude as to the responsibility for the war and the necessity for just reparations repara-tions already has had formal and very earnest expression. It would be unwise to undertake to make a statement of policy with respect re-spect to European affairs in such a declaration of a state of peace. In correcting cor-recting the failure of the executive in negotiating the most important treaty in the history of the nation to recognize recog-nize the constitutional powers of the senate, we would go to the other extreme, ex-treme, equally objectionable, if congress con-gress or the senate should assume the function of the executive. Our highest high-est duty is the preservation of the constituted powers of each, and the promotion of the spirit of co-operation The American people have appraised ap-praised the situation and with that tolerance tol-erance and patience which go with understanding they will give to us the influence of deliberate public opinion which ultimately becomes the edict of any popular government. They are measuring some of the stern necessities necessi-ties and will join in the give and take which is so essential to firm reestab-lishmeut. reestab-lishmeut. Home Problems. First in mind must be the solution of our problems at home, even though some phases of them are inseparably linked with our foreign relations. The purest procedure in every government is to put its own house in order. I know of no more pressing problem prob-lem at home than to restrict our national na-tional expenditures within the limits of our national income, and at the same time measurably lift the burdens of war taxation from the shoulders of the American people. One cannot be unmindful that econ-omy'is econ-omy'is a nluch employed cry, most fre--quently stressed in pre-election appeals, ap-peals, but it is ours to make it an outstanding and ever-impelling purpose pur-pose in both legislation and administration. adminis-tration. The unrestrained tendencies to heedless expenditure and the attending at-tending growth of public indebtedness extending from federal authority to that of state and municipality and including in-cluding the smallest political subdivision, subdivi-sion, constitute the most dangerous phase of government today. Nation as Exemplar. The nation cannot restrain except in its own activities, but it can be eniemplar in a wholesome reversal. The staggering load of war debt must be cared for in orderly funding Jind gradual liquidation. We shall hasten the solution and aid effectively in lifting the tax burdens if we strike resolutely at expenditure. It is far more easily said than done. In the ferver of war our expenditures were so little questioned, the emergency emer-gency was so impelling, appropriation appropria-tion was so unimpeded that we little noted millions aud counted the treasury treas-ury inexhaustible. It will strengthen our resolution if we ever keep in mind that a continuation of such a course means inevitable disaster. Our current expenditures are running run-ning at the rate of approximately $5,-000,000,000 $5,-000,000,000 a year and the burden Is unbearable. There are two agencies to be employed in correction : One is rigid resistance in appropriation and the other is the utmost economy in administration. Let us have both. I have already charged department heads with this necessity. I am sure congress will agree; and both congress and the administration may safely count on the support of all right minded mind-ed citizens, because the burden is theirs. Thrift For All. The pressure for expenditure, swelling swell-ing the flow in one locality while draining another, is sure to defeat the imposition of just burdens and the effect ef-fect of our citizenship protesting outlay out-lay will be wholesome and helpful. I wish it might find its reflex in economy econo-my anil thrift among the people themselves, them-selves, because therein lies quicker recovery re-covery and added security for the future. fu-ture. The estimates of receipts and expenditures ex-penditures and the statements as to the condition of (ho treasury which tlte secretary of the treasury is prepared pre-pared to present to you will indicate what revenues must be provided in order to carr,v on the government's business and meet its current requirements require-ments and fixed debt charges. Unless there are striking cuts in the important import-ant fields of expenditures, receipts from internal taxes cannot safely he permitted to fall below .? t.O00.HUit0 In the fiscal year 1!- and l'-1-5-Cost of Living. One who values American prosperity prosper-ity and maintains American standards of wages and living can have no sympathy sym-pathy with the proposal that easy entry en-try and flood of imports will cheapen otir costs of living. It is more likely to des rov our capacity to buy. Today America'! agriculture is menaced and Its p.ci ;. ts are down lo prewar normals. nor-mals. et we are endangering our fun- so that it may be employed in establishing estab-lishing the economies and business methods so essential to the minimum of expenditure. I have said to the people we meant to have less of government in business as well as mora business in government. govern-ment. It is well to have it understood that business has a right to pursue its normal, legitimate and righteous way unimpeded and it ought have no call to meet government competition where all risk is borne by the public treasury. Reducing Costs. There is no challenge to honest and lawful business success. But government govern-ment approval of fortunate, untram-meled untram-meled business does not mean toleration tolera-tion of restraint of trade or of maintained main-tained prices by unnatural methods. It it well to have legitimate business understand un-derstand that a just government, mindful mind-ful of the interests of all the people, has a right to expect the co-operation of that legitimate business in stamping out the practices which add to unrest and inspire restrictive legislation. Anxious Anx-ious as we are to restore the onward flow of business, it is fair to combine, assurance and warning in one utterance. utter-ance. One condition in the business world may well receive your inquiry. Deflation Defla-tion has been in progress, but has failed to reach the mark where it can be proclaimed to the great mass of consumers. Reduced cost of basic production pro-duction has been recorded, but high cost of living has not yielded in like proportion. For example, the prices on grain and livestock have been deflated, de-flated, but the cost of butter and meats is not actually reflected therein. It is to be expected that nonperishable staples sta-ples will be slow in yielding to lowered low-ered prices, but the maintained retail costs in perishable foods cannot be justified. Cause of Trouble. I have asked the federal trade commission com-mission for a report on its observations and it attributes in the main the failure fail-ure to adjust consumers' cost to basic production costs to the exchange of information by "open price associations," associa-tions," which operate, evidently within the law, to the very great advantage of their members and equal disadvantage disadvan-tage to the consuming public. Without the spirit of hostility or haste in accusation of profiteering, some suitable inquiry by congress might speed the price readjustment to normal relationship, with helpfulness of both producer and consumer. A measuring rod of fair prices will satisfy satis-fy the country and give us a business revival to end all depression and unemployment un-employment Rail Problem. The great interest of bolh the 'producer 'pro-ducer and consumer indeed, all our industrial and commercial life from agriculture to finance in the problems of transportation will find its reflex in your concern to aid re-establishment, to restore efficiency and bring transportation cost into a helpful relationship re-lationship rather than continue it as a hindrance. to resumed activities. It is little to be wondered that ill-considered ill-considered legislation, the war strain, government operation in heedlessness of cost and the conflicting programs, or the lack of them, for restoration have brought about a most difficult situation, made doubly difficult by the low tide of business. All are so intimately inti-mately related that no improvement will be permanent until the railways are operated efficiently at a cost within with-in that which the traffic can bear. Must Reduce Rates. If we can have it understood that congress has no sanction for government govern-ment ownership, that congress does not levy taxes upon the people to j cover deficits in a service which should be self sustaining, there will be an avowed foundation on which to rebuild. re-build. Freight carrying charges have i mounted higher and higher until com- j metre is halted and production dis-j outraged. Railway rates and costs of operation must be reduced. j Congress may well investigate and j ; let the public understand wherein our ; : system and the federal regulations are , I lacking in helpfulness or hindering in j I restrictions. The remaining obstacles among counties for road betterment. Such a course will invite abuses which it were (letter to guard against in the beginning. The laws governing federal aid should be amended and strengthened. The federal agency of administration should be elevated to the importance and vested with authority comparable to the work before it. And congress ought to prescribe conditions to federal fed-eral appropriations which will necessitate neces-sitate a consistent program of uniformity uni-formity which will justify the federal outlay. Constant Repair. I know of nothing more shocking than the millions of public funds wasted wast-ed in improved highways, wasted because be-cause there is no policy of maintenance. mainte-nance. The neglect is not universal, but it is very near it. There is nothing noth-ing congress can do more effectively to end this shocking waste than condition condi-tion all federal aid on provisions for maintenance. ' Highways, no matter how generous the outlay for construction, cannot be maintained without patrol aud constant con-stant repair. Such conditions insisted upon in the grant of federal aid will safeguard the public which pays aud guard the federal government against political abuses, which tend to defeat the very purposes for which we authorize au-thorize federal expenditure. Merchant Marine. Linked with rail and highway is the problem of water transportation inland, in-land, coastwise and transoceanic. It is not possible on this occasion to suggest sug-gest to congress the additional legislation legis-lation needful to meet the aspirations of our people for a merchant marine. In the emergency of war we have constructed con-structed a tonnage equaling our largest expectations. Its war cost must be discounted to the actual values val-ues of peace and the large difference charged to the war emergency and the pressing task is to turn our assets in tonnage to an agency of commerce. It is not necessary to say it to congress, con-gress, but I have thought this to be a befitting occasion to give notice that the United States means to establish and maintain a great merchant marine. ma-rine. Marine Laws. Manifestly if our laws governing American activities on the seas are such as to give advantage to those who compete with us for the carrying of our own cargoes and those which ! ought naturally to come in American bottoms througn trade exchanges, then the spirit of American fair play will assert itself to give American carriers their equality of opportunity This republic can never realize its righteous aspirations in commerce, can never be worthy the traditions of the early days of the expanding republic re-public until the millions of tons of shipping which we now possess are coordinated with our Inland transportation transpor-tation and our shipping has government govern-ment encouragement, not government operation, in carrying our cargoes under our flag, over regularly operated operat-ed routes, to every market in the world, agreeable to American exchanges. ex-changes. It will strengthen American Ameri-can genius and management to have it understood that ours is an abiding abid-ing determination, because carrying is second only to production In establishing es-tablishing and maintaining the flow of commerce to which we rightfully aspire. Radio and Cables. It is proper to invite your attention atten-tion to the importance of the question ques-tion of radio communication and cables. ca-bles. To meet strategic commercial and political needs, active encouragement encourage-ment should be given to the extension exten-sion of American owned and operated cable and radio service. Between the United States and its possession1: I there should be ample communication facilities providing direct .services at reasonable ;ates. Between the United Slates and other countries not only should there be adequate facilities, but these should be. so far as practicable, prac-ticable, direct and free from foreign intermediation. Friendly co-op'cration should be extended to Internationa! efforts aimed at encouraging improvement improve-ment of international communication the military, naval and postal air service. The air mail service is an important initial step in the direction of commercial aviation. It has become a pressing duty of the federal government to provide for the regulation of air nevigation ; otherwise independent and conflicting legislation will be enacted by the various va-rious states which will hamper the development of aviation. The national advisory committee for aeronautics, in a special report on this . subject, has recommended the establishment of a bureau of aeronautics in the department depart-ment of commerce for the federal regulation reg-ulation of air navigation, w hich recommendation recom-mendation ought to have legislative approval. Favors Bureau. I recommend the enactment of legislation leg-islation establishing a bureau of aeronautics aero-nautics in the navy department to centralize the control of naval activities activi-ties in aeronautics and removing the restrictions on the personnel detailed to aviation in the navy. The army air service should be con: tinued as a coordinate combatant of the army and its existing organization organiza-tion utilized in co-operation with other agencies of the government in the establishment of national transcontinental transconti-nental air ways, and in co-operation with the states in the establishment of local airdromes and landing fields. World War Veterans. The American people expect congress con-gress unfailingly to voice the gratitude of the republic in a generous and practical prac-tical way to its defenders in the World war, who need the supporting arm of the government. Our very immediate concern is for the crippled soldiers and those deeply needing the helping hand of the government. Conscious of the generous intent of congress and the public concern for the crippled and dependent, I invited the services of a volunteer committee commit-tee to inquire into the administration of the bureau of war risk insurance, the federal board for vocational training train-ing and other agencies of government in caring for the ex-soldiers, sailors and marines of the World war. This committee promptly reported the chief difficulty to be the imperfect organization organ-ization of governmental effort, the same lack of coordination which hinders hin-ders government efficiency in many undertakings, less noticed because the need for prompt service is less ap-. pealing. This committee has recommended, and I convey the recommend, v'ons to you with cordial approval, that all government gov-ernment agencies looking to the welfare wel-fare of the ex-service men should be placed under one directing head, so that the welfare of these disabled survivors sur-vivors of our civilization and freedom may have the most efficient direction. It may be well to make such an official offi-cial the director general of service to war veterans and place under his direction di-rection all hospitalization, vocational training, war insurance, rehabilitation and all pensions. The immediate extension and utilization utili-zation of the government's hospital facilities fa-cilities in the army and navy will bring relief to the acute conditions most Complained of and the hospital building program may be worked nut to meet the needs likely to be urgent at the time of possible completion. The whole program requires the most thoughtful attention of congress, for we are embarking on the performance perform-ance of a sacred obligation which involves in-volves the expenditure of billions in the half-century before us. Congress must stamp out abuses in the very 1 beginning. We must strengthen rather than weaken the moral fiber ' of tho beneficiaries and humanize all efforts so that rehabilitation shall be i attended by respiritualizat ion. Public Welfare. During the recent political canvass the proposal was made that a depart- ' ment of public welfare should be ere- ! ated. It was indorsed and commended so strongly that I venture to call it to your attention and to suggest favor- j able legislative consideration.' Maternity Bill. Ii the realms of education, public' health, sanitation, conditions of work-' ers In industry, child welfare, proper amusement and recreation, the eliiui- j But we shall not entirely discard our agencies for defense until there is removed the need to defend. . We are ready to co-operate with other nations to approximate disarmament, but merest prudence forbids that we disarm dis-arm alone. The naval program, which had its beginning in what seemed the highest assurance of peace, can carry no threat after the latest proof of our national unselfishness. The reasonable limitation limita-tion of personnel may be combined with economies of administration to lift the burdens of excessive outlay. The war department is reducing the personnel of the army from the maximum maxi-mum provided by law in June, 1920, to the minimum directed by congress in a subsequent enactment. When further reduction Is compatible with national security, it may well have the sanction sanc-tion of congress, so that a system of voluntary military training may offer to our young manhood the advantages of physical development, discipline and commitment to service and constitute the army reserve in return for the training. End of the War. Nearly two and a half years ago the World war came to an end, and yet we find ourselves today in the technical tech-nical state of w-ar, though actually at peace, while Europe is at technical peace, although far from tranquility and little progressed toward the hoped for restoration. It ill becomes us to express impatience impa-tience that the European belligerents are not yet in full agreement, when we ourselves have been unable to bring constituted authority into accord in our own relations to the formally proclaimed pro-claimed peace. Rejects the League. Little avails in reciting the causes of delay in Europe on our own failure to agree. But there is no longer excuse ex-cuse for uncertainties respecting some phases of our foreign relationship. In the existing league of nations, world governing with its super powers, this republic will have no part. There can be no misinterpretation, and there will be no betrayal of the deliberate expression ex-pression of the American people in the recent elections and settled in our decision for ourselves, it Is only fair to say to the world in general, and to our associates in war in particular, that the league covenant can have no sanction by us. The aim to associate nations to prevent pre-vent war, preserve peace and promote civilization our people most cordially applauded. We yearned for this new instrument of justice, but we can have no part in a committal to nn agency of force In unknown contingencies; we can recognize no super authority. Manifestly the highest purpose of tho league of nations was defeated in linking It with the treaty of peace and making It the enforcing agency of tho victors of the war. International association as-sociation for permanent peace must be conceived solely as an Instrumentality of justice, unassoeiated with the passions pas-sions of yesterday and not so constituted consti-tuted ns to attempt the dual functions func-tions of a political instrument of the conquerors and of an agency of peace. There can be no prosperity for the fundamental purpose sought to bo achieved by any such association so long as it is an organ of any particular particu-lar treaty, or committed to tho attainment at-tainment of the special alms of any nation or group of nations. Association of Nations. The American aspiration, Indeed, the world aspiration, was an association associa-tion of nations, based upon the application appli-cation of justice and right, binding us in conference and co-operation for the prevention of war and pointing the way to a higher civilization and international in-ternational fraternity in which all the world might share. hi rejecting the league covenant and uttering that rejection to our people, and to the world, we make no surrender sur-render of our hope and aim for nn association to promote peace In which we would most heartily join. We wish it to be conceived n peace and Oli- caled lo peace, and will relinquish no I effort to bring the nations of the world into such fellowship, not in the surrender sur-render of national sovereignty, but re-joe re-joe ing in a nobler exercise of It in so essential to our common weinire. Save Parts of Treaty. It would be idle to declare for separate sep-arate treaties of peace with the central cen-tral powers on the assumption that these alone would be adequate, because be-cause the situation is so involved that our peace engagements cannot ignore the old world relationship and the settlements set-tlements already effected, nor is it desirable de-sirable to do so in preserving our owu rights and contracting our future relationships. re-lationships. The wiser course would seem to be the acceptance of the confirmation of our rights and interests already provided pro-vided and to engage under the existing treaty, assuming, of course, that this can-be satisfactorily accomplished, by such explicit reservations and modifications modifi-cations as will secure our absolute freedom from inadvisable commitments commit-ments and safeguard all our asseutial interests. For Accomplishment. Neither congress nor the people need my assurance that a request to negotiate nego-tiate treaties of peace would be as superfluous and unnecessary as it is technically ineffective, and I know in my own heart there is none who would wish to embarrass the executive in the performance of bis duty when we are all so eager to turn disappointment disappoint-ment and delay into gratifying accomplishment. accom-plishment. Keeping Vision Clear. We must not allow our vision to be impaired by the conflict among ourselves. The weariness at home and the disappointment to the world have been compensated in the proof that; this republic will surrender none of; the heritage of nationality, but our rights in international relationship, have to be asserted ; they require establishment es-tablishment in compacts of amity; ouf part in readjustment and restoration cannot be ignored, and must be defined. de-fined. With the supergoverning leaguo definitely rejected and with the world so informed, and with the status oC peace proclaimed at home, we mayi proceed to negotiate the covenanted relationships so essential to the recognition recog-nition of all the rights everywhere of our own nation and play our full part in joining the peoples of the world in the pursuits of peace once more. Our obligations in effecting European tranquility because of war's Involvements Involve-ments are not less impelling than our part in the war itself. Tins restoration restora-tion may be wrought before tho human procession can go onward again. We can be helpful because we .are moved by no hatreds and harbor no fears. Helpfulness does not mean entanglement, entangle-ment, and participation In economic adjustments does not mean sponsorship sponsor-ship for treaty commit I ments w hich do not concern us and in which wo will have no part. Advice of Senate. In an all Impelling wish to do the most and best for our own republic and maintain its high place among nations na-tions and at the same time make the fullest offering of justice to them, I shall invite in the most practical way the advice of the senate, after acquainting ac-quainting It with all t'he conditions to be met and obligations to be d S s-charged, s-charged, along with our own rights to be safeguarded. Prudence In making the program and confident co-operation In making it effective cannot lead us far astray. Wo can render no effective effect-ive service to humanity until we prove anew our own capacity for co-operation in the coordination of powers contemplated con-templated In the const itul ion and no covenants which ignore our associations associa-tions In the war can be made for thu future. More, no helpful society of nations can be founded on justice and Committed to peace v'.'.i the covenants cove-nants reestablishing eace are sealed by the nations whl-ti wen1 at war. To such ncc'.-Yiplishiiioiifs to the coinplele re-Mablishnien1 of peace and its contTijcted relationships, to the realization of our a spi ra t ions for nations na-tions associated for world helpfulness vlthont world government, for vorld stability on which humanity's hopes are founded,' we shall address ourselves, our-selves, fully mindful of the high privilege priv-ilege and the paramount duty of fh? United Slates in this critical peried of; the world. |
