Page:North Dakota Law Review Vol. 1 No. 8 (1924).pdf/6

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As a delegate of the State. Bar Association, the writer fortunately was able to attend the 29th Annual Session of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, held at Philadelphia, May 16th and 17th.

The Academy of Political and Social Science is a body composed of many of the prominent educators, writers and thinkers of this country, publishing from time to time important discussions of difficult local and international questions. Once each year a session is held, at which a large number of leaders discuss certain formulated questions. The various bar associations, governors, and some other bodies are asked to appoint delegates to attend and enter into the discussion of the formulated questions.

The 1925 meeting was divided into six sessions, at each of which a special question was propounded by a nationally known figure. There then followed a pro and con discussion somewhat in the nature of a debate. Following this, the question was thrown open to general discussion by the delegates.

The topics discussed were as follows:

“International Debts in Their Relation to World Peace.”

“The Operation of the Dawes Plan.”

“The Possibility of Disarmament.”

“Foreign Investments and International Peace.”

“Can the Feeling of Insecurity in Europe be Eliminated Without the Cooperation of the United States?”

“The Outlawry of War.”

A detailed statement of the events of the session would prove extremely tedious, so I will merely touch upon a few of the features which were of especial interest to me.

The discussion of the Dawes plan gave a clear view of the major points of the Reparations Settlement. In connection with this discussion, the writer enjoyed hearing Herbert A. Gibbons discuss the psychological effect of the Dawes plan in Europe. Professor Gibbons talks as entertainingly as he writes. It seemed to be the consensus of opinion that the Dawes plan was of a temporary nature, but that it gave Europe a breathing spell, in which to recover its equilibrium.

Friday noon, the delegates and speakers were given a luncheon at the Bellevue-Stratford. Here was an opportunity to meet many interesting and distinguished persons. The writer drifted into an academic group, and was quite content to listen. Madame Grouitch of Belgrade, Jugo-Slovakia, spoke at the luncheon and also at the Saturday afternoon session. She possesses a charming personality and made quite an impression on the Assembly

To me the most interesting session was Friday night. The session was presided over by General Allen, and the following list of speakers will show that there was nothing tame about the discussion.

Ex-Justice of the Supreme Court Clarke, President of the Nation’s Nonpartisan Association, Rear-Admiral Bradley A. Fiske, Rear-Admiral William A. Rodgers, Arthur D. Call, Editor Advocate of Peace; Brigadier General William Mitchell.