Evening star., 1911-08-13
ATTITUDE
ON PEACE PACTS
D|SAPPO|NTS TAFT
Continued from frst page.)

Continued from arst pase.)
by doing So Whether the opposition to
the ratification OF the treaties could be
traced to these writings was not mani
tested during the debate. but the general
opinion among senators last night was
that the treaties would receive little. II
any. further consideration at the present
Each member of the committee on
foreign relations received through the
mail yesterday neatly printed two
page pamphlet containing an extract
from the American Commonwealth. In
which the opinion is expressed that a
minority In the Senate nay control the
action OF the entire body. adversely to
the will OF the majority. in a marrow.
sectional and electioneering spirit" In
this connection there was q reference to
the fact that under the Constitution a
two-thirds majority OF the Senate Is
necessary to the ratification Of treaties
with foreign powers. Much mystery
OF Ambassador Bryce. expressed in his
book. into the controversy over the
treaty. Senators are inclined to view
the writing Of Mr.. Bryce as indicating a
hostile disposition on tho part OF the
ambassador toward the Senate's exercise
OF the power of ratification.
The opinion was expressed by several
that Mr. Bryce's views had had an undue
influence in the formulation of the treaty.
1t became evident during the discussion
that this criticism OF the Senate. not
withstanding that II was written without
any possible reference to the present con-
ungency. would be used against favorable
action upon the treaty by the Senate.
Some Of the opponents of the treaty In
the form in which 1t was presented went
SO far as to suggest that the circular had
been distributed among senators by
friends of the treatfes with q view to
sustaining the Presidents own position.
O'Gorman Points Out Danger.
The question OF the British ambassa-
doris former attitude was referred to at
some length In the Senate by Mr.. OGor-
man, the new senator from New York,
who pointed out the possible danger that
might arise through q complete yielding
to the views OF an old-world diplomat
Mr.. OGorman did not, however. indicate
positive opposition to the treaties. In
addition to referring to Mr.. Bryce's views
he said that some portions of the docu-
ments before the Senate apparently were
conflicting, while others were obscure to
him. He expressed the opinion that the
Senate should study them with great
care. and said that more light should be
thrown upon them before asking the
Senate to vote.
To meet the desire for more informa-
tion. Senator Bourne entered a motion.
which the Senate adopted. directing
to prepare a written report. giving
the fullest possible information.
Both in committee and in the Senate
fear was expressed that the ratifica-
ton OF the treaties would have the
effect of throwing open the doors OF
arbitration to all the questions in
volved in dealing with such oriental
nations as China and Japan and in
v0lving immigration and admission to
the public schools. Senator Borah and
other western senators pointed out to
the foreign relations committee this
danger. On this account, as we'll as
for other reasons, Mr.. Borah moved
the cancellation of the paragraph con-
ferring extra privileges on the Joint
high commission.
The Idaho senator contended that SO
long as the Senate was deprived OF power
to pass upon questions the commission
could determine even these problems. and
argued that 1t would not be wise to leave
which probably would be dominated by
old world views. He pointed out that
the provisions in the Root treaties Of
1908. excluding from arbitration all ques-
vital interests had been superseded in
the pending conventions by a provision
including within the terms OF the trea-
ties "all differences which are justfdable
in their nautre by reason Of being sus-
ceptible Of decision by the application Of
law or equity" This change. he said,
was wide enough to bring almost any
question within the range OF settlement.
Fears Powers Of Commission.
Mr.. Borah expressed himself as satis-
fed that the limitation Of this provision
would relieve the treaties OF objection,
but in the Senate the objection was re-
vved by Senator Poindexter Of Washing
ton. who said that he feared that even
with the paragraph out these questions
OF such vital interest to the Pacific coast
would be held to be within the jurisdic-
tion Of the proposed tribunal of arbitra-
tion.
All the senator's conceded that none Of
these questions could be raised under
the compacts with France and Great Bri-
tain. but, taking these as mere forerun-
ners OF like treaties with all the civilized
powers, they pointed out the strong
within the circle. In this connection ref
erence was made to the Presidents re-
cent suggestion of Admiral Togo that
Japan prepare to join in a compact SINH
lar to these already entered into.
defended the treaties as In the interest Of
the march Of progress. and all declared
them innocent Of the possibilities sug-
gested
In making the motion to report the
treaties, Mr.. Borah said that the Senate
should be given an opportunity to express
its approval of the arbitration principle,
and that 1t should not be deprived Of that
privilege because of q modification of
these particular agreements. The motion
received the support Of all the members
present except Senators Cullom and Bur-
ton, who cast their votes In the negative
on the theory that the Presidents wishes
for delay in case OF amendment should
be complied with. On the vote to amend
Senators Cullom. Burton and Root re-
corded in the negative.