New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-01-04
Senator Says Wilson
Put u. S. Behind Ger
man Militarism
MONROE DOCTRINE
NOW IN JEOPARDY
Debate Blocks Vote-Re-
publicans Offer SubSti-
tute To-day
BY STEVENSON II. EVANS

W llSOH HOle VI DtceHDef To- HOW
recognized by all the world as the de-
lioerate and purposeful reinforce
ment of the German drive, was torn
to shreds in the United States Sem
ate to-day.
Debate on the Hitchcock reSolu-
tion indorsing the Presidents peace
policy-such action was demanded
by Mr.. Wilson-was not ended. It
will be resumed tomorrow, at which
time the Republican leader will offer
a substitute, expressing the Senate's
hope for an early peace, but not in
dorsing the peace note.
Lodge Shows Notes Weakness
Henry Cabot Lodge in a speech
lasting a little more than an hour,
made clear why the Senate ought not
to take the hasty action required Of
it by the responsible majority lead
ers who in all things obey the Pres
ident's will. The following points
made by Senator Lodge deserve spe-
cial emphasis because Of the eft re-
pested assertion that the United
States trembles on the brink of war.
/. That Mr.. Wilson's note is to be
understood only upon the theory-as
made plan by Secretary Lansing in his
supplemental explanation--that the
country is ION the verge OF war" and
any day may be sucked into the vortex
OF the terrible struggle.
That it is impossible to consider the
note as a simple offer OF mediation by
the greatest neutral. Mr.. Wilson pro-
ceeded without knowledge, apparently
without caring, that his note would be h
welcome.
As threat that this government rs
on the verge Of entering the war and
only as such threat IS the note sus-
ceptible of sensible Interpretation. The
note was designed and timed 70 help
Germany get the immediate peace she
seems to want. lest the ills Of war be-
fall the United States.
Oppose Aid TO Germany
.. That all America stands ready 10
promote peace If neutrality can be pre-
served. But that this country must
not be committed 10 course which
will range us against the powers which
are lighting the battle Of freedom snd
democracy against a military autoe-
racy.
8. That the abandonment OF the ira
ditional American policy Of isolation
from the affairs and political alliances
OF the nations Of Europe is un-
qualihedly suggested in Mr. wilson's
note-carries with 10 a certain corol'
larry. the abandonment OF the Monroe
Doctrine. II we bear a part in the set
tlement Of the disputes OF the Eastern
Hemisphere. we must surrender our
long claimed right Of refusal 70 per-
nit the nations OF Europe 70 bear
part in the settlement OF the disputes
Of the Western Hemisphere.
4. That a peace which merely means
a breathing spell, which means only
an opportunity for the later renewal or
the struggle, when this nanon may ne
involved, ~ not the KIND o. peace
America hopes for.
Failed to Gain His Ends
- A. .......,,o,s Of Tho
Hague. 10 which this government vsS
signatory, have been trampled 9ndsr
foot while the responsible and omcial
spokesman for the United states has
looked on indifferent.
s. That IL is quite as possible 10 ne
unneutral in negotiating for peace as
in war itself. and that 70 such unneu-
trality is the course Of the President OF
the United States certainly Leading US.
7. That the President had a perfect
right to make tho experiment he did,
but that the experiment has failed. As
far as one Of the beligerents IS con-
cerned the failure is certain, and now
that the reply Of the Allies 10 the Ger
man note has been printed there is no
reason 10 suppose that the PRESIDENT
will have greater success with the otner
side.
.
beyond approval Of peace proposal IN
now indorsing the Presidents note. "
would be committing the country 20
tremendous change In policy abou,
which the people have had no oppor-
tunity 70 express an opinion.
Would Drop Monroe Doctrine
The apparent plan OF the President,
for the execution Of which he regards
the present moment opportune, IS much
wider than was az first believed. The
now famous note Of December Is went
forth 20 the world a. the individual eS-
preston Of great oesire ror peace IN
the interest Of humanity by the Presi-
dent of the United States.
That single view Of the Presidents
purpose persisted even among his close
friends even after the word from
Spain. making public the fact that the
United States was seeking 20 obtain
support for peace proposal. from the
other neutrals Now follows the sud-
den demand on the Democratic ma
jorty in the Senate and the House that
official Congress approval be giyen uG'