New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-01-25
SENATE HELD UP
IN PEACE DEBATE
Wilson'S Friends Force
Delay in Discussion of
Wilson Speech
lFrom Tho Tribune Bureau J

from Tho Tribune Bureau
Washington, Jan. 24.-The discussion
of Mr.. Wilson's proposal that the
United States make ready to abandon
George Washington's doctrine OF isola-
ton did not proceed, as had been e1-
pected, in the Senate to-day.
The Cummins resolution, which pro-
poses that the Presidents speech be
laid before the Senate for discussion
was called up, and there was consider
able skirinishine on both sides, argu-
ing merely whether or not there should
be such discussion in the Senate.
Senator Stones efforts were directed
toward smothering the resolution and
all discussion, by having it referred to
the Foreign Relations Committee. But
Senator Cummins and the Republicans
outmaneuvred him. -.
The resolution is now in the pariia-
mentary position known. as "on tno
calendar" il may be called up at any
time. The act of calling it up viii pre-
GlDltdLC inc OlSCuoolOH os"Ah'N
Senator Stone protests.
Ask Why He Used Senate
The friends of President Wilson
found themselves in a most embar-
RAISING position. They faced q d.
lemma. To be impaled upon either
horn was dissgreeable. If they chose
10 take the position that the President
did not wish discussion OF the remark
able propositions he laid down in his
speech. then why did he address the
Senate?
Was it merely as a setting for g
beautiful picture, skilfully painted? de-
manded Senator Cummns, who agrees
with The Tribune correspondent that
the Presidents speech was perfect IN
literary form despite the use OF 81
would fain.' No one, he continued
would accuse the President of so fla
GRAVITY abusing tho privileges OF the
Senate.
If. ON the other hand, tho Democrats
chose the position that the President
desired full and frank discussion, then
thew must agree 10 some such resolution
es that of Senator Cummins and provide
sufficient time for discussion warranted
by the tremendous importance OF the
subject.
SAYS Senate Must Speak
"If there ever was time said Sena-.
tor Cummins. "when duty commanded
that we give 10 the world and the coun-
try the honest convictions of the Sen
ate upon proposals that affect the in
tcgrity of the nation, the peace of the
world and the happiness OF mankind, IL
is now.
For proper discussion il matters not
whether the President is right or
wrong. In either case his communics-
ton IS the most important ever made
by Chief Executive of the United
States.
"Hc has come to the Senate frankly
and boldly, and, I assume, with all sin
cerity. saying that he owed it 10 us TO
disclose to us the purpose in his mind.
Why did he owe it TO US to disclose
without reserve the thought and pur-
poses in his mind?"
Senator Cummins said the President
himself had answered that question
when he referred to the Senate as
Council associated With me" in inter
national affairs.
"Aro we to sit dumb under this sp-
peal?" asked the Iowa Senator. "Ihe
time TO vote, it is true. has not ar
rived, but is the council 20 remain
silent while public opinion is forming
and public judgment is being en-
tered?
"If VIC are not to render an opinion
in response TO his invitation it
means that he chose the Senate as a
conduit through which TO pass the
new doctrine TO the ministers of for
eign affairs of the world and the
newspaper or as a setting for beau
tiful picture skilfully painted. /
hardly believe any one will put the
President in the position Of having so
hagrantly misused the privileges Of
the Senate"
Lodge Is Sarcastic
While there was no attempt by any
Senator TO discuss deeply any phase OF
the Presidents Utopian proposals and
his demands for naturalization OF
various straits and autonomy for Po-
land, still there were plenty OF indlca-
lions in the remarks Of several speak
crs of the opposition which wait. TO be
expressed. Senator Lodge was bltingly
sarcastic, the sarcasm masked by much
urbanity of manner. Said Mr.. Lodge:
81 DO not want TO eXaggerate the i'm
portance of the method OF settling the
present war and all future wars by
resolution. but | think 1t would take
even the Foreign Relations Committee
for which | have the profoundest re-
spect, naturally, being member Of it
more than ten days TO determine how
il would be best 20 end the present war
and then secure the peace of the world
subsequently.
cit seems to me that these are i'm
portsnt subjects. ! know the great at
traction which they possess. There is
an immense attraction in settling other
peoples business and meddling with
other peoples affairs, especially when
the resolution Passed amounts to moth
ing.
Will Take Time TO Consider
"Tne subjects brought forward BY the
President amount TO a great deal, and TO
discuss all that he advises, clear and sim-
pie as his propositions are, will take time.
! don't think myself, that the mere
fact that the Senate is silent binds the
Senate in any way or can be inter
preted as meaning that they agree with
all the propositions which the Presi-
dent has advanced. do not think il
binds the Senate any more than the
Executive can bind this country by q
treaty"
1t has not been definitely decided
what day the Senate will devote TO
consideration and discussion OF the
Presidents address. That there will
be full discussion. however is now
certain. The time depends on when
Mr.. Cummins moves to consider his
resolution. That will not be to-mor-
row. Friday at o'clock probably will
be the time selected.