New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-01-31
Senator Forces Discussion
on Wilson Speech, but
Resolution Is Beaten
DEMOCRATS BLOCK
GENERAL DEBATE
Hitchcock Declares Any
Talk Now Would Be
a Crime
From The Tribune Bureau


Washington, Jan. 30.-"It is sad
spectacle to see flag raised in devo-
tion to the heaven Of peace leading a
march straight TO the hell OF war"
That was the description of Presi-
dent Wilson's plan for an international
league for peace, given by Senator
Cummins, Of Iowa, in the Senate to-
day. Cummins forced consideration of
his resolution setting aside a definite
time for debate on the Presidents mes
sage.
As soon as Cummins had completed
his own speech, and it had been ans
wered by Senator Hitchcock, debate
was cut off by Senator John Sharp
Williams, who moved to table the Cum
Minis resolution. This was done by a
vote of 3S to 30, tie vote being along
rigid party lines, save that Senator
MARITIME. CT New Jersey, Democrat,
voted for a discussion of the Presi-
dents address.
In his attack on the Presidents pro-
posed league Senator Cummins ana
lived the plans under which such a
league could be opersted-one by the
nations agreeing to join their armies
and navies TO enforce the DEGREES OF
the world court, and the other by the
court having an international army
and navy sufficient to enforce its de-
crees.
Then he inquired what would be the
feelings of America if asked or com
pelled to support decree the people
Of this country thought unjust, de-
cree. for instance, IN favor OF japan III
n dispute with this country.
In replying. Senator Hitchcock. rank
ing Democratic member of the Foreign
Relations Committee. In the absence
Of Senator Stone, ridiculed the idea oil
this extra national force. declaring the
President contemplated no such idea
Roth Senator Cummins and Senator
Hitchcock sought to take away from
President Wilson credit for authorship
NJ the peace terms he outlined TO the
Senate. Cummins said the plan was an
old one. and Hitchcock read Demo
cratic platform plank advancing the
same peace idea.
Hitchcock aroused the most opposi-
+;on when he declared that any discus
sion of the Presidents message or &C
ton on it by the Senate would be
"crime."
Force Will Rule
PrGising the Presidents purpose in
seeking to bring an end to the war
and eulogizing much Of his address,
Senator Cummins confined his criticism
"a his own Interpretation Of conditions
which Mr.. Wilson would impose on
Americas joining league to enforce
peace. -.
cor no drawn from the Presidents
u.tarancos." he declared. at is that
over all the nations Of the earth there
shall be a common and supreme power
which will not only undertake TO de-
eide all the controversies which may
led to international disturbance, bu'
which, having entered Judgment upon
them. will compel obedience. There Is
but one way in which obedience can
always be compelled. The protesting
or rebellious nation must be overcome
by force of arms.
Will Breed Trouble for United States
az affirm, as my belief, that if this
country does what the President pro
noses we will be involved either IN
almost continuous war waged all ovei
the world or we will be engaged N
almost constant rebellion against the
authority which he proposes to set w
over US.
dsnt was honest in this delusion
would not be interested in the discus
! sion. If he stood alone as a proponenl
of a new theory in human affairs, 3
might not be necessary to make 1t I'M
subject of grave confederation bu
tbe truth is that the proposal has beer
before the world for centuries, ha'
been at one time or another the dream
of sages and philosophers, and in oul
country was being urged By y. %s@ Of II t a