River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1918-06-20
Our Weekly Letter
From Washington
(By James A. Frear, M. CD


been before the Senate during the
past week although not directly re-
lated to war legislation. One al
fected the ratification of treaties by
the Senate and was brought forth
by Presidents declaration against
secret treaties. Those who h V e
studied conditions leading to wars
between nations believe that secret
treaties are responsible for many OF
such disagreements which end IN
war. AS is generally known the diff
ferent nations of Europe in past
wears have had secret treaties or al
liances to which the different coun-
tries were bound, but these treaties
were not open to the world although
none the | e SIS binding. President
Wilson sounded note of warning
against such treaties in the future,
that finds favor with other countries
according to public expression OF
t h e r leading statesmen. Senator
Borah proposed in the Senate that
all discussions Of proposed treaties
should be carried on with open doors
of the Senate instead of in eXecu-
tive session as during past years.
The debate held the Senate for two
or three days and the President was
quoted in favor of open debate OF
treaties as a reason for public con-
sideration.
It developed, however, according
to the Presidents statement, that
the vice lays in the existence Of Sc
cret treaties rather than in secrecy
of discussion. This was the belief of
the Senate, and discussions will con-
tinue in executive session although
secret treaties will not be entered in
to with other countries. The same
principle of no secret treaties it is
believed will be adopted by other
governments after the war.
Another effort to change the rules
of the Senate came from a resolu-
ton to limit debate during the war.
This result can be brought about
now by two thirds of the Senate.
acting upon resolution to that eff
feet, but the Senate is jealous of its
right to retain open and extended
discussion and refused to adopt any
gag provisions. One reason why the
Senate is able to give better legis-
lative examination to bills on the
floor is because of free discussion
which frequently discloses dangers
in legislation t h a is overlooked
when passing the House. Open I'M
limited debate is a protection when
great constructive laws are neces-
sarily hurriedly put through to meet
emergencies during the present war
and if the privilege is abused the
Senate by resolution can cut off de-
bate.
A.few inquiries have thus far been
received and | believe it is we'll to
give the War departments ruling
according to letter of June 5th. on
those who are killed or die abroad
during the war. General Pershing
has arranged with the French Gov
eminent for sections of the country
to be used as military cemeteries
and the Quartermaster has organic
ed and is operating grave registra-
tion units. They are charged with
the duty of burials, caring for the
cemeteries and Identification records
of those buried. The Department
letter says that there will be no con-
fusion or doubt as to the Identity OF
any soldiers provided the body is to
be brought home after the war. The
order does not permit removal be.
fore the end of the war but probably
the Government will take m e
specific action on the matter after
the war is over. That seems to be
the present understanding. In this
connection a statement just given
out by Surgeon General Gorgas of
the Army is of great interest.
He says that surgery and scientific
treatment of wounded soldiers has
progressed to such an extent that
more than 80 per cent of the wound
ed, who originally remained at the
military hospital for months are