New-York tribune., 1918-11-22
Continued from Page /

Frequently during the course of his
tion on either side Of the aisle. Senator
Reed used language which but few
months ago would have provoked ho-
and angry resentment from the strong
Administration group on the Demo
cratic side. But he was not Interrupted.
He was not contradicted. And even
when he ended no one made q move to
answer his terrific arraignment of
these two plarks of the Wilson peace
platform.
This was not q casual happening.
Senator Reed was listened to without
answer because nc voiced the thoughts
of an overwhelming majority, not only
of the Senate, but of the Democratic
members of the Senate In their Of
fees, at the lunch tables and every
where Senators have congregated dur
ing the last few days there have been
eager discussions of these two particu-
lar planks of President Wilson's peace
platform, and there have. been few de-
tenders.
1t may be stated as fact that the
Senate of the United States. which has
the constitutional power of approving
or disappearing all treatics-and sup
posedly of diplomatic posts. for that
matter--is nearly unit in opposition
TO the league Of nations, and disap-
proves "the freedom of the seas" in
so far as it understands what the
President means by that term.
Senator's ain Dark"
When the little group of Democratic
Senators were summon d to the White
House the other ight to receive their
instructions the President said, in
answer to question, that he had
ideas about the freedom of the seas
What these ideas are, however, he did
not confde to the Senator'S, though
they displayed marked curiosity. The
Vague fear that these "new ideas" are
something which 90 not meet their
approval has been voiced by the Sena-
tors who visited the White House to
their colleagues, and altogether there
is much worry on tho part of the
Democratic Senators.
The Republican Senators are liter
ally astounded by the situation among
their political opponents. There has
not been so substantial revolt
against the Wilson leadership among
the Democrats in Congress- at any time
since March 8, 1918, when Mr. Wilson
first entered the White House, as
there is at this moment.
/ And while perhaps "tvolt" is too
strong a WORK to use at present, it
! is no bobtailed affair. Democratic
Leader Martin. one of the Senators
who visited the White House, is
known tc be indignant at the idea OF
no Senatorial representation on the
peace mission. He has mentioned in
numerous conversations within the
last day or two the action Of Prcsi-
dent Mckinley in appointing three
Senators on the peace mission to Paris
in 1898-Senators Davis, Frye and
Gray the latter a member of the
minority.
Stops Reply to Reed
He has discussed with other Demo
cratic leaders the peculiar propriety OF
Senatorial representation on the pres
ent peace mission, in view Of the fact
hot 4,
Senate to approve peace treaties will
be, for practical purposes, somewhat
abridged on this occasion because OF
the difficulties which would ensue i!
treaty approved by more than score
of nations jointly.
At the end of Senator Reeds ar
raignment to-day of the league of ma
tions Senator Martin, after moments
pause, moved that the Senate proceed
with the consideration of executive
business. This motion prccluded any
possibility of a reply TO Mr.. Reed BY
any Senator who might wish to defend
the President and his policies.
Senator Lewis, Of Illinois, gave indi
cations of interest at several stages
Of Mr.. Reeds remarks, but he did not
rise to answer when Mr.. Reed finished
although Mr.. Reed relinquished thu
floor in time to permit an answer, hat
any one desired to make it.
A mild attempt to smooth over tn.
situation was made just after the ex
ecutive session by Senator Phelan, O
California, who talked for few min
utcs, asserting that Lloyd George ap
proved the league of nations. Thi
did not preclpitate general discus
sion, since the hour of unanimous con
sent for adjournment of the presen
session of Congress had already passed
Stands Against War
"It is proposed" said Senator Reed
that every time there is quarrel il
Europe the United States must dra,
/ her sword and summon our boys from
the farms and workshops to pour on
their blood in wars, the causes and rea
sons and settlements Of which do no
affect us one jot or one title. Senator.
it is monstrous doctrine that Amer
\ lea must bind herself to enter ever
4 European quarrel"