New-York tribune., 1918-12-03
Continued from page 1

said some of the strong pro-Adminis-
tration group.
But Chairman Hitchcock of the SEN
ate Foreign Relations Committee sur
prscd many of his Democratic col
leagues late to-day by urging that some
such resolution be adopted
81 do not think The President can
perform the duties of his office while
he is in Versailles" said Mr. Hitchcock.
"The President thinks the duties in
Paris are of transcendent Importance.
! as they are, but some one ought to
perform the Presidential duties in
Washington, and the Vice President. to
my mind, is the proper official to per-
form these duties.
at is my opinion that Congress
should designate the Vice President to
perform these duties, with not the
slightest intention of rejecting in any
degree on the President. but merely
with desire to have the necessary
President is engaged with bigger
things abroad.
at is my opinion that if Congress
should so act there would be little
doubt that the Supreme Court would
refuse to pass on the question at ALL
holding that Congress was the proper
body to determine such a point
81 am frank to say that most Demo
Gratis disagree with me, holding that
such all action might be an affront to
the President, but I think we ought
to have this important question
settled"
The resolution will be vigorously
pressed in the Senate, and debated at
some length, though the indications to-
night were that it could not possibly
muster enough votes for passage. This
ia especially true because many of the
Republican leaders, while they are as
bitterly resentful against the Presi-
dent as some of the Democrats, are not
disposed to press any action which
could be construed as hampering the
President. They are eagerly in favol
of discussion Of this resolution, how.
ever, as we'll as all the points which
arise at the peace table as rapidly a
they are brought to the country by the
cables.
Quite different reason makes il
sure that no special Senatorial com
mittee will be sent to Europe to re
port to the Senate the peace confer
ence when the final treaty comes up fol-
ratification.
Such a resolution was introduced, as
expected. by Senator Cummins, of Iowa
day. Mr.. Cummins purposes to pres:
1,,+i oh,
the Foreign Relations Committee, ant
will be discussed by it on Wedncsda,
at its regular meeting.
Text of Resolution
The resolution follows:
Whereas, The peace conference abou
to assemble in Paris Will involve no
only q settlement of the issues between
the United States and her enemies il
the existing war, but will include il
its consideration proposed treatie:
with practically all the civilized ma
tions Of the earth; and
"Whereas, The subjects for disposl
ton are the most comprehensive, far
reaching and vital ever submit tt
the treaty making powers Of the world
and whereas, no treaty can be entered
INTO by the United States without the
consent of the Senate; and whereas
the President is to conduct the negotia
tons at Paris in person; and whereas
it is supremely important thet the Sen
ate be promptly, fully and accurately
Informed of ell the facts which may
be pertinent to the proposed readjust
ment in te affairs of the various pow
ers concerned in these treaties and O.
all the reasons which may be urged fol-
and against the proposed compact:
while the negotiations therefor are il
progress,
Eight To Be Named
at is therefore resolved by the Sen
ate, That there be created committee
to be composed of eight Senators-one
half from the majority and e-halt
from the minority-which shall be
charged with the duty of proceeding tC
Paris at the proper time in order to be
there present during the said peace
conference.
"The committee shall diligently in
quire with respect to all the facts per
tanning to or material for the future
by the Senate, and make itself familiar
with all the conditions and circum
stances surrounding the subject ane
all the reasons which may exist fol
and against the action to be taken.
at shall report to the Senate upor
all such matters as often as it may
deem it advisable 20 do so, and it shall
make a final report at or before the
time that the treaties growing out O.
the conference are laiu before the Sen
ate for approval, rejection or modifica
ton.
Details Provided For
'Thc committee shall be chosen il
the manner provided in the rules of tn,
Senate for the selection of its standn,
committees.
at is authorized to employ such sec
retaries, clerks, stenographers and mes
sengers as it may deem necessary TO
the discharge of the duties herein i'm
posed upon it,
Cali the expenditures incident to it
work in the United States and Europ
shall be paid from the contingent fun
of the Senate upon the certificate o
the Senator who shall be chosen chair
man of the committee"
It is probable that the resolution
viii be reported - the Senate withou
recommendation ard that thereupo,
there will be a grand debate which vii
discuss every phase and point Of tht
league of nations, the freedom OF tn
seas, economic barriers and all tn