The Mena weekly star., 1919-07-17
PEACE PACT DATA
 SOUGHT BY SOLONS
Johnson Starts to Pry Lid Of Secret Eiplomacy-ResoIution Calls for Wilson League Plan and 9th
 CT Information.

Washington, July 14.-Despite all the buster and talk of letting the public know everything that went on in the Peace Conference, now that the negotiations are finished, the first big clash in the League of Nations fight promises to be over how much infor- nation the Senate, which must pass upon ratification, and the American public shall be told of what went on behind the scenes at Paris.
 When the foreign relations commit tee met for the first time today on the treaty, Senator Johnson of California introduced a resolution calling not only for the American draft of a league covenant, but the arguments, and, as far as possible, the steno- graphic notes of the Peace Confer ence. It will be remembered that Eng land, France and the United States each presented league plans. The English plan, largely drafted by Gen eral Shuts, was taken as the basis for the covenant eventually adopted.
 Every Card on the Table.
 Mir Johnson and others contend that every card must be laid on the table from start to finish-not mcrely an expiHnation of the language final ly agreed upon in the treaty itself. Members of the committee were told by Senator Hitchcock, who had con- ferred with the President, that the President was willing to receive the committee at the White House any time, morning, afternoon or night, on twenty-four hours notice. This was at once construed by some to mean that the President wanted to have a conference at the White House, where there would be the usual customary
 publicity ban on presidential confer ences, rather than before the commit tee, with stenographer taking notes, and subject to questions like any oth- CT witness. Later in the day, it was stated from the White House, the president was willing to go before the committee as witness if the commit tee asked him to. This did not come from the President himself, but was given as his position--in contradiction to that gathered in committee.
 The plain facts are the committee hasn't agreed on plan yet---neither has the Republican majority. They haven't been able to get together and until they do they won't know and the President won't know what they will ask of him. One thing is certain-the committee wants a chance to put ev- cry question possible at the President regarding the treaty and let the pub lie have the facts that come or it isn't particularly concerned over having the President as a witness.
 League Forces Scheme.
 During the day it also became known the administration shortly in- tends to have introduced a bill pro- viding the machinery for the United States entrance into the league and authorizing the naming of the United States representatives This will be offered as buffer against the pro posed plan of making reservations to the league itself. It won't be urged for passage until after the league is ratified, but pro-league members will urge that the Senate put restrictions on the United States representatives in the executive council more than in the treaty itself. For example, it has been suggested that Congress should authorize the naming of a representa- tive, but instruct him not to cast a vote on any issue involving war or use of troops without first asking the authority of Congress for such vote. This plan would be to avoid reserva- tions to the treaty itself. But mem bers insisting on reservations say it would not limit in any way the obliga- tions the United States would as sume if it ratifies the treaty in its present form. And it is the obliga- tions it is sought to restrict and limit, not powers of representatives finally selected to represent the United States in the league.
 During the day league supporters were much encouraged by two Demo- crats,s who had been regarded as doubtful, declaring they would vote against any reservations or changes in the league whatsoever. These Dem ocrats were King of Utah, and Un- derwood of Alabama, who viii speak tomorrow for the league as it stands. This leaves the linup with Reed and Gore as Democrats ina sting upon reservations and practically the solid Republican vote. Kings announce ment followed visit to the White House.
 TO RETURN RAILROADS.