Republican farmer., 1919-07-25
.U. s. [S ONLY NATl0N
 WITHOUT (,ONS(jLS 70 OBTAIN HUN BUSINESS
MEANWHILE FRENCH, ENGLISH AND OTH- FIR EUROPEAN COUNTRIES GET BUSY AND CLEAR SHIPS-LODGE PEEVED
 OVER WILSON'S ACTION

versy over the peace treaty was reflected today in news from Paris that the United States is the only one of the Allied na- tiOns that has no consuls in German ports.
 While the American Senate debates, British, French and other European consuls are busy clearing ships and getting German trade. The American Relief Administration has cleared, in German ports, two food supply and one cotton ships, but Director General Hoover refuses to issue papers to additional ships without legal authority.
 Thus, with Great Britain, France and other Nations getting a good start in the race; despite the fact they have not ratified the peace treaty, the United States without any consuls may find itself seriously handicapped when it does take hold
 ClleSS congress sanctions the put ting in of consuls before ratification, as other Nations are doing, there will be no one to clear American ships when they arrive at German ports until the treaty has been rati- fled, as MT Hoover has announced it is not up to him to clear any more.
 Senators Kellogg, Kenyon, Capper and McNary are to attend the Presi- dents "open house" today and dis
 
 Senators Colt, McCumber and Nell son yes rerday. None were among the Republicans who signed the round robin for the separation of the treaty from the league.
 The President merely explained to his visitors yesterday the discussi ons at Paris which resulted in certain conclusions. He did not request them to follow any specific course. Other developments in the situa- ton are that Senator Lodge, disturb ed by the country's opinion of the Foreign Relations Com mittee's ignor- ing the Presidents offer to come be- fore it, issued statement that it was following a precedent established by President Madison.
 Senator Spencer's resolution ex- pressing regret that Shantung was transferred to Japan was referred to the Foreign Relations Committee. Senator Sherman in a prepared speech, assailed the Shantung trans fer, while Senator Colt indorsed al- most whole-heartedly the League of Nations, saying his opinion on reser- vations would be formed later. Sem ator Borah suggested that the League of Nations question be submitted to a vote of the people, declaring that while this would not be binding, it would morally obligate the Senate to abide by 1t. It was in the nature of challenge to the Democrats.
 The Presidents missionary work with Republican Senators started auspiciously with Senators McCum- Der, Colt and Nelson.
 All three expressed satisfaction if ter their talks with the President. He asked none of them to vote against reservations; the appeal is subtler than that. He got at the basis of their positions and their doubts, and simply gave them information direct ed particularly to the reasons why these particular points had been dealt with the treaty presents them.
 Actually the President means to invite all hands before he is through including Senators Lodge, B0rah, Knox and Johnson, though 1t seems probable that those who have an nounced that they will accept no sort of League of Nations and otherwise indicated that they are irreconcilable, will come pretty far down on the list.
 The invitations are delivered by White House messenger and read as follows:
 My Dear Senator-Matters of so great a consequence are now under consideration that I would very much appreciate an opportunity to have a talk with you about the treaty and all that it involves. I wonder if 1t would be possible for you to see me at the White House at (the hour differs in each letter as does the day, some being invited by afternoon apfH others Friday afternoon.)
 Cordially and sincerely
 WOODROW WILSON"
 'I obtained some confidential in- formation from the President" said Senator MoCumber. This informa- tion indicated how certain conclu- sions were drawn in formulating various clauses of the peace treaty. Some. of the discussions were out lined. showing the line of reasoning that produced certain results.
 The President made no attempt to change my attitude regarding the treaty, and 1t was not changed in any respect as a result of the conference.i I prefer the ratification of the treaty as it stands now. If 1t is necessary to obtain sufficient votes for it's ratih-i cation I would accept explanations regarding some features that now are, opposed"
 II do not think 1t Is proper to re- veal what the President told me-" said Senator Colt, and refused to dts- cuss the subject further.
 It is also known that Senator Colts attitude was not changed in any de-, gree by his conversation with the President. He will continue to keep an open mind on the matter of reeer- S vations. At present he believes that possibly such reservations as thoses affecting the Monroe Doctrine andl control of immigration and all pu1ely domestic affairs may bo AtYinmb10 ~