Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1919-09-11
The Treaty Report.

The report of the Senate committee
bn foreign relations on the treaty of
beaee follows the lines indicated by
The votes taken in the committee. The
treaty is practically rewritten. 1t is
(sdically changed in respect to Shan
lung and in the provisions relating
10 the league of nations. These two
Eroups Of amendments are distinctly
Different in character. One group, re-
|ating to the Shantung provisions, has
10 relation to the interests of the
United States. The other group, re-
|a$ing to the league of nations, bears
directly upon American interests.
A considerable portion of the re-
|ort is occupied by statements in de-
ense of the committee, first in re-
|pect to the time taken for the con-
liberation of the treaty and second the
|qual responsibility of the Senate in
handling such an instrument of en-
|sgement with foreign powers. The
ommittee also sets forth a lack of in
prmation on important questions and
D effect complains of the failure Of
be executive to supply it with data.
Perhaps the strongest point made by
be committee in justification of its
Ftion in amending the treaty is that
be peace conference, to which the in
rument must be referred for con-
Fmation of amendments, is still in
Psaion and, the committee states, is
kelly to remain in session for six
onths more. It also notes that Ger
2ny need not be consulted as to
hanges in the league Of nations cove
mt - she is not q member of the
ague, but when entering it must take
as she finds it.
While little space is given to the
lantung question, the paragraph de-
bted to the amendments relating to
ke transfer Of the former German
Pldinss in China is vigorously stated.
consideration, however, is given to
. possible effect upon Japan Of such
|tion as the Senate committee now
sposes, which is virtually q decla-
ton Of disbelief in Japan's good in
ntisns.
IL four reservations to the league
nations covenant are explained
ing now familiar lines. The pro-
hon regarding withdrawal is design
i is stated, to clear all possible
ubt as to the right of the United
stes to leave the league membership
IN its own initiative and without
estion by other members. The reser-
ton relating to article K is founded
On the right of Congress to deter
ne questions Of interference in the
airs Of other powers, involving eco
ME boycotts and military opera
M. Reduced to lowest terms, the
nmittee holds that these obligations
uud not be vested in any other au-
pfity than that of Congress. The
pervstions regarding domestic ques-
No under the Monroe doctrine are of
D Importance. The committee has
ID that they should be stated in
Unite terms.
he committee calls the covenant an
snce and not league, and de-
rec that as framed the league will
I'D wars instead of securing peace.
10 raises the question Of whether
y form Of league will be moro sure
. peace keeper, whether the amend
nts now proposed and the reserva-
n that will exclude the United
ktes from effective membership will
pdsr the league less provocatory Of
|sbls.
rhe debate is soon to begin. The
esident has, in fact, already begun
in the course Of his speeches in the
st. The issues are clearly drawn.
. committees report serves at least
good purpose Of rendering them
pc distinct than they have been dur
the past weeks Of discussion.