Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1919-02-27

cussion of the league of nations today
in the capitol cloak ooms and corri-
dors followed the White House dinner
conference last night at which Presi-
dent Wilson outlined the reasons OH
which ne predicted his belief that the
future peace of the world rests upon
such an organization.
Republicans opposed to the league
plan. however. apparently had not
changed their views and they witt
continue to voice their oppositior, ri
the senate until congress adjourns
next Tuesday
There will be replies from the demo-
cratic side. Senator Hitchcock. chair
mittee, planning to speak briefly late
today. Senator Lodge. the republican
floor leader will speak tomorrow.
All Depends on U. s.
The discussion at the White House
was free and frank. The president told
the senators and representatives that
unless America Joined the league the
whole plan would fail. and that utter
chaos would result in Europe.
He pointed out that half n Aosen
new issues had come from the crucible
of the great wOr, and said the
stronger countries must combine to
help and guide them until they were
able to stand alone.
Success of the entire plan, the presi-
dent was quoted as saying, depended
upon the friendship of America. Great
Britain, France. Italy and Japan. and
impotence Of the league might result
from the withdrawal of any one OF
them. Serious trouble between the fve
associated nations was said by the
president to he unthinkable. and, he
contended a league already existed
thru reference of grave world peace
conditions to commissions OF the five
great powers.
Admits Loss Of Sovereignty.
Conceding that membership in the
league carried with it the surrender of
some sovereignty. the president told his
guests that there could be no concert
OF nations to safeguard against war
unless each was willing to make some
concessions.
Senator Brandesee, of Connecticut, re-
publican, took the lead in questionine
the president. Senator Lodge and
Senator Knox. Of Pennsylvania. the
latter former secretary of state. con-
tented themselves largely with listen
ing to the discussion. No secrecy was
imposed on the visitors the president
at the outset emphasizing that they
were free to discuss afterwards what
transpired.
Needs Amending.
Some republicans who were at the
conference stated today that the pres
ident's discussion emphasized the need
Tor amendment OF the tentative draft
to establish precisely many important
principles beyond controversy or
question.
President Wilson, it was understood
today, did not venture any predictions
as to when peace would eventually be
established but informed the com
mttee members that he was strain
ing every nerve toward the conclusion
OF peace. adding that every day of
delay increased the danger OF compli-
cations. especially in Germany.
Some of the committeeman left the
conference with the impression that
the president was willing to accent a
specific amendment to the constitu-
tion to guarantee the Monroe doctrine.
They said that such an amendment
might result in complications that pre- =
cluded its'- adoption. The president,
1t was said, would avoid any amend :
ment Of nature which would en-
cumber the constitution.
Wilson Wants to Be Left Alone.
President Wilson does not approve
the sending Of a joint committee OF
members OF the house and senate
foreign relations committee to an
interallicd conference at Paris during
the peace negotiations. In view of the
presidents attitude it was reported
the invitation would be declined.
Wilson Talks After Dinner,
The dinner was served at O'CLOCK
and was concluded before the presi.
dent began his talk to the representa-. .
tives Of congress The president went
over the various articles Of the coven
ant in detail, not only presenting his
personal views but going into con.
siderable detail as to the views of re.
presentatives OF other powers.
The president gave his guests an In
innate, first hand recital Of the TASK
that confronted the world poweh ~.
presentatives in drafting document
that could finally be adjusted to meet
the divergent views Of the different
representatives at the peace table and
which they Hoped would find prompt
ratification by the bodies to which
they must be submitted.
Won't Seek O. x. Now.
President Wilson will not seek in
dorsement from Congress Of the league
OF nations constitution before he re-
turns to Europe, and will not even ad-
dress congress on the subject.
Administration officials allowed it to
become known that the President does