The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-09-10
SPENCER POINTS
WEAKNESSES IN
WILSON'S TALKS
Missouri Senator Gives Ex-
amples to Show Need of
Reservations.
DEMOCRATS ALARMED
Now Eager for Quick Action
on Treaty Before Senti-
ment Crystallizes.
specia, DespotcA to TIE Sun.

WASHINGTON, Sept 9.-President Will
sons latest argument for the League
OF Nations he has already answered
specifically himself. This was pointed
out to-day by Senators of the Foreign
Relations Committee who questioned
the President at the White House last
month.
Any talk Of having to go to Ger
many on Blended knees"--a phrase
first used by Senator Hitchcock
(Neb. )-is complete nonsense, 1t was
pointed out at the Capitol to-day. On
tho occasion OF the conference Of SEN
ators with the President Senator Fall
IN. M pointed out to the President
that changes in the League of Nations
covenant would require no action by
Germany, as Germany is not now to
become a member of the league. He
asked the President then il 1t was not
a fact that Germany by later entrance
into the league would accept the
covenant as it then stood. The Presi-
dent told Mr.. Fall then that he had
never thought OF that, but that the
Senator was entirely correct.
That the President should revert to
this argument. which he has already
admitted to be fallacious, has but
added another point to the amazing
number being piled up by the Presi-
dent as he progresses westward, each
one of which is causing more and
more mingled amazement here. Sena-
tors confess frankly that they do not
know quite how to deal with the man
who courteously and fairly discussed
the treaty and the league with them
at the White House, frankly admitting
that league changes would not require
the consent OF the German Govern
ment, then Journeys forth to distant
parts. breathing maledictions on his
late conferees and taking exactly the
opposite side OF this question. Not
only opposite to the views OF practi-
cally all OF the Senators but opposite
to that which he himself took.
This, 1t is pointed out. is not a ques-
tion of changing of opinions. 1t is a
straight out question of fact and one to
which there can be but one interpreta-
ton.
Ashur.t Enters Denial.
Other Democratic Senators to-day.
fearing that the White House whip is
long enough to reach here even from the
present distant sphere OF Its wielder.
sought TO creep under cover to-day to
avoid appearing to desert the league
band wagon. Senator Ashurst (Ariz.)
explained to the Senate with a news
paper in his hand that statements ap-
pearing therein relative to his position
on the league question and reservations
were wholly unauthorized" He said
the same thing on behalf OF Senator Gull
berson (Tex). He made denial OF moth
ing whatever, though.
The fight enters into its first stage
tomorrow. when Senator Lodge (Mass.)
will bring In the report OF the Foreign
Relations Committee. From that time
forward the fight is In the open Senate.
A great many Senators are now urging
the utmost speed in disposing of the
ratification. but 1t is practically impos-
sible for the necessary discussion to be
gone through with and the resolution of
ratification finally agreed upon short of
several weeks. Mr., Wilson In ,all prob
ability will have been back in Washing
ton for some time before his partner in
treaty making, the Senate, disposes
finally of the treaty and the league.
The out and out Administration sup
porters in the Senate are now strongly
In favor of quick ratification because OF
the unmistakable signs Of failure OF the
Presidents crusading efforts for the
le,gue project Sentiment is apparently
adverse and is growing so fast in that
direction that there is strong fear that
this may develop into a veritable tidal
wave OF public opinion unless some sort
of action is taken quickly by the Senate.
Democratic Senators are admitting
privately now that the best they can
hope for is a compromise. They believe
that down in his heart. despite his loudly
voiced demands that there be no changes
made In the peace pact and the treaty
itself, the President is convinced that
must be made eventually.
Unless the President does believe this,
the anti-league Republicans declare, he
Is wofully ignorant OF the true state OF
affairs In the Senate.
Senators Get Letters.
Letters pouring In upon leaders in the |
nght against the denationalizing features
Of the League OF Nations covenant leave |
them no shred of doubt of the senti- !
ment OF the country. They were anxious |
for n short time about the effect of the !
Pre- sidents tour, but letters from the |
States through which he has passed and |
from towns where he has spoken have !,
eradicated this doubt from |
their minds. The first conclusion to |
which they jumped-that the trip would |
react In their favor--is being rapidly |