The Seattle star. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1899-1947, 1919-07-11
SENATORS RAP
WILSON SPEECH
Says He Demands U. S. Give
Up Its Independence
ny l.. G. MARTIN

Omitted Press Correspondent
WASHINGTON. July Sen
ators opposing the league Of ma
lions today seized on six words
from President Wilson's speech
70 tho senate m proof Of their
contention that ratification Of tho
league will rob tho United States
Of its Independence Of action.
The six words are Eat whatever
cost OF independent action"
The president used them In declar-
ing that the world demanded new
order OF international politics, found
cd on freedom and justice. He then
added that IL was in the league OF
nations that mankind found It's only
hope Of this new order.
Thus tho president, anulcaguers
argued today. demands that the
United States commit itself 10 giving
up It's independence to whatever e1-
tent the league may deem necessary.
BorAh Statement
This statement, taken with the
presidents assertion that the Unit
ed States Is legally bound to ac-
ccpt the advice OF the league coun-
ell. proves absolutely what the pro-
ponentS OF the league have denied"
said Senator Borah.
"They have insisted that We be
under no legal obligation 20 act on
the leagues advice unless we feel
honor compels us TO. But the
president clearly views the situa-
ton differently"
Opposition senators were active
ly preparing today TO carry the
fight to Wilson from a new angle
While they have previously center
ed their opposition on Article 10
OF the league covenant. they are
now preparing 20 make the Shan
! tung question the first test of
strength.
Second add Senators Rap
The FIRST step in this direction was
the Borah resolution requesting the
president TO furnish information re-
garding the reported protest OF Ian
sing. Bliss and White. the o h e r
three members Of tho American
peace delegation. against giving ia
pan control OF Shantung.
Tho presidents opponents believe,
they said today, that they can muster
their maximum strength on an
amendment TO tho treaty eiiminat.
ing or altering the shantung PENN
sula provision. Before this can be
done. Lansing. and perhaps President
Wilson, will be asked TO give the for
eig n relations committee not only
verbal explanations of the means by
which the arrangement was arrived
at. but the peace conference day.by-
Formal consideration OF the peace
treaty win begin Monday by the for.
eign relations committee, Senator
Lodge announced today. Senate de-
bate on IL probably will be resumed
at the same time.
President Wilson's expression Of
willingness 20 appear before the
senate foreign relations committee
at any time to be questioned con-
corning the treaty and the league
was pointed to by those favoring
ratification az evidence Of his conf
dencc that tho documents cannot be
successfully attacked.
The president, 1t was said. was
quite ready to discuss the provisions
with his opponents whenever they
are ready to meet him. Administra-
ton senator's said they were sure
that. after much verbal battling on
the floor. the treaty and league
would win when they came to a vote
They considered the president, in his
speech yesterday. withheld most of
his strong arguments for use later
in the campaign. after the opposition
has revealed It's own line Of assault.