Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1919-07-29
VOICES PLEA
that SENATE
APPROvEACT
u. S. Owes It to France
Says President-His
Trip Delayed?

Washington, July 29-Presi-
dent Wilson today transmitted
to the senate the special treaty
with France by which the
United States pledges itself to
come Immediately to the aid of
that republic in the event of
any unprOVOked attack by Ger
many and asked for its early
ratification "alOng with the
treaty with Germany"
Submission of the treaty came
after sharp criticism by senate Re
publicans, who for several days
had openly charged on the senate
floor that in failing to present the
draft of the pact along with the
treaty of Versailles, the president
had violated one of the articles of
the document. The president did
not follow his usual custom of pre-
senting the treaty in person. He
sent it to the capitol by special
messenger along with message
explaining its object.
Would Be %Under League"
The president told the senate the
purpose of the treaty was to pro-
vide assistance for France in case
of unprovoked aggression by Ger
many without waiting for the ad-
vice of the council of the League
of Nations that such action should
be taken and explained that it was
to be an arrangement mot inde-
pendent of the League of Nations,
but under it."
"The covenant of the League of
Nations" the president said, pro
vides for military action for the
protection of it's members only
upon the advice of the council of
the league advice given, it is to
be presumed only upon delibera-
ton and acted upon by each of the
governments of the member states
only if it's own judgment justifies
such action"
Pointing out that the treaty
shall receive the approval of the
council of the league" the presi-
dent said it would remain in force
only until upon the application of
one of the parties to it, the council
of the league, acting, if necessary
by a majority vote, shall agree that
the provisions of the covenant of
the league afford her (France) suf-
ficient protection"
Moved by Friendship.
Mr.. Wilson said he was moved
to sign the treaty by the ties of
friendship binding the two coun-
tries and the assistance France
gave America in it's struggle for
independence. Without this as
sistance, the president said, lit was
seriously to be doubted whether
America could have won its inde-
and added:
Nothing can pay such debt"
May Delay Tour.
The president may not leave
on his tour of the coun-
try until August Is. owing to the
excessive heat. He will confer with
Secretary Daniels, probably TO-DAY,
the advisibility of hav-
ing the Pacific fleet await his ar
rival before entering San Francisco
harbor.
It was said at the White house
that the president did not desire TO
keep the fleet waiting for him if
that could be avoided He had plan
ned to leave Washington Sunday, !
but because of the heat wave
sweeping the country, Rear Ad-
miral Cary T. Grayson, his person
al physician, and Secretary Tumul- /
ty, suggested that he postpone mis- |
departure.
VIII Explain Things
Secretary Tumulty said the trip |
would be made even should the SEN
ate ratify the treaty in the mean !
Tine, adding that the president |
wanted ''to go to the country and !
explain things"
Before leaving the capital, the
president will clear up all pressing
business. In this connection, Mr..
rumulty said the president still mad
o assemble many documents IN
connection with the peace negotia-
ions which the senate foreign refa-
ions committee had asked him to
submit
Text Of Message.
President Wilson's message to
he senate today accompanying the
treaty follows:
Gentlemen of the senate:
l take pleasure in laying be-
fore you a treaty with the re-
public of France the object of
which is to assure that repub-
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