The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1919-07-25

save the Republican party, MT
Hitchcock said, and he lis trying 10
do this by taking over the leadership
OF senators on the Democratic side.
We have always considered Mr.. Taft
a sincere friend Of the league. but
his change Of front will not alter the
situation at all so far as the Demo-
cratic senators are concerned.
Senator Hitchcock himself has re-
ceived q letter from Mr.. Taft on the
subject of reservations. which the
senator said today he has not yet read.
1t was also stated by Senator Hitch
cock that under no circumstances
win he suggest any reservations OF
compromise to the senate Any sug-
restions along this line. he said. would
have to come from the president be-
fore he would even consider them
BETWEEN TWO FIRES
Mr.. Taft's conversion to the belief
that reservations are needed has not
Increased hi popularity with Repuhli-
can senators who are In the night
against the league. Their opinion OF
the reservations suggested by Mr..
TAFT Is that they are entirely too m
nocuous to be seriously considered,
II reservations are to be made, several
anti-league senators said. they VIII De
made by the senate and not by MI
league.
Senator Knox made the pointed
comment that the proposals offered
by Mr.. Taft are not reservations at
all, but mere explanatory interpre-
tations, which be in no way binding
upon the other nations in the league
The senate will not accept meaning
less reservations of this sort, the SEN
ator said, adding:
whatever reservations are adopted
must be embodied in the resolution
Of ratification itself so as to be a
binding part OF the treaty. Mr.. Tafts
proposed interpretations VIII not 90
at ALL"
Senator Borah was extremely BRIEF
IN his comment. He said:
Mr. Taft's letter, when analysed,
saws three things: First that inter-
pretations are not necessary; second.
that even il made they will be fnef-
Sective; third, that we have got to
have votes.
II agree with him as to the second
proposition. and l thank him for the
admission of the third"
LODGES OBSERVATION
Senator Lodge pointed out that one
proposal made by MIR. Taft would re-
nuire re-submission Of the treaty to
IL
the senate. This Is the suggestion
that the British dominions and the
United Kingdom together should not
have more than one vote In the coun-
eli OF the league. The suggestion that
such a reservation is entirely original
with Mr.. Taft, 1t was said. but anti
league senators are not worrying over
that because II such an amendment
requiring re-submission were adopted.
then II would become possible for the
senate to adopt any number OF other
amendments requiring re-submiss!on;
IL II has to 60 back to the con-
ference for one amendment. such as
the Taft amendment. It could 60 back
for others. It is pointed out.
Senator Moses suggested that Mr..
Taft.s change OF view will be vari-
ously regarded. He said:
Those who are opposed to the
league will say that Mr.. Taft has
seen the light those who friendly
10 the league will be inclined TO say
that Mr. TAft has deserted them
while the league to enforce peace
might say that Mr.. Taft has been OBJ
ana they have ground for suit"
Senator McCumber OF North
Dakota, one OF the, two Republicans
friendly to the league, said Mr.. Taft'e
reservations can have no effect for
the reason that II Is not proposed in
M. Taft = program that the rSserva-
lions after being adopted blythe SEN
ate shall be submitted to the other
nations.
They are merely intcrpr citations, I"
senator McCumber said, "and would
NOT Be binding upon the other nations
II the league. doubt II the senate
4 would accept such reservations, II
nv reservations at all are to be
! made.~
More investigations.