The sun., 1919-06-17
SENATE GRAPPLES
ON LEAGUE TO-DAY
Knox Resolution Will Come
Up In Effort TO Force a
announcement.
CLOTURE RULE POSSIBLE
Wilson to Make Tour of Prin-
cipal Cities for Support
of Covenant.
Social Despdfch 10 THE SuS.

Special Despatch 10 IHE Sun.
WASHINGTON, June 16.-Unless legis-
iative conditions are sharply changed to-
morrow the Senate will plunge into the
struggle over the Knox resolution in the
effort to force a pronouncement OF its
attitude toward the League Of Nations.
Senator Knox (Pa.) was engaged to-
day on a speech which he intends to de-
liver tomorrow IL he can get the floor,
and Senator johnson (Cal) Is also pre-
pared to launch a speech IL possible.
Senator Sheppard (Tex.) is likewise
ready with a speech in which he will
support the league.
1t became known to-day that a con-
ference Of Republican Senators on Sun
day determined TO press for an early
formulation of Senate opinion, using the
Knox resolution as its means for forcing
Il, They believe it important TO force
this declaration in some form that will
involve as little equivocation or uncer-
tainty as possible before the treaty or
Ipesce shall be signed in Paris. To this
end they will try for test vote on the
question OF taking up the Knox resolu-
ton, and II they fail at that point pro-
pose to present a petition for applica-
ton OF the cloture rule which, though
for two years part OF the Senates rules
never has been revoked.
Test for Knox's Strength.
II is explained that nobody hopes to
apply cloture to this question. because
It requires n two-thirds vote 20 invoke
It. But by initiating the closure pro-
<aadinp ha
The rule requires that II sixteen Sena-
tors ask for application OF cloture the
question shall be put within two days
without debate. 1t requires a two-thirds
vote to adopt It. So adoption is out of
the question. Nevertheless the vote will
provide test of sentiment toward the
Knox resolution.
President Wilson Is to tour the coun-
Try in an energetic personal campaign to
put the League of Nations idea across
with the American people Immediately
on his return TO the United States
probably by July /. This was learned
ef1cially to-day.
The President is considering long
itinerary that win carry him in a full
swing around the circle. taking in many
OF the important cities from coast to
coast.
Just when the President will sail has
not been definitely decided. 1t is appar-
ent from dispatches received from Paris,
however. that he believes IT possible that
he can leave by Sunday. A cable to the
White House stated that he would leave
Paris for Brussels tomorrow and spend
two days among the Belgians. returning
TO Paris Friday. The Germans are ex-
pectsd 20 sign the Peace treaty Saturday.
After that IS done, II was pointed out
he
would be free 10 leave for home. bring
Ing the treaty and the league covenant
with him for submission TO the Senate.
Cities Call for Wilson.
The White House is being besieged
With Invitations from American cities
TO- a visit in his campaign. Many
Senators are insisting on a date. and
s. Louis is conducting a campaign TO
eet the President to appear in st. Louis
on Independence Day. Secretary Tum-
ulty has prepared a tentative timer
AIRY, but ii will not be made public be-
cause of the fear that feeling might be
aroused in cities that may have to be
Stricken from the list.
This announcement brought from the
senate prompt defiance. 1t was said
that Senators Borsh Udaho) and John
son CCal) would trail Mr. Wilson and
present the other side of the. case.
II the parliamentary situation proves
~ difficult in view Of the Democratic
hiouster against the Knox resolution
nat the anti-league people cannot force
direct vote on the resolution then
they may fall back on the round robin
pan and sign statement OF their de-
mend for changes in the league cove
hant with direct warning that unless
tnese changes are made they will be
unable TO vote for ratification.
This sort of move Is what the advo-
Gates OF the covenant most fear They
assume confidence that there are not
enough opponents willing to 70 to the
extent Of defeating the treaty's ratifica-
ION but they are by no means sure of
their ground at this point while many
republicans declare positively that the
votes can be had to defeat the treaty II
no other course will insure notifications.
Norris stands with China.
One deyeIonprant hoe