The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1919-07-11
In. AT ANY COST
That Is Construction Put on
Wilson Speech by Foes.
League Opponents To Enter
Attack on Shantung Issue.

Washington. July 11.-Senators op-
posing the league of nations today
seized on six words from President
Wilson's speech to the senate as proof
Of their contention that ratification of
the league of nations will rob the
United States of its Independence of
action.
The six words are: AT whatever
cost of independent action"
The president used them in declar-
ing that the world demanded a new
order of international politics. founded
on freedom and justice. He then
added that IL was in the league OF
nations that mankind found its only
hope of this new order.
Thus the president. anti-leaguers
argued today. demands that the United
States commit itself to giving up its
independence to whatever extent the
league may deem necessary.
This statement, taken with the
presidents assertion that the United
States is legally bound to accept the
advice of the league council. proves
absolutely what the proponents Of tho
league have denied" said Senator
Borah. They have insisted that we be
under no legal obligation to act on
leagues advice unless we feel honor
compels us to. But the president
clearly views the situation differently"
Opposition senators were actively
preparing today TO carry the fight to
Wilson from a new angle. While they
have previously centered their opposi.
tion on article 10 of the league cove
nant. they are now preparing TO make
the Shantung question the first test OF
strength
The first step in this direction was
the Boran resolution requesting the
president to furnish information re-
garding the reported protest Of Lans-
ing. Bliss and White. the other three
members OF the American peace dele
cation against giving japan control
Of Shantung.
The presidents opponents believe,
they said today, that they can muster
their maximum strength on an amend
ment to the treaty eliminating or AL
tering the Shantung provision. Be
fore this can be done. Lansing. and
perhaps President Wilson, will be
asked to give the foreign relat
committee not only verbal explana-
tions OF the means by which the ar
/. rangement was arrived at. but the
peace conference day-by-day records
in the case.
Formal consideration Of the peace
: treaty will begin Monday by the for
eign relations committee. Senator
Lodge announced today. Senate de-
bate on II probably will be resumed
at the same time.
President Wilson's expression OF
Willingness to appear before the SEN
ate foreign relations committee at any
time TO be questioned concerning the
/ treaty and league was pointed to by
those favoring ratification as evidence
of his confidence that the documents
cannAt be successfully attacked. The
president II was said. Is quite ready
: to discuss the provisions with his op-
3 ponents whenever they are ready 10
meet him.
Administration senators said they
were sure that after such verbal bat
! Ting on the floor the treaty and
+ league would win when Il came TO a
Z vote. They considered the president.
in his speech Of yesterday. withheld
most % his strong arEuments for use
later in the campaign after the op-
position has revealed its own line Of
, assault.