Evening star., 1919-08-28

Expect They May Pass 1t
Without Single Reservation
or Interpretation.
SEE sAAHTUNe VICTORY

Democratic leaders in the Senate
were more confident today of final
victory on the peace treaty than at
any time since the treaty came to the
Senate. Their confidence went even
to the point Of entertaining the ex-
pectation that It may yet be possible
to get the treaty through without so
much as reservation or interpretation;
ratification as it is written.
This feeling of the democratic man
ayers was based on their observation
of the nature and effect. as they view
it, of the program of the republican
leaders. Democrats declared today
that the republican leadership has
now apparently enlarged its opposl-
tion to the treaty, going beyond the
first proposal Of reservations and ven-
turing to think that it may defeat the
treaty entirely.
"Republicans Festive"
The result of this position. demo-
cratic leaders said today, is being
shown in restiveness among repub-
licans, who do not want to 'kill' the
treaty: restiveness to such an extent,
democrats said, that it may lead to
the opponents Of the treaty finding
themselves in a position where they
have lost even the "reservationists.'
What the democratic leaders have
been fearing was that the republicans,
after the recent White House con-
ference, might hasten to agree upon
a set of reservations, framed, some-
what along the line Of the Pittman
reservations. for which there is
ayowed democratic support to a de-
gree, and put them through, ratifying
the treaty.
The democratic leaders believe now
that the republican leadership is in
believes there is a chance to do it
and that the republicans will stake
all on this chance. The democrats
figure that the republicans will be
sure losers in that event and may lose
all, including reservations once pos
sible.
See Shantung Reversal.
Tho democratic leaders also con-
tinued to maintain today. after care
full canvass of the Senate. that the
Senate will reverse the action Of the
committee on foreign relations as to
the Shantung amendment, which for
the time being remains the para
mount issue concerning the treaty OF
peace.
They count upon sufficient repub-
lican votes-the number not dis
closed for tactical reasons-to defeat
the amendment in the Senate.
They are also confident of over
turning the textual amendments made
in committee relating to the American
representation on commissions.
Considerations Stated.
Democratic leaders said that two
considerations seem to appeal to
the republicans upon whom they de-
pend to defeat the Shantung amend
ment. The first was disclosed in a
question asked in the Senate Tues
day by Senator Lenroot. republican,
addressed to Senator McCumber. 1t
Senate of the Shantung amendment
would in reality affect the treaty, once
the treaty is ratified by Japan. Eng
land and France. Senator McCumber
replied that it would not.
In other words, If England, France
and Japan agree to the Shantung pro-
vision in the treaty it becomes ef-
fective, the objections of the United
States to the contrary notwithstand-
ing.
The other consideration which is
said to be influencing republican SEN
ators to vote against the committee
amendment was phrased by Senator
McCumber in the running fire debate
following his set speech.
1.-The people of Japan. fought, bled
and died in that conquest, to conquer
Continued on Eighteenth Page.}