The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1919-10-03
SMITH OPPOSES
TEXT CHANGES IN
PEACE DOCUMENT
Georgia Senator Declares II
Is Impossible to Ratify
Treaty, However, Without
Some Reservations.

WASHINGTON, Oct. Opposing
textual changes neeessltating resub-
mission to Germany, but declaring rati-
ficstlon without reservation to De i'm
possible. Senator Smith, Democrat, OF
Georgia, In the senate here proposed
seven reservations to the German
peace treaty. These reservations should
be adopted to clear up doubtful or OBJ
lectional language" he said, but ex-
plained they would no. affect the treaty
ana could be accepted by the peace
conference by cable.
. While only specifying seven reserva-
tons, Senator Smith said he believed
substantial modification should be
placed upon the labor provisions but
becausn other senators contemplate
Proposing reservation covering that
provision he withheld suggestions
Senator Smiths first reservation Is q
substitute for the amendment Of Sena-
tor Johnson, Of California, designed to
equalize the voting power In both the
assembly and supreme council under
the league Of nations, The next three
are similar to those reported by the
senate foreign relations committee af-
fecting the right to withdraw, the Mon
roe doctrine and reserving the right OF
this country to control its own internal
affairs.
The fifth reservation covers Article 10
and smbodies part OF the reservation
proposed by the COMMITTEES and part as
suggested by Senator MoCumber, Re
publican, OF North Dakota, Under this
reservation. Senator Smith stated the
United States could not assume,
under Article 10 or any other article,
obligation 10 preserve the territorial in
tegrity or political independence y any
other country or In case Of controver-
sizes between other nations, whether
members OF the league or not, to en-
gage In economic boycotts. Mandates
cannot be accepted for this country
without congress approval the reeolu-
ton further provides, and the failure
Of the congress to adopt the suggestion
of the assembly or council OF the league
OF nations or to take independent ac-
ton. shall not constitute violation Of
the treaty"
New Reservations.
As new reservations, Senator Smith
proposed that the reparations commits
sion could not interfere with commerce
between the United States and Ger
many, except with this country's con-
sent and that all persons filling posi-
lions created by the treaty must be
appointed by the president with the
senate's consent Amendments to the
league covenant also would be ratified
by the senate as all treaties.
1T is hardly necessary SAID SenA-
tor Smith In presenting the reserva-
tons, Ito call the attention of the sena-
tors to the fact that the treaty cannot
be ratified In It's present form. Instead
OF receiving the required two thirds
vote for ratification there seems llttlo
doubt that more nearly two-thirds are
convinced II should not be ratified and
would vote against ratification. ! de-
sire TO see the treaty ratified, but ]
believe reservations should be made and
call upon all senators TO aid In perfect
ing reservations, that we may ratify the
treaty as soon as possible.
II know II has been urged that the
entire treaty and league covenant
should be ratified and amendments ana
corrections made afterward. This would
be dangerous and impracticabie, We
should not bind this country by doubts
full language or Objectionable provisions,
trusting TO 30 uncertain a means OF
future correction. This Is the time to
make clear what we mean and what we
are willing TO do. Great Britain and
| France can approve and the reservation
will be passed on practically as a sup
plement 70 the covenant
Senator Smith said II would be fool
ish TO claim that the league Is guar.
antee against war.
III may help preserve peace" he
added, but II could not be hoped that
II would help II its very provisions left
a certainty OF dispute among Its mem"
bers as TO what 1t meant