The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1919-04-12
Modification Probably
Prove Acceptable to
Majority of Senators.
MEET OBJECTIONS
Protects Monroe Doc
trine, Silences Oppo-
nents; Administration
Supporters Satisfied.
BY JAMES r. NouRsE

washington. April 11--Scna-
tor Hitchcock. of Nebraska, chief
spokesman for the administration
in the league OF nations contro-
versy, expressed himself today as
being very greatly pleased with
tho changes in the league coven-
ant which are reported To have
been in Paris. He believes this
action assures prompt rafifica-
ton By the senate
In the senator's opinion tho
modified covenant viii prove ac-
csptnbie TO more than a majority
of the senator's and ratifica-
ton Of the treaty and the conve-
nant will follow very slowly after
the congress- meets.
THE changes which are said to
have been made" Senator Hitchcock
said. will not only protect our Mon
roe Doctrine. but they will meet the
objections of those who have been
opposing the league / am not at all
surprised that the document has been
modified along the lines indicated
This action by the league Of nations
commission merely confirms inforrna-
ton which received not hong ago
from Paris to the effect that s9ch
changes would be made.
II thoroughly believe that the presst-
dent win bring the league covenant
and the treaty with him and
that htry win be ratified promptly By
fke saaaAA
Sanstor Lodge, OF Massachusetts
thu Republican leader. declined 10
comment upon the changes or upon
the probable action OF the senate with
respect 10 the league covenant
II want to wait until the text Of the
treaty and the league constitution are
before us he said. There is nothing
can say at this time, because we dc
1t know w1ethar the changes which
asc said to have been agreed upon viii
b. final For that reason ii is bet
ter to wait What uray be agreed
upon today mxy be set aside tomor-
row
Senator Reed, of Missouri. one OF
the bfttcrest opponents OF the league
h quoted in = statement made today
in Springfield. Missouri, to the effeci
that II q clause specifically providing
that the Monroe Doctrine shall not be
effected has been agreed upon. ths
efforts of the opponents- OF the league
have not been in vain
III the critics have only brought
about that amendment their time has
been we'll spent" Senator Reed said
Administration supporters Sattsffeu
Administration supporters generally
are well satisfied with the situation
as affected by the reported amend
nents. They believe that this actor
will bring about melting away Of
the opposition and that no difficulty
will be experienced In obtaining rat-
ficauon of the league proposal here
They look to see some of the stronges1
opponents change to the other side
and give their votes to the league.
1t would not surprise some OF tbs
administration men If Senators l>odg<
and Knox joined in supporting ths
league, although it is generally be-
lteved that Borah. of. Idaho; ans
Reed. OF Missouri, viii oppose it tt
the end
There IL no denying the fact thai
The sentiment the country as re-
T~cted in the correspondence Aof thu
senator's rs strongly in favor OF some
sort Of organization which presup-
poses the prevention OF future wars
senators who have been holding ou
for a reservation of the Monroe Doc
trine unquestionahly viii find 1t hart
20 70 counter to this sentiment II thu
souferees at Paris have agreed to pu
Euch a reservation in the league coven
aat