The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1919-02-27
TAFT TO TALK
WITH WILSON
IN SUPPORT
OF LEAGUE
Both to Appear as Speakers at
Non-partisan Meeting IN
New York League Discus
sion is Renewed.
LEAGUE PLAN HEARD
(By Associated Press)

(By Associated Press)
WASHINGTON. Feb. 27.-President
Wilson today accepted an invitation to
speak in New York next Tuesday
night on the eve of his sailing again
for France.
Former president Taft is expected
to be speaker at the same meeting.
which will be held under the auspices
Of non-partisan committee OF repre-
sentatives OF various societies adyo-
eating formation of a league of ma
tions. President Wilson is said to be
very anxious to have Mr.. Taft on the
program with him.
The invitation to the president was
extended by Governor Smith in tele-
gram from Albany. The governors
message said:
"On behalf Of the people of the
state Of New York /. have the honor
to invite you to meet with the people
OF this state at some convenient time
In the near future to be selected by
you. at the Metropolitan opera house
or some other suitable place to dis
cuss with them events which have
transpired at the Paris conference and
also with reference to the league of
nations. The people Of this state as
well as the people Of the whole country
are eagerly awaiting message from
you with reference to these events OF
so great importance to the whole
world"
Republicans Retain Views.
Secretary Tumulty said the presi-
dent expected to leave Washington for
New York about p. M, after the
adjournment Of congress at noon on
March 4. He will sail from New York
for France the following day.
Renewed discussion Of the league of
nations today in capitol cloak rooms
and corridors followed the White
house dinner conference last night. at
which President Wilson outlined the
reasons upon which he predicates his
belief that the future peace OF the
world rests upon such an organization.
Republicans opposed to the league
plan, however, apparently had not
changed their views and they will con-
tinue to voice their opposition in the
senate until congress adjourns next
i 1uCoudys 1ACl0 Will OC ICRAlO0 llOAA
the democratic side, Senator Hitch
committee, planning to speak briefly
late today.
Lodge Speaks Friday.
Senator Lodge, the Republican floor
leader, who will speak tomorrow, had
completed preparation Of his address
and given confidential copies to news
paper correspondents before last
nights conference.
The discussion at the White house
was free and frank. The president
told the senators and representatives
that unless America Joined the league.
the whole plan would fail and that
utter chaos would result in Europe.
He pointed out that half a dozen new
nations had come from the crucible Of
the great war and said the stronger
countries must combine to help and
guide them until they were able to
stand alone.
Success Of the entire plan. the presl-
dent was quoted as saying. depended
upon the friendship OF America, Great
Britain. France, Italy and Japan and
impotence of the league might result
from the withdrawal of any one of
them. Serious trouble between the
five associated nations was said by the
president to be unthinkable and he
contended that league already exist
ed through reference of grave world
peace problems to committees OF the
five great powers.
Concessions Required.
Conceding that membership IN the
league carried with it the surrender
of some sovereignty. the president
told his guests that there could be no
concert of nations to safeguard against
war unless each was willing to make
some concessions.
Senator Brandegee, Of Connecticut,
took the lead in questioning the presi-
dent.
Senators Lodge. and Knox Of Penn
sylvania, former secretary of state.
contented themselves largely with
listening to the discussion. No secrecy
was imposed on the visitors, the presi-
dent at the outset emphasizing that
they were free to discuss afterwards
what transpired.
Replying to specific questions, the
president was said to have declared
that America was free to withdraw
from the league at any time; that the
Monroe doctrine was not contravened
because all signatory nations would be
obligated to uphold 1t, and that rec
concentrations of the executive council
for world disarmament could not be-
come effective until each nation had
approved them and thus had been CIV
en- voice In the apportionment OF
such armament.