The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-02-23
LEAGUE MAKES
j. S. A VASSAL,
REED ASSERTS
Missouri Democrat Tells
Senate 1t Puts Us at
Mercy of Foreigners.
BRITAIN TO CONTROL
Shows Power to Perpetuate
Domination Through Col
Onies and Influence.
APPLAUDED 5 MINUTES
Knox, Lodge and Lewis Also
to Speak Against Covenant
Amendment Certain.
5 MINUTES
Special Despatch 10 TIE Sex.

WAsHiF0TON, Feb. 22.-President
Wilson's proposed constitution for the
League Of Nations was assailed again
In the Senate to-day, this time by a
member Of his own political faith, Sen
ator Reed tMo).
Senator Reed. after describing the
league constitution as "the most re-
markably obscure instrument" ever
read for the benefit Of the Senate and
the country. analysed the involved
language to prove that should 1t be
ratified by the Senate and the United
States become a member Of this world
association 1t would surrender It's own
sovereignty. it's citizens would lose
their independence and the country,
instead Of being master of its own fate
and arbitcr of its own destiny, would
sink to the level Of a mere vassal state.
Applauded for Five Minutes.
AS has been the case on the occa-
sion Of every word uttered affecting
the proposed League of Nations In the
Senate since the President vainly
sought to silence the Senator's, the
galleries were crowded to the doors
and hundreds and hundreds were una
BILE to get within sight and sound OF
the Missourian. AS the Senator took
his seat at the close Of his speech ap-
plause beginning on the floor OF the
Senate was Immediately taken up by
the packed galleries despite the rigid
rule prohibiting II. For five minutes
the Senate was in veritahle uproar
and no effort was made to stem the
storm of applause.
Amendments Arc Forecast.
After the remarkable ovation ac-
accorded Senator Reeds concluding
remarks even the stanchest Admin
istration supporters in the Senate
admitted that the league constitution
could not survive without change.
Administration spokesman said frankly
that infringement on the Monroe Doc
trine, sacrifice of national sovereignty
and certain other features would have
tn be changed by amendment.
Senator Lewis (Ill.), the Democratic
whip. will speak on the league consti-
tuition next Monday. His view, he
frankly states, is that the league con-
stitution must be amended. Senator
Owen (Okla.). another Administration
Democrat who has Just returned from
Europe, will speak on Wednesday next.
Particular importance Is attached here
to the announcement that Senator
Lodge (Mass), Republican leader and
future chairman of the Committee on
Foreign Relations, will speak next
Friday to be followed on Saturday by
Senator Knox (Pa-), formerly Secre-
tary OF State.
VIII Not Wait on President.
This Is taken to mean that both
Senators Lodge and Knox have fully
made up their minds as to what they
intend to say irrespective of the White
House dinner and conference on
Wednesday night.
Senator Reeds speech follows:
The Senate does have a peculiar re-
sponsibility and that responsibility does
not begin at such time as an instrument
may be laid here before US all complete,
| for II we wait until that time we may be
guilty of a kind OF laxness which would
at least place us in the position OF hav-
! ing failed to speak when We should
speak.
! Quotes Words of Wilson.
7 Mr.. President, Upon that let me read
/ you very significant statement, a state
ment which / think challenges us now
before the thing is done to speak out
clearly lest the thing be done read
1.-The President is made to approach
! that body (the Senate) as a servant con-
| ferring with his master and of course
| deferring to his master. His only power
| OF compelling compliance on the part OF
! the Senate lies in his initiative In nego-
! tiation which affords Inn a chance to
| get the country into such scrapes, Nc
pledged in the view OF the world to GER
! tain courses of action that tho Senate
hesitates to bring about the appearance
OF dishonor which would follow It's re-
fusal to ratify the rash promises or to
! support the indiscreet threats OF the de-
partment of State
Congressional Government, Sena
| tor Reed said. Woodrow Wilson, It's
distinguished author"
Mr.. Reed asserted that no paddock
should be put upon the tongue or any mar
charged with a high responsibility and
that the Senate should advise the world
OF what evil thing is contemplated II
there be evil.
"onIy Wicked Seek Shadows"
III on the other hand this instrument
be Allied with good" said he, III az
some men have claimed It is the greatest
thing since the birth Of Christ moi
even excluding the passion OF the cruel
hxion. when the Saviour died for al
mankind, then the moro Hight. thc mort
OF glory; the more OF examination. tn,
better will shining gold appear, The
more of virtue in the INSTRUMENT. Tho
more il is exposed 10 the full Wow o
all the world the more the world will