The Idaho Republican. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1904-1932, 1919-09-30
JOHNSON ATTACKS
THE LEAGUE PLAN
Vigorously Objects to
Approval of Peace
Treaty
TAKE UP GAUGE

Des Moines, IOwa.-Vigorous Objecs
ton to the approval of the peace trea-
ty and the league of nations covenant
by the senate without amendments
which protect every interest of the
United States was voiced by Senator
Hiram w. Johnson of California here
Monday night in two addresses deliv-
cred before large and enthusiastic au-
diences
Senator William E. Borah of Idaho
was to have spoken here with Senator
Johnson, but he sent telegram from
| Chicago stating that he had been call
ed back to Washington to participate
in the senate debate on the peace
pact.
Senator Johnson was the guest Of
the Grant club at 8 p. M, where he
made brief address.
His principal address was delivered
later at the Coliseum, arranged under
the auspices of the League for the
Preservation of American Independ-
| ence.
Senators Johnson and Borah have
taken up the gauge of battle in behalf
of the reservationists to the league Of
nations covenant, and announce that
addresses will be made in all the cities
visited by President Wilson during his
speaking tour of the west.
The opening addresses on behalf Of
the opponents to the administration
plan were made at Chicago.
Senator johnson launched his attack
upon the Shantung award and the
criticism by President Wilson of sem
ate members who opposed the ratifi-
cation of the covenant.
Senator Borah assured his audience
that 1.-THE treaty problem is the most
vital since the inception Of the Amer
lean republic" He asked whether
American government "shall be trans
ferred from American to European
hands," which he asserted would be
the case should the administration
program prevail.
AT st. Louis. on Friday, when Sen.
atOr johnson stepped on the stage at
the Coliseum to plead for the defeat
OF the league of nations covenant In
Its present form, he. was given an ova-
ton that lasted eighteen minutes. The
Coliseum was packed to the doors.
I'm my brief career / have never
failed to accept challenge from an
opponent, whether he be president
or an humble private citizen" said
Senator johnson.
II want to deny Mr.. Wilson's charge
that the American people are cutters
il they refuse to approve the league
of nations. The American people
never quit. When Mr.. Wilson went to
Paris to demand his fourteen points
and came home without them. the
American people did not quit, some
body else quit"
Senator Borah, in an address at
Omaha, frankly declared his wish not
merely to amend, but to wreck the
league Of nations covenant.
The senator denounced the transfer
Of Germany's rights in Shantung to
Japan as "the turning over Of 10000
600, friendly people to our enemy and
as an act Of treachery to an ally un-
surpassed in history.
The sending of American soldiers to
Siberia was declared to be In viola
ton Of the constitution Of the United
States.
Senator Borah repeatedly declared
that the real issue between friends and
opponents of the league of nations Is
difference between those who would
betray the. American republic and
those who would defend 1t.
In an address at Indianapolis on
Thursday, Senator Johnson declared
that il responsibility for the high cost
of living rests upon any agency or
man, it rests upon the present national
administration and upon President
Wilson.
Speaking of article X Of the cove
nant of the league. Senator Johnson,
after quoting President Wilson'S inter-
probation of the section, said:
ut makes America underwrite every
territorial grab Of every other nation.
every wrong and injustice done peo-
pies, every bargain by which human
beings have been handed about from
one sovereignty to another, every vio-
lation of natural right and self-deter-
mination, every oppression OF the
strong over the weak"
On September 10, Senator johnson
spoke at Kansas City, while Senator
Borah delivered an address at Fort
Dodge. Iowa.
He praised Senator Reed of missouri
for his courageous stand In opposing
ratification of the league covenant.