The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-06-13
PLEDGE OF AID
IN NEW WAR IS
STRICKEN OUT
Senate Expected to Begin
Debate on Committees
Report on Monday.
LONG FIGHT Is CERTAIN
Republicans Confident They
Can Adopt 1t, Though Some
Votes Are in Doubt.
LONG FIGHT Is CERTAIN
Special Despdtch 20 TIE suN.


WASHINGTON, June 1.-THE Knox
resolution outlining conditions and
reservations necessary in the peace
treaty In order to induce the prompt
ratification by the United States was
ordered favorably reported by the
Senate Foreign Relations Committee
to-day after long fight in which
repeated efforts were made to amend
1t, one Of them successful.
The report was voted by a majority
Of eight to seven. All Republicans
voted for 1t except Mr.. McCumber
North Dakota), who with the Demo-
Gratis voted against reporting. Before
reporting, however, the committee
struck out section 8. which pledged
the United States In case Of another
great European conflagration to re-
gard the situation with grave con-
cern," consult with other Powers and
the necessity arising" to "carry out
the same complete accord and COOP
Grafton with our chief cobelligerents
for the defence Of civilization"
Constitution IL Affected.
AS 1t now stands. the resolution re-
cites the, circumstances that brought
on the war and the Senate's misgiv-
ings about making America party to
the League OF Nations and its cove
nants. declares in favor of immediate
peace. insists that in effect the pend
ing treaty attempts Indirectly to
amend the constitution, and advises
that immediate peace be made by O.
treaty so drawn that any nation may
reserve without prejudice to itself for
future consideration by its people the
question Of any league of nations"
1t declares that adoption of these
limitations will facilitate peace and
not interfere with the league as be-
tween nations prepared Immediately to
ratify it. But 1t omits the pledge of
Section Five that America will con-
tinue its concern about the peace Of
Europe even to the extent Of going to
war again II necessary to protect that
peace.
The resolution was amended and
adopted only after a long and hard fight
In committee. At the outset Senator
Fall IN. M offered an amendment to
Section qualifying 1t by making 1t not
fiat declaration OF national policy but
amending the pledge to consult with
other Powers" by adding the quallfica-
tion "if Its Judgment dictates" Mr..
Falls amendment was adopted by only
ono vote. Mr.. MoCumbers being cast
against II,
Lodge Moves to Strike Out.
Then Senator Hitchcock obtained in
sertion OF another qualification. 1t
amended the pledge that the United
States will consult with other Powers"
to make 1t read will II its Judgment die
tates consult with other Powers" This
also was agreed to. Then Mr.. Lodge
moved to strike out Section entirely.
This was the subject OF considerable
discussion and on roll call was lost, seven
Republicans supporting II, while Ave
Democrats and two Republicans (Fall
and McCumber) opposed Later Mr. Fall
moved TO reconsider and 1t became ap-
parent that the Democrats were desir-
GUS of having the section remain In be-
cause they considered 1t weakened the
resolutions chance in the Senate.
Mr.. johnson (Cal), Republican, as
serted that some Senators would be un-
able to support the resolution with that
section in 1t. They were not willing to
bind future generations of Americans to
participate in European wars whose
me- rits the present generation cannot as
sumo to judge.
Mr.. Knox was decidedly In favor OF
keeping the section in. but admitted that
II would provoke much debate and might
initiate against prompt action, which he
desired In order that the Peace Congress
might know before adtourning what
America desired. He therefore was will
ing that 1t should come out.
Reserves Rights on Floor.
Mr.. Fall said he also favored the dec
laration. but out of regard for the 1udR-
ment OF Senator Knox. and for the same
reasons advanced by him, was of opinion
II was bes to eliminate II. So tha roll
was called, and the motion to reconsider
carried, 10 6. The Democrats voted
against reconsideration and Mr.. McCum-
her again voted with them. Mr.. Fall in
favoring the reconsideration and the sub
sequent motion striking out the section,
reserved the right to vote as his judg-
ment should dictate when the matter
came to the Senate floor.
Senator Pittman (Nevada) Democrat,
wanted 10 postpone consideration until
Monday. This was defeated, 9 to s, Mr..
McCumber this time voting with the
Republicans Mr.. Hitchcock moved that
Acting Secretary of State Polk be In
vited to appear and tell the committee
wherein the resolution would affact ,h.
| work Of the Peace Congress. and TO give.
In confidence, any special informa tion
Cnntinned ON TkIrd Pnnn