Arizona republican., 1919-08-14

Twenty republicans would be enough with the administration demands. tc make up the two-thirds necessary for ratification. The program on which it is sought to unite these elements contemplates reservations to further protect the Monroe Doctrine, to insure domestic control over domestic ques- tions to amplify the right of with drawal and to fortify the power of congress to decide questions of peace or war under article ten.
 It was declared the information that democrats were in a receptive mood toward such a proposal did not come from Senator Hitchcock Of Nebraska the administration leader. but from source considered entirely authorita- tive. The Nebraska senator himself denied he had taken part in any such negotiations, and said his advocacy or unreseaved ratification remained un- altered, Mir. Lodge also denied htat he had given assent to the proposed reservations.
 Threaten Independent Action
 Meantime, however. at a meeting ei the foreign relations committee. Sem ator Hitchcock gave notice that unless the committee completed without un- due delay it's consideration of the treaty, some independent action might be expected on the floor o fthe sen ate. In the suggestion for speedy ac- ton Chairman Lodge eoncurred, and the upsilot of a heated discussion was an announcement that the committee would begin tomorrow the considera- tion of proposed amendments.
 Although Senator Hitchcock said nc definite plan for independent senate action had been. formulated. it is known that the possibility of takina the treaty away from the committes and bringing it to a vote has been discussed informally in many confer enees among senator's Both the de- mands and the reservations republi- cans have been insistent that pubIit sentiment demanded disposition or the treaty without delay.
 See End of Treaty Fight
 Among many senators the days de velopments were interpreted as mark ing the beginning of the end of the long treaty fight. This prediction was | by no means unanimous, however Some republican members of the com mittee believe they should have moro | o fthem Senators Johnson of Caiifor- nia and Borah of Idaho, wrote a letter to Chairman Lodge today asking that Gen. Bliss, Colonel House and others connected with the Versailles negotfa- tions. be asked to appear before the committee.
 The general expectation was, how- eyer that the committee would no. change it's plan to proceed to d de cision on the treaty, and that outsiae the committee events might shape uH from the democrats today thereserva tion Republicans began poll to ascer- tain just how many Of their party tl1eY could count on in their negotiations An early adjournment of the sena1e interrupted the move, but within a day or two they expect to have a more definite idea of their strength
 It was asserted there had been sev- eral additions to the group, but no senator has publicly. announced his aa- herence to the plan since it was agreed on by the original seven senators McCumber. North Dakota; McNary Oregon; Kellogg, Minnesota; Coil Rhode Island; ;Cummins, Iowa; Len root, Wisconsin, and Spencer, Mis- souri,
 The exact basis for their hope that Senator Lodge will join in the move ment was not revealed by the reserva- ton leaders.
 Desire Further Witnesses
 The situation in the committee may be brought 10 a head by the letter or Senators Johnson and Borah askine that further witnesses be called. Thf question probably will come up tefnosa lrow. Senators Fall. republican. New Mexico. and Moses, republican, New Hampshire, also are understood to have lsuggested the calling of more witnesses at today's meeting.
 Senator Fall also is said to have de clared the committee could not be ex peefed to pass intelligentsy on all tft obligations embodied in the treaty nnz ltil the other treaties being negotiated at Versailles were before it
 Senator Hitchcock told the commit tee that virtually every senator has made ID his mind how he would vote and that the country wanted the treaty I disposed of one way or another
 Although discussions about reserra tions have centered on the league cove lnant, the Shantung provision has not been lost sight of by opposition sen ators and it was said today that an amendment covering it would be urged both in the committee and the senate It is expected Senator Fall also will urge an amendment striking out all reference to American representations on the various commissions to be set lup to supervise reconstruction of Europe.
 Will Follow Lodge