The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1919-07-19
OPENS
WITH BITTERNESS
Committee Approves Resolution
Asking Wilson For
Information
LIGHT SOUGHT
ON THREE POINTS
Shantung Settlement, Alleged
Secret Japanese-German Pact,
Costa Rican Status


Washington. July l4.-Pav;ng the
way for detailed consideration OF the
peace treaty, the senate foreign re.2-
ticns committee today approved three
resolutions asking President Wilson
for information bearing on the Yer
sailles negotiations.
The resolutions concern the Shan
tung settlement, an alleged secret TN
derstanding between Japan and Ger
many and the failure to recognize
Costa Rica as belligerent. That re-
;ating to the reported Japanese Ger
man agreement will be called up for
passage tomorrow in the senate where
during today's session. debate on the
actual ratification of the treaty began
with g display Of bitter determination
on both sides The committee took no
action on President Wilson's susges
ton that he explain directly disputed
points on the peace settlement, though
the president reiterated to his sup
porters at the Capital his readiness 10
consult with the committee members.
He also discussed certain features of
the treaty with several senator's not
on the committee at the White Hotuse
In the resolution to be pressed for
action tomorrow, the president is
asked for copy OF q treaty said in
press dispatches to have been nego-
tiated in 1918, by which Jap pan was
to safeguard Germany's interests at
the peace conference. Before voting
its favorable report the committee
added request for ANY" further in
formation concerning any negotiations
between Japan and Germany during
the progress OF the war. The resolu-
ton was introduced by Senator Lodge,
Republican, Massachusetts, chairman
OF the committee.
The Shantung resolution introduced
by Senator Borah, Republican, Idaho,
would request a copy Of letter said
to have been written On behalf CT
Gen. Bliss, Secretary Lansing and
Henry White protesting against the
treaty provisions affecting Shantung.
Information also would be asked
with reference to the attempt Of ia :
pan or her peace delegates to intiEli-
date the Chinese peace delegates
The third resolution would inquire
why Costa Rica was not permitted
20 sign the peace treaty and whether
Nicarag guam forces are now permit
! territory. The measure was presented
by Senator La Toilette. Republican,
Wisconsin. Eoth the Lodge and Ia
| Toilette resolutions were reported
| without a record vote, but on the Ro-
rah measure all the Democratic mem
bers present voted in the negative
Today's meeting Of the committee
| was in executive session. but Senator
Hitchcock, Nebraska, the senior Dem
ocratic member, gave notice that he
would move tomorrow that at future
sessions doors be opened to the pub
lie. Sentiment on the proposal is di-
vided but some senators on both sides
Of the treaty controversy are under
stood to favor open sessions.
At tomorroW's meeting action will
be sought on a resolution presented in
committee today by Senator Johnson.
Republican, California, asking for ali
tentative drafts of the league of ma
tions covenant presented at Versailles,
particularly that presented by the
American delegates and .'all proceed
ings. argumen and debates" con-
corning the league. as we'll as "all
data bearing upon or used in connec-
ton with the treaty Of peace with
Germany.''
Senator Hitchcock. after a tele-
phone conversation with President
Wilson, told The committee that the
President was ready upon twenty
four hours notice to receive the full,
committee membership at any hour
OF the day at the White House and
go over in detail any provision Of the
treaty Or any questions involved IN
the negotiations 1t was indicated that
Nebraska senator had not discussed
with Mr.. Wilson the possibility of hi;
appearance before the committee at
the capitol. though some members To-
night thought that such an arrange
ment still was entirely likely.
The senate debate was opened by
Senator Swanson. Virginia. a Demo-,
N1>1..S iiitiiACNi VI ti'S NO'iii.!AttSN, WIZ
speech declaring American partici-
patton in the league of nations. an
absolute necessity TO guaranteeing in
the near future the reforms resulting
from peace. He asserted there will be
no loss Of sovereignty, and argued
that article ten would be 4 great aid
in guaranteeing the safety CT outlying
American possessions
The debate will continue tomorrow,
Senator Morris. Republican. Nebraska,
and Senator Underwood. Democrat. |
Alabama. being among these who eX /
pect to speak.
Hnrnrc For EI;orc