Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1919-12-14
(By Morning journal Special Leased wire)


Washington, Dec. 1S.-The first def
mite move toward breaking the senate
deadlock on the German peace treaty
came Unexpectedly late today on the
heels of nearly three nours of heated
discussion of responsibility for the
treaty situation
Senator Knox. republican, of Penn
sylvania, asked immediate considera-
ton for two resolutions One would
revive his former proposal for ratifi-
cation of the treaty so far as 1t would
establish peace between the United
States and Germany; the other was
similar to the pending Lodge resolu-
tion and would declare a state OF
peace with Germany by action of con-
gress, with approval of the presi-
dent
Senator Hitchcock of Nebraska, ad-
minstration leader, objected to con-
sideration of both resolutions, and un-
der the rules, the entire matter went
over until next week.
Mr.. Hitchcocks objections were
made despite an agreement by senator
Underwood, democrat, of Alabama,
prominent among democratic leaders
in the treaty contest; Senator Brande-
gee, republican, of Connecticut, leader
of the faction seeking the treaty's de-
feat, and others to support the Knox
resolution.
Hot Words Pass.
Senator KnoXs proposals came af-
ter hot exchanges between republican
and democratic leaders over the status
M 10 nnjnpi6pnt
reports from European capitals that
the negotiations were under way to-
ward acceptance of some senate res
ervations to the peace treaty, with
view to bringing America into the for
eign peace, conferences
Overtures for a compromise on the
treaty came from both republican and
democratic sides. During its debate
Senator Lodge declared that President
Wilson must take the initiative to-
wards reviving action on the treaty,
but offered to consider carefully any
suggestions with regard to the sem
ate committee reservations MI, VIII
son might make.
Senator Hitchcock urged a compro-
mise through q committee OF conctlia-
tion and said he "held out the olive
branch"
During the discussion, however,
Senator Hitchcock said he would
make no motion to bring up the treaty
until some understanding had been
reached in conference between repub
Iican and democratic leaders.
"The time for debate has passed,
he said Il think it would be very
unwise to bring it in and have 1t
kicked around like o football.
In replying to Senator Underwood,
Senator Lodge rejected a proposal of
the Alabama senator that committees
to compose the differences between
the senate majority and minority in
the treaty fight be appointed. The
Massachusetts, senator said If the pres
ident or the administration leaders in
the senate would present suggestions
for notifications of the reservations
to the treaty, they would be given the
attention and consideration they de-
served.
Charging the republicans with re-
fusing to compromise on reservations
when the treaty was before the sem
ate, Administration Leader Hitchcock
said he was holding out the olive
branch" by now suggesting a commit
tee of conciliation or private negotia-
tions Senator Lodge replied that "the
work of resurrection of the treaty was
with the president.
Senator Underwood said the de-
crease in foreign exchange rates and
cancellation of export orders placed in
the United States indicated an acute
situation.
Can No Longer Buy.
IF the drop continues" he said,
purchasers of cotton, wheat. iron
and steel and other products can no
longer buy"
THE people of the United States
demand peace" added Senator Under
wood. 'The time has come when a
reasonable compromise should be
made by the president"
No effort has been made by the re-
publican leaders to get in touch with
the president and work out compro-
mise, the senator said.
Exception to this general view was
taken by Senator King, democrat, ofl
Utah, who said, responsibility is as
much on the democrats as on the 9TH
er side of the chamber"
"Of course" replied Senator I'm
derwood, 1--WE are all responsible. But
this ought not to be partisan ques-
tion,"
He added that the initiative rested
with the party in control
II would be willing he continued,
"to vote for any ratification resolution
which would bring peace and that
Senator Lodge and the president can
agree on"
Senator Lodge, in reply said rati-
fieation of the treaty either with or
without reservations, would have no