The sun., 1919-05-24
aGermans Had 1t Is Days
Ago, and We Must See It,"
Says California Man.
SECRECY is SUSPICIOUS
Must Be Something to Con-
ceal in Omission of I'm
portant Parts.
OPPOSED BY DEMOCRATS
Hitchcock Objects to "Inter-
ference" With Presidents
Negotiation Plans.
OPPOSED BY DEMOCRATS
Special Despatch to THE suN.

WASHINGTON, May 2S.-The League
Of Nations debate opened to-day In
fine form, with the Senators on both
sides of the party aisle going splen-
didly and everything indicating the
probability Of q conversational Mara
thon lasting several months and pos
slbly breaking the Senate's record for
continuous discussion on one subject.
Senator Hiram johnson (Cal.)
happened to get the distinction for
striking the spark that first set the
tinder aflame. On Tuesday, at the
first opportunity after the new session
had opened, he introduced a resolution
calling on the Secretary Of State to
transmit to the Senate the text of the
treaty. The document has been ca-
bled to the State Department, max
ing a neat little book Of 27O pages.
which just at this moment is Of vastly
more interest to the worlds publicists
than any other piece of literature
existent.
A synopsis of the document in about
one-tenth the space occupied by the
full text has been published both here
and abroad. In addition, the de-
spatches from Paris and Berlin have
made illusions to other parts, not
covered by the synopsis, suggesting
that they have had publicity on the
other side.
Delayed by Democrats.
When he introduced his resolution
on the treaty Senator johnson asked
the privilege of immediate considera-
ton. but It was denied, and the reso-
luton went over under the rule. Most
Of the Democratic members of the For
eign Relations Committee were on
their feet to object, and in view Of their
opposition the opening Of the long
forensic battle was postponed until to-
day.
Following few minutes preliminary
business Senator johnson rose and
called up his resolution. Nearly all the
Senator's were in their seats and the
galleries were packed. It had been
expected that Senator Reed (Moo
would speak to-day on fhe same sub
iect, ana the size OF the audience indi-
Gated that the remarkable interest
which the Washington public took in
the discussion Of this subject last win
ter Is likely to continue.
Before Senator Johnson had got the
floor Senator Sherman (Ill.) obtained
It long enough to introduce a resolu-
ton declaring that 1t is desirable in
the sense OF the Senate" that the peace
terms for Germany and the League OF
Nations covenant be divided and dealt
with separately. The resolution went
over under the rule and Is competing
with the johnson resolution for the
distinction of getting the first test vote
on the League plan.
1t is not expected that the lineup on
the two proposals will be identical, be-
cause the opponents Of the League are
confident that the proposal to separate
the covenant and treaty terms will at
tract the support OF a number OF Sen
ators, some Democrats and some Re
publicans. who are not necessarily op'
posed to the League.
Nation Entitled to Know.
ut seems obvious" said Senator
Johnson in opening his remarks. "tha
the American people are entitled tt
knowledge OF any particular matter
determined at Paris which affects th'
whols body OF the American nation to-
l. Qay we'll f,,fttra NJ thiq ma
ton
Likewise it seems automatic that th'
American people are entitled to complet'
information concerning whatever de
ordinations affect them and will pro
ioOndly AFFECT the generations OF thei
iUture Yet to-day. in this time Of 'opei
covenants, openly arrived at, thes
'hlngs seem no longer to be automatic
resolution asking that there b
conveyed to tho Senate matters whicl
we American people are entitled q
know meet with opposition on this moo
4 "ho In that section of the press whicl
supports the Administration. 1t seem
" me fundamental that we are entities
Know the treaty. and that II, as tn
administration press informs us, we ar
ho' 10 know 1t until the admnistratio
prepared to lay 1t before us. III
answer Is that in part the Administra
uoh nus already submitted to us wha
L1iportS TO be a synopsis Of the treaty
mas given us a part of what We ar
.nutled 10 know II and, therefore. We ar
tutled 20 know ALL
hold in my hand what has bee
sven to the public as a semi-ofticia
summary Of the peace terms. II
printed A. the public printing offic
nNh n" air Of a Government publics
pToh and Is described as The Treaty {
teace 4 semi-official summary
.aoied to New York and subject I
minor corrections
=. N" treaty of peace was given
ue German commissaries fifteen day
sso II has been published in Gel
many and Is denied to the America
people. On what theory is It denied
- Continued on Fourth Pa0e.