New-York tribune., 1919-09-21
Presid ident Confesses
Agreement Wa Formed
in 1917, and Not to
Bring Japan Into War
Democrats Not
Press a Test Vote
President Said TO Have
Asked Balloting Be De-
layed Till He Returns
By Carter Field

VuSH'HytoN bureau
WASHINGTON. Sept 90 sidcnt
Wilson teegraphed Senator Norris, of
Nebraska, leader of the fight for the
Shantung amendment. admitting that
argument in justifying the Shantung
settlement in the peace treaty which
was Incorrect
The Presidents telegram was in re
sponse to an attack by Senator Norris
on Mr.. Wilson's inaccuracy. The
Nebraska Senator called on the Presi-
dent to produce the evidence to sub
stantiate his assertions ''in his next
speech to the American people" The
President made no public acknowledge
ment that he was wrong, but privately
tslegraphed Senator Norris. several
days ago, admitting it.
The argument made by the Prcsi-
dent, which he now admits had no
Justification, was that Britain and
others had promised japan. as the
priee OF getting her into the war. that
Inc German concess ions in China
sba.ld be given to Japan. Mr.. Norris
pointed out that che first move made
by Japan 20 obtain the secret agree
ments with respect to Shantung, was on
March 27. 1917, nearly three years after
Japan entered the war The accuracy
Of MIR. Norris's date is admitted by the
President IN the telegram.
First Admission Of Error
senators said tonight that while
the President has used many mac
curate and obviously incorrect argu-
ments IN his speeches on this tour
notably his claim that reservations
would force him TO take the treaty
back TO Berlin for German consent,
alter ne had been forced to admit to
the Foreign Relations Committee this
would not be necessary is the
FIRST line he has admitted he was
wrong
Senator Norris, his friends said to-
nIgnt, has been waiting in the hope
mat the President would make a pub
lc statement in his speeches admitting
mat ne had ben wrong in his justitica-
non OF the acceptance of the Shantung
settlement. For that reason, although
he has had the telegram for several
Gays, he has hestated to make it pub
lc' but he has told some of the Sena-
lors about IT. The Senator declined
tonight to give out the text of the
telegram or to make any statement
about it.
IN meeting of Democratic Senators
To-Day attended by both the Adminis-
Nfa'ion leaders Hitchcock and Swan
soh-the offensive on the treaty fight
passed back to the Republicans. The
democrats decided not to press for a
No'e on the johnson amendment, which
g'es the United States an equal num-
Der of votes in the league of nations
assembly with the British Empire, but
10 let the debate take its course
though no confirmation could be OBJ
famed, 1t was stated in one quarter
'nat tins reversal of form was occa-
sioned by telegram from the Presi-
ue'l asking that no votes be had on
any amendments or reservations until
p's ,s return to Washington. Senator
..l'lchcock had ben hoping, until to-day
.oi vote on the Johnson amendment
not later than the end of next week
Say Story Is Inspired
In substantiation of the report that
'ae President had asked this delay, q
ss.oty' which several Senators thought
10 be inspired, from the Presidents
NS ~ IihtC0 tO-Noy Stdl'IS tHSIe
would be no test votes until the Presi
oent was back in Washington.
Two theories were set forth as ac
.ountng for the Presidents reported
essire that there should be no vote un
VI MS return. One was that he hat
wen ,seh hearing such bad reports abou
wiections from the "covenanters"-
a. those desiring ratification withou
ssservatiors are called-and about in
..seased opposition to various section!
VI VI the treaty and league covenant
ssnat ne wished to get back here tt
ring ms influence to bear on Demo
mes differing with him before tn,
,V'e was reached The other is that
~ ~ 'lew of his more hearty receptions
~ California the President now i
,,Voihvinced his tour is accomplishing
..Lnhgs and lie wants the full effect o
ne tour to be brought to bear before
vote Is taken.
Nay Get Eight Democratic Votes
- democratic Senator who has neve
s,"e over publicly to the reservation
w. camp said to-day he thought ther
NWa be at least five Democratic Sen
.hso's Tor the Johnson amendment whe,
bo "st came There might be eight
N.sa SAD. While he uamed no names
CO. ,e ~, are understood to be Reec
me-, ,nomas, Ashurst and Walsh, o
ss;;sssaehuset,s. ss;s Other possibilities ar
Sh;a,sto sia TO be Hoke Smith, Myers an
ths conservative Republicans conced
McS VIII certainly lose McCumber an,
CsarS' probably Nelson, Kellogg an
p"rpsr. and possibly Cummins. Th
epup'ican side must gain vote 70
,asty ,';,y one it loses, for a loss of on
,''"ou, an offset would result in
So.,, winch Vice President Marshal
0'a decide against amendments.