The sun., 1919-07-19

think any question on this point would
ever be raised.
1t developed, following the conference,
that resolution expressing the sense
OF the Senate, or OF Congress. regarding
the Shantung settlement may be intro
duced shortly. Senators considering such
| action are not ready even to outline 1t
further than to say It would express
dissatisfaction with the settlement, and
express the opinion that this case should
receive the early attention OF the league
! and be adjusted in accordance with prin-
! ciples of International Justice. With
such an expression, II is believed by men
who talked with him, the President
would be entirely in accord.
The President feels that among the
important features OF the League Cow
enant is the provision for discussions of
difficult internal conditions Of nations by
the council Of the league. He believes
| that this considerat ton would be Of great
value In precipitating a useful world
opinion. even though the league viii
have no power TO take a hand in purely
domestic problems.
Pressed for HIS Opinion.
On tine point the President was 81 ossed
for expression of his opinion. That l.
1.-THE question of Americas right 20 with
draw at will from the league. Senator
Swanson tVirginia) argued that this
country by giving notice OF intention to
withdraw would be at liberty after tive
years to do SO and that no power would
rest in the league to keep II in. The
other view is that IL the league council
decided that the United States had faiied
to perform all its obligations under the
covenant II could insist that this coun-
try could not quit till these were all exc
cuted The view IL that the league
would have distinct authority at thiE
'oint.
The Presidents opinion was not very
clearly indicated by any Of those who
talked with him but the impression
Eeemed to be that he did not approve the
Swanson view. The question has re-
Gently become one Of large importance
in the minds of Senators.
Senator Capper tKansas) told tn .
President he favored the purposes Of the
league. but would vote for reservations.
which he discussed at some length. He
said he was committed to the genera,
form OF the reservation suggested by
Senator Spencer (Missouri), providing
that under Article X. Congress should
have the right to determine whether II
should protect the sovereignty and terri
tory of any member State. He also
favored reservations as to the Monroe
Doctrine and domestic questions. and Re
found that Article X. was the one giving
the President special concern.
Further, Senator Capper very frankly
told the President that in Kansas at
least sentiment is rapidly formulate tins
in opposition to the league 1t was
overwhelmingly for the pact at one time
the opposition Is not gaining very fast
me President said he was sure this was
because the people did not fully under
STAND the league and its purposes
Presidents Attitude,
The President assured his visitors that
he did not seek to change their positions
but wanted to give them all the Informal
ton he possessed about the genesis and
features of the pact and the treaty. As
TO the matter of withdrawal, he felt that
for the United States TO make a reserva-
ton on this point would be miscou-
strued by the other countries as indicat-
ing that we lacked confidence and faith
In the league and he was very earnest
in pointing out that Europe feels the
need of the fullest support and coopera-
tion Of America.
He was very DESTROYS that nothing
stronger than interpretive reservations
should be insisted upon by the Senate
these to be in such form that they would
not necessitate the resubmission of the
treaty to the other countries for thei-
acceptance. Some Of the Senators ex-
pressed doubt whether Interpretive res
ervations," without the acceptance OF
the other countries, would be OF any use
to the United States.
Senator McNary said he found the
President in accord with hts views con-
corning the undesirability OF a reserva.
ton which would require reconvening OF
the Peace Conference, and that any
reservation affecting any change In the
meaning OF the treaty would be obJec-
tionable because II would have that ef-
feet
The President took the position that
reservations by this country would lead
to requests by other countries for recon
sideration OF exceptions and quaiinca-
tions which other countries have Of
fered and have already been rejected.
Senator McNary told the President he
disliked the Shantung settlement.
1.-The President made certain explana'
to discuss" said Senator McNary, which
considerably mitigated some OF the harsh
ness of that provision"
Article X. and the clauses dealing with
the Monroe Doctrine and domestic Ques-
tons were discussed. the Oregon Senator
outlining In substance the views which
he intends to present In a speech in the
Senate next Tuesday, and with which the
President appears to be in substantial
agreement
The separate treaty with France wal
not mentioned Senator McNary said ht
In. a rx,,I,g annoaad IN itR ratification