Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1919-02-18

Cussi0n 0f the league Of nations
developed unexpectedly in the
senate today. Senator EaTda-
man OF Mississippi, Democrat,
declared the league was uncOn-
stituti0HaI, and criticized Pres
ident Wilson for asking con-
greSS to remain silent on the
subject until he returned to
Washington.
Washington, Feb. 1S.-Senator
Borah of Idaho has asked to be eX-
cused from attending the dinner at
the white house at which President
Wilson will discuss with members
Of the foreign relations committee
Of congress the constitution Of the
proposed league of nations.
In a letter to Secretary Tumulty
Senator BoTah said it was the Gus
tom to hold in confidence any in
formation received at such a gath
ering, and that he was not willing 70
be bound to silence on such an i'm
pOrtant subject, on which he and
the president disagreed fundament-
ally.
He added that nothing could
make him agree with the consutu-
ton of the league as it now stood
While house officials said no 9th
er member of the committee had de-
clined the presidents invitation, and
that it was understood all the 9TH
ers would accept.
On receiving the Idaho senator's
letter today, Secretary Tumulty i'm
mediately transmitted it by wire
VITf7r1va al I'd
the transport George Washington
on his way home from France.
Opposes "TnternatiOnaIism.-
Senator lRoFah is one Of a group
Of senators, which includes some
| Democrats as well as Republicans,
who oppose any sort of interna-
tionalism and whose opposition to
the league as proposed has been re-
garded as a foregOne conclusion.
There have been hints that seV-
eral of the Republican members Of
, the committee might refuse to at
tend the presidents dinner to which
the members of the committees Of
both houses dealing with foreign
affairs were invited by wireless to
go over the proposed constitution,
article by article. There were no
surface indications today, however.
that others would follow lMr.
Borah's example.
The dinner has been arranged for
Wednesday evening, Feb. &c, a day
or two after the president lands at
Boston.
Debate in the senate, which has
been expected TO break out at any
moment in spite Of the presidents
request that il be withheld until
after his meeting with the commit
teemen. probably will begin tomor-
row. Senator Poindexter Of Wash
ington, Republican, has an address
which he expects to deliver tOmor-
row and Senator Borah and several
others are prepared to speak.
BOrah's Letter.
Senator Borah's letter follows:
l greatly appreciate your note
honoring me with an invitation TO
meet the president Feb. 26, TO dis
cuss the league of nations-a mat
ter of most vital concern to tho
whole country. Meetings at the
white house, according 10 a long
standing custom, are always re-
garded as strictly confidential up
on the part of the guests.
This meeting, ! take IL, would he
regarded as especially confidential,
otherwise the president would have
spoken according 10 his custom to
the open senate. The differences
between the president and myself on
this question are fundamental. ]
am sure no suggestion OF miuo
would modify IN tho slightest the
view of the president and nothing
could induce me to support this
league as outlined in this proposed
constitution or anything like It.
Asks to BE Excused.
~ feel, therefore. that IL would
not be fair to the president 10 ac-
cept his confidence or receive from
him confidential Information con-
cerniug this subject. Neither I'm my
view of the subject, could | accept
Information, which l would not feel
perfectly free 10 transmit 10 nay
colleagues or use In public debate,
After much reelection 1 beg, there
fore, to be excused from attending
the meeting.
In writing this note and IN taxi
ing this course | mean no personal
disrespect to or disregard for Pres
ident Wilson, | simply find myself
In such disagreement with him and
feel so intensely concerning the
matter that | cannot DO other than
candidly advise him Of the fact"
Announces Plnn 10 Speak.
Senator PoindeXter formally gave
notice when the senate met OF his
intention to speak tomorrow, SEN
ator Borah said he planned 10 ud-
dress the senate Thursday
Several Republican members or
the senate committee stated pri-
yately today that they would not
regard themselves bound by CON
tidences and that they would ac-
Cept the presidents Invitation with
reluctance. Senator Fau 0f New
Mexico Is the only minority rem-
Der who 10 not in Washington.