The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1919-11-28
REPUBLICANS TRY
TOTAKEPARTISAN
POLITICS ABROAD
Nations Engaged in Lumber
Conference Were Snubbed
by G. 0. P. Is Claimed by
Those in Charge of Meet.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2s.-Not con-
TENT with carrying partisan politics TO
hhe unit In every phase and activity OF
~ special session, the Republican con-
Eress a gone outside the fold Of strict
~ domestic relations 10 embarrass the
United States abroad by what seems
10 nave been a deliberate attempt to
shub me nations represented In the in
ternational labor conference, now in
session here under the auspices Of the
league OF nations. After authorizing the
president to call the conference and
pacing the United States in the position
OF host to the civilized nations of the
world. congress then proceeded to show
every possible sign OF caddishness.
In the first place the United States
was not officially represented in the
conference a. a member OF the league,
TO which we were the official host, and
was made apparent to the conference
that not only was 1t not the desire OF
the Republican majority that the Unit
ed States should participate, but that
same majority looked with contempt on
the league OF nations, the parent OF the
conference, and had set out to knife
II. In the interest Of partisanship.
But this was not enough. Probably
the most humorous act Of the past ses-
sion was when the Republican partlsans
permitted Great Britain to buy ever
the small American flag that decorated
the table assigned to the United States
at the conference.
Early In october, when 1t was de-
cided that the labor conference should
be invited to hold Its meeting In Wash
ington, congress was asked to advance
funds. 1t was then definitely promised
by the representatives OF the league
that this government would be reim-
bursed by the league for funds so ad-
~yanoed-the funds to be used in fitting
out quarters and providing the neces-
sary machinery for the conference. That
this agreement was acceptable to con-
gress Is apparent from the fact that at
the last moment an inadequate appro-
priation was made, but not until after
funds had been advanced by the Brit
ish treasury, The American appropria-
ton did not become available until
three and a half weeks after the start
OF the conference and just about one
week before the conference had deter
mined to adjourn,
Congress was asked to advance $780,
900 to carry the conference for 90 days,
all funds unused to revert to the Unit
ed states treasury and the government
to be reimbursed for all funds used.
Congress eventually appropriated $685.
900 which became available so late that
Great Britain in the meantime had to
advance funds In order that this coun,
try might entertain. From these funds
the aforementioned American flag was
bought. The conference to date has
cost approximately $125, 900, to be paid
out of the league Of nations treasury,
Several days ago the advance by the
United States congress Of S65, 900 be-
came available and It is doubtful
whether any Of 1t win be used. The
story OF our penury has gone broadcast
through the necessity OF appealing to
Great Britain to supply funds. The
all parts Of the world are acquainted
with II.