The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1919-09-06
Administrator Leader Believes
the Senate VIII Ratify
the Treaty
HOLD CONFERENCE
AT THE WHITE HOUSE
President Wilson Confident
That Partisan Fight Will
Prove Failure

Prove Failure
Washington, Sept. 3.-President
Wilson left tonight on his Western
speaking tour in behalf Of the peace
treaty confident Of ultimate ratifca-
ton of the instrument by the senate
without amendment OR destructive
reservations which would require re-
negotiation.
A ana1 survey Of the senate situa-
rio7i was given the president late to-
day by Senator Hitchcock Of Nebras-
La, ranking Democrat Of the foreign;
relations committee, who called at the
White House at Mr.. Wilson's request.
The president was informed that Re
publican leaders plan to report out
the treaty within few days, prob
ably not later than next Wednesday,
and was assured that every amend
ment involving any killing" reserva-
ton would(ta defeated overwhelming
iy. Specif:, reservations, it was said.
were not discussed and the president
warmly approved the immediate plans
Of the treaty's friends 10 meet what
Senator Hitchcock termed was clean
cut issue"
Before comforting with the presi-
dent Sena'or Hitchcock made
lengthy speech in the senate in reply
to recent attacks Oh the treaty by
Republican Leader Knox and Senator
Knox (Republican) Of Pennsylvania.
The latter's proposal for defeat Of
the treaty was characterized by Mr..
Hitchcock rs "a MIXTURE of poltroon-
cry and folly" and calculated to make
the United States "a descrter.'
Hearings on European territorial
question, involving the A1and islands
and disputes between hungary and
Czecho -SlovaAia. were continued to-
day by the foreign relations commit
tee. Tomorrow representatives OF
Jugo-Slayia will he heard and Friday
the committee plans to close its hear
ings and consider the resolution Of
ratification ;ncluding reservations.
s, The soca,ied mild" and strong
reservations among the Republican
senator's continued negotiations to-
ward a compromise agreement and
Senator Lodge was said to have op-
proved three Of the formers propos-
als-those dealing with the Monroe
doctrine, domestic questions and
withdrawal from the league-but
agreement still is to be reached on a
reservation affecting Article X of the
league covenant Following confer
ence of Republican leaders late youay,
It was said that. if possible, the Lro-
posed reservations would be made
public textua!iy tomorrow.
The president and Senator Hitch
cock were said to be in complete
agreement and tnat the immediate
fight should be pressed against the
five amendments adopted by the for
eign relations committee. The presi-
dent il was stated indorscd the view
expressed by Mr. Hitchcock today in
the aenate that any amendment, no
matter how trivial, would have the
effect of withdrawing this nation from
the treaty Ind require separate neGo-
ia:ions with Germany.
..The president" said aIr. Hitchcock
after leaving the White House. is
gratified that the issue has been
drawn on amendments. He believed
the people realized the danger Of
adoption of any amendment. or OF
reservation which would have killing
effect. He takes the ground that
amendment would cause our with
drawal frorl the treaty. Action on
reservations, the president was said
to feel, must be left for future con-
sideration as the outcome of the fight
2 gainst amendment.
''The presiden: said ,oe was we'll
satisfied with the way ..e fight so far
mas been handled said Mr.. Hitccock.
and ever the very distinct gains
made by friends os the treaty ami
rho leogue | assured him absolutely
that every amendment proposed would
he beaten ( told the president that
many Republicans who favor reserva-
1ions also are for the treaty and the
league and vii! not vote for reser-
eations and amendments which would
uullify or requrc renegotiation.
President Wilson also discussed
with Mr. Hitchcock his plans for his
tour in behalf o. the treaty. The
president it was said. will discuss the
treaty and especially the league cove
rant in every address Of the trip.
Senator Hitchcock said the president
would analyze the treaty and empha-
size that dci3y in its ratification was
holling up return Of the country TO
normal conditions and also was block
ing many ,consi:'uction matters. IN
cludns virtually 81 legislation such
as bills to reduce the cost of living
and solution CT the railroad problem.
Personal Attacks. however, on sena-
tors opposing I'll" treaty are not
planned by 'he president.
Senator Hitchcock said he told the
president that the plans OF Republl-
cans to follow tho executive on ms
81, ,,5 roY,l,- tn his SDppcheS ha.i