The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1919-07-23

Washington, July 22.-Pres-
ident Wilson. in conversations
with Republican senator's to-
dav admitted sole responsible
ity for the Shantung settle
ment in the peace treaty
whereby this great province OF
China, with its millions OF
Chinese inhabitants, is to be
delivered to the control OF
Japan
The senators we're told that
I4loyd-George and Clemenceau
refused to participate in the
discussion Of .Japan's claim to
Shantung because of the secret
treaties which England and
France had made with Japan
covering this particular item
in the japanese demands.
Thereupon. II was stated. the entire
matter OF appeasing Japan and salts
fyinr her demands for territorial aE-
rressions was turned over to President
wilson Senators were told that the
president personally negotiated the
settlement with Japan's representa-
tives and agreed to give representa-
fhe Japanese empire, The plan OF
settlement was then submitted to the
other members OF the big ave for ap-
prevail.
This IL the ffrst time that this big
secret Of the peace conference mas
Aeen told 1t made profound TN
preston upon the senators to whom II
was revealed. They were senators
who had been summoned oy the pres.
tdent to the White House TO listen 70
reasons why the peace treaty should
~ promptly ratiied without altera-
ton or amendment.
The President also gave to the
senator's some reason why Japan
claims to Shantung were agreed to,
One Of the most important OF these
was that Japan had been exceeding
" backward about entering the war
on the side OF the allies.
The secret treaties with England
and France were negotiated AZ an
incentive to Japan to get In and he!p
drfve the Germans out OF China. X
was not until after England ana
france had agreed to support Japan's
claims to large portions OF China's
territory that Japan did get In.
The PRESIDENT further pleaded ia
mans cause with the senator's by
nointinr out that the dislodgment OF
the Germans from Shantung was OF
vital importance to the transport OF
troors from New Zealand and Aus
tralia to help the British cause In
France.
Japanese Help.
With Germany In possession OF
Kiao Chow as fortified naval base,
It would have been impossible, the
President said, for troops to have
been transported from these British
possession to Europe Therefore, It
was stated, Japan was entitled to be
fully recompensed for this great sacri-
ace TO England, and the award OF
shantung appeared to be the only
way to pay her.
The President expressed to the
senator's that he had fullest confidence
VIII acknowledge to all the world that
she Will surrender every right In
shantung except the right Of Jara-
nese subject to exercise all the rights
Of citixenktip.
The Presidents visitors today were
senator's Edge. OF Now Jersey. Cum
Minis, Of Iowa, and Calder. OF New
york. Those invited to confer with
him tomorrow are Senators Thomas
sterling, Of South Dakota: George p.
Mclean, OF Connecticut. ana Carroll
s. Page, OF Vermont.
All Of the three senator's who con-
ferred with the President today de-
clared their opinions with regard to
the necessity Of attaching reserva-
tions to the resolution Of ratification
haye been unchanged a. result OF
the white House visit. In fact. Of
Mi these who have been summoned
IN the President'r drive to win over
votes for the treaty and the league
of nations. emily ono man thus far
has ftven any assurance that he will
tons this -hsirs senator MNNary. II
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