New Britain herald., 1919-02-18
Asks to Be Excused From Attend
ing Meeting at White House
IS ONLY ONE TO DECLINE
Advises Tumulty That He Means No
Ddsrcspect But Does Not Want to
Feel IIampcrcd At Expressing His
Views On League.

WASHINGTON, Feb IS. - Senator
Eorah 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 committees OF
congress the constitutions of the pro-
posed league Of nations.
Wants to Talk Freely.
In a letter to Secretary Tum ulty,
Senator Borah said it was the GUS
tom to hold in confidence any in
formation received at such a gather
ing and he was not willing to be
bound to silence on such an impor-
tant subject on which he and the
president disagreed fundamentally.
He added that nothing could make
him agree With the constitution of
the league as it now stood.
White House officials said no other
member of the committees had de-
clined the presidents invitation and
that it was understood all the others
would accept.
President Is Notified.
On receiving the Idaho senator's
letter today, Secretary Tumulty i'm
mediately transmitted it by wireless
to President Wilson aboard the trans
port George Washington on his way
home from France.
Senator Borah is one of a group of
senators, including some democrats,
rs well as republicans, who oppose
any sort Of internationalization.
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, has been arranged for Feb
ruary 26. a day or two after the pres
dent lands at Boston.
Debate in the senate which has been
expected to break out at any moment
in spite of the presidents request that
it be withheld until after his meeting
with the committeeme probably will
begin tomorrow.
Writes to Decline.
Senator Borah's letter follows:
Il greatly appreciate your note
honoring me with an invitation to
meet the president February &c to
discuss the league of nations-a mat
ter of most vital concern to the whole
country. Meetings at the White House,
according to a long-standing custom,
are always regarded as strictly con-
, fldential upon the part of the guests.
This meeting, I take it, would be re-
garded AS especially confidential ;
otherwise the president would have
spoken according to his custom to the
open senate. The differences between
the president and myself on this oues-
ton are fundamental. 7 am sure no
: suggestion Of mine would modify in
the slightest the view of the presi-
dent, and nothing could induce me to
support this league as outlined in this
proposed constitution or anything like
it.
Explains His Position.
Il feel. therefore, that it would not
| be fair to the president to accept his
| confidence or receive from him con-
| f1dentiGl information concerning this
| subject. Neither, in my view of the
/ subject. could I accept information
which / would not feel perfectly free
to transmit to my colleagues or use
in public debate. After much reflec-
| ton, / beg. therefore to be excused
from attending the meeting,
I'm writing this note and in taking
| this course ] mean no personal dis
i respect to or disregard of the president
! simply find myself in such disgree-
! ment with him and feel so intensely
! concerning the matter that l cannot
| do other than candidly advise him of
| the fact"
Others Do Not Feel Bound.
Senator Borah said he planned to
address the senate Thursday
Several republican members of the
| senate committee stated privately to-
! day that they would not regard
! themselves bound by condolences and
that they would accept the president
!