Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1919-02-18
BORAH DECLINES
(Continued from page onel

points:
First, that he and the president are
fundamentally at odds, regarding any
league of nations plan, and second that
he could not allow himself to be bound
by confidential discussion, no part
of which he could use later in argument
or public discussion.
Borah, so far is the only member of
either house or senate foreign relations
committees to decline the president s
invitation. Strong pressure was
brought to bear on him to reconsider
His action created a great stir at the
capitol.
At the same time announcement was
made that Senator Pofndexter prepared
today to disregard the president S ex-
press wish that debate be deferred, by
beginning discussion of the league be-
fore the senate.
After a conference with other oppo-
nents Of the league, Poindexter decid-
cd to postpone his speech until tomor-
row. He gave notice in the senate that
he viii take the floor at the first op-
portunity.
Borah, who was ready to go on toeay,
said he probably would wait until after
Poindexter speech.
Explains Reasons.
Borah in letter to Presidential Sec
retary Tumulty, made plain his reasone
for declining the invitation.
"Meetings at the White House, ac-
eording to long standing custom, :"
wrote Borah, care always regarded as
strictly confidential on the part of the
guests. This meeting, take it, would
be regarded as especially confident, oth-
erwise, the president would have spok-
on, according to his custom, to the op.
en- senate.
''The differences between the presi-
dent and myself on this question are
fundamental. | am sure no suggestion
of miae would modify in the slightest,
the views of the president and nothing
could induce me to support this league
rs outlined in the proposed constitution
Or anything like it. | feel, therefore,
that it would not be fair to the presi-
dent to accept his confidence or receive
from him confidential informa,lou con-
cerning this subject. Neither in my view
Of the subject could | accept informa-
tion which | would not feel perfectly
free to transmit to my colleagues or use
in public debate. After much rejection,
| beg, therefore, to be excused from at
tending the meeting.
In writing this note ard taking this
course mean no personal disrespect
to or disregard for the president. | sim.
ply find myself in such disagreement
with him and feel SO intensely concern
ing the mater that | cannot do otherwise
than eandidly advise him Of the fact. =
Senator Borah S letter was sent by
wireless to President Wilson speeding
westward on the George Washington,
Comment on Borah' move was refused
at the White House.
Senator Poindexter said he plans in
his speech to attack articles eight, IL.
Is and 10 of the proposed league con
stitution.
Gives Faults of League.
Article eight, Poindexter said today,
gives to the league power which the
American constitution never gave the
president, congress and all other gov
ernment agencies combined-the power
to take away from the people the right
to fix the size of the army ana navy
in their own way.
He objects to article IL on the
ground it transfers to foreign powers
every question which might affect our
independence, safety, honor or exist
enco. This article provides for arbitra-
tion Or inquiry by the league s execu-
tive council.
Article 1S again invades the sover-
eighty of the United Staes, Poindexter
said, by giving the league control over
commerce in arms and ammunition.
"The United State constitution
vests in congress alone the power to reg
ulate commerce with foreign nations, "
said Poindexter.
HE ohiaetion m artielp 10 ia that IL