Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1919-07-17
PRESIDENT IS
CONFERENCE
WITH SENATORS
Plans to Invite all Republi-
can Senators to Discuss
Treaty Matter.

Treaty Matter.
Washington. July 17.-Shantung
and the League of Nations were de-
bated in the senate again today while
President Wilson was beginning his
conferences with Republican senators.
Senator Colt, Republican of Rhode
Island, one Of those who were to see
the president during the afternoon,
announced to the senate his convic-
ton that the United States must en-
ter the league to fulfill its present OBJ
legations to the world, and Senator
Sherman, Republican, Illinois, made
an attack on the league and the
Shantung provisions.
In making his announcement, Sen
ator Colt said he withheld certain
reservations.
Senator Sherman characterized the
league as "the colossal confidence
game of the ages" and said the presi-
dent and his followers were living in
"a psychological Millennium"
Without record vote, the senate
adopted resolution by Senator
Borah, Republican of Idaho, asking
the president for, copy of a letter
said to have been written by General
Tasker H. Bliss on behalf of himself
and other American delegates at Paris
protesting against the Shantung set
tlement :"
BY a resolution introduced by Sen
ator Spencer, Republican of Missouri,
would declare its deep regret" at
the disposition of Shantung.
Before the senate met the foreign
relations committee held another ses-
sion to consider the treaty but devot-
ed its time to reading the text.
Conferences Begun.
Washington, July 17.-President
Wilson today began conferences with
Republican senators for discussion of
the peace treaty and the League of
Nations covenant. His first caller was
Senator McCumber of North Dakota,
supporter of the treaty and the
covenant.
Three other senators, Jones of
Washington, Colt of Rhode Island and
Nelson of Minnesota had been invited
to call at the White House during the
day, but Senator Jones was out of the
city. The president expected to see
Colt and Nelson this afternoon.
Invitations to several more Republi-
can senators to call at the White
House tomorrow have been sent by
the. president, it was announced.
Their names were not disclosed but 1t
was understood that there were five
on the listos ss - '' :. = '2.,'e- -
It'swas intimated that the president
planned to invite all of the Republi-
voting four or five hours each day to
conferences with them. Senators
Borah, Idaho. and johnson, California,
two of the bitterest opponents of the
League Of Nations, were expected Ito
be on the list but there apparently
was some doubt in administration
circles whether they would accept.
Our conversation covered wide
range" said Senator McCumber, land
If the president wants to say what we
talked about, that is all right. But as
our conversation was confidential, and
I dosnot feel at liberty to disclose
what happened"
Senator McCumber added that his
position in regard to the League of
Nations had been made as clear as
the English language could make it"
and that his position now was the
same as it always had been.
Senator McCumber would not say
whether the Shantung situation was
under discussion.
NSAAoSoA AANASOo " lI1S WHITE IlOuoS
tomorrow to discuss the treaty in
cluded McNary, oregon, who is un-
derstood to favor the League of Ma
tions, and kellogg, Minnesota and
Capper. Kansas who have not an
nounced any definite stand on the
league proposal.
May Be Clarified.
Washington, July 17.-After a con-
ference with President Wilson today
at the White House, Senator Colt Re-
publican, Rhode Island said he be-
peace treaty "could be made much
clearer than it appeared to be at
present"
Senator Colt said he thought the
president was in a position to make
complete exposition of the Shantung
situation and he indictaed that some
if not all the points in discussion of
this section of the treaty involved had
been satisfactorily explained to him.
Senator Colt intimated that there
was possibility the president might
make statement in regard O Shan
tung., The senator added he believed
that II made, the statement would be
an open one and that 1t might even be
delivered at an open session of the
Seattle. wash, July 1.-THE pro-
posal In the League Of Nations COW
enant for withdrawal from the league
"is Indefinite United States Senator
Wesley L Jones, Republican, Wash
ington. declared in an address here
today before the Young Mems Repub-
lican club giving his first statement of
his position on the league covenant
There should be reservation he add
ed. making it impossible to hold any
nation as league member after two
years II that nation Is unwilling to re-
main. to proving it can be held to the
discharge of its International obliga-
tions. Sin the ordinary way after with \
drawal.T