Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1919-12-16
PRESIDENT WILSON
NOT To MOVE FOR
PACT COMPROMISE
White House Statement
Places Blame for Ratifica-
ton Failure at Door of
Republican Majority

WASHINGTON Dec. 15.-PreSident
Wilson's statement that he had mo
compromise Or concession of any
kind in mind" and that he would
make no move toward disposition of
the treaty but would continue to
hold senate Republicans responsible
for the delay in its ratification, to-
day again brought the treaty and
the League of Nations to the front
in congress. Revived Saturday by
a proposal of Senator Knox, Repub-
lican, Of Pennsylvania, debate on the
peace question promised to consume
much of the time of the senate dur
ing the next day or two, although
leaders declared the White House
announcement had no effect in
changing the situation.
Presidents Statement
The presidents position, regarded
as peculiarly significant in view Of
the recent discussion in the senate
Of compromise, was set forth in
the following statement issued today
from the White House:
'It was learned from the high
est authority at the executive
offices today that the hope of
the Republican leaders of the
senate that the president would
presently make some move which
gard to the treaty is entirely
without foundation; he has no
compromise or concession Of any
kind in mind, but intends so far
as he is concerned that the Re
publican leaders of the senate
shall continue to bear the undi-
vided responsibility for the fate
of the treaty and the present
condition of the world in conse-
quence of that fate
The White House statement appa-
rently had no effect in changing the
treaty situation. Democratic lead
ers, endorsing the presidents view.
declared that it did not preclude a
senate compromise and that COM
promise efforts would proceed. Re-
publican leaders reiterated that the
present status and must make the
first move toward a solution. Sena-
tors hoping to kill the treaty alone
expressed satisfaction.
On one point only apparently, were
all senate factions in harmony,
namely, that decisive action on the
treaty probably would be deferred
until next month, after the proposed
holiday recess of congress, planned
to end January 1. Senate debate
probably centered about the White
House statement, is expected to be
reopened tomorrow with fresh vigor
The Democratic compromise cam
paign also is to be pressed accord
ing to Senator Hitchcock of Nebras-
ka, administration leader but unless
some unexpected development this
week enSues, the leaders believe the
final cannot be reached until next
month.
Eitchcock's Position
Senator Hitchcock, commenting on
the White House statement, de-
clared that the Democrats would
continue efforts for compromising
the reserva tons and that the senate
and not the president must act first.
1.-THE president says the whole mat
ter is in the hands of the senate
and I agree with him." said Mr..
Hitchcock. "The president says he
has no compromise or concession to
make. That is for the senate. We
are ready to negotiate at any time
and will continue to seek compro-
mise between the Lodge reservations
and those L offered last November"
Senator Hitchcock declared posi-
lively that the Democrats never
would consent to ratification of the
treaty without the League of Ma
tions and would not accept the plan
offered yesterday by Senator Knox,
Republican,, of Pennsylvania, to rati-
fly the peace terms and leave the
league question for decision by the
voters.
Senator Lodge, of Massachusetts,
and other prominent Republicans, re-
House statement, but the Republican
viewpoint, indicated beyond doubt,
was that the president must continue
to be held responsible for the dead
lock and until he acts the treaty
must remain at standstill, probably
until January, at least.
Senator Borah, of Idaho, Repub
lican member of the foreign rela-
lions committee and prominent among
the treaty's implacable foes, in Il
statement tonight charged that large
| financial interests were engaged i'll
propaganda favoring a senate COM
promise and also propose to keep
! the treaty and the league from being
passed on by the people during the