New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-12-21
Asks for Committee ~
Ten to Promote Treat
Agreement, but Motion
Goes Over to Jan. E
Hope of Solution
In Bankers Visit
Gives Impression Presi-
dent Might Consider
Reservations Program
By Carter Field
Neac York Tribune
Wdsl,'n0top Bureau

pdsf'ho'on bureau
WASHINGTON, Dec 20.-Presi-
dent Wilson is still adamant against
any compromise oy concession on the
peace treaty. The President made
this clear to Bernard II. Baruch at
the White House, and Mr.. Baruch
to-day reported to several of the
mild reservationists" on the Repub-
llcan side, including Senators Hale
and Kellogg, that the President was
unwilling to consider any "compro-
mise or concession"
The impression was left with Sem
ators with whom Mr.. Baruch talked
that while the President gave no
such indication, he [Mr. Baruchl
thought the only hope Of ratifying
the treaty was for the Senate to
work out compromise. Then. Mr..
Baruch thought, the President might
accept it. Mr. Baruch, the Senators
said, was not very specific, but he
leftsthem with that impression.
Lodge Blocks gnderwood
The report of Mr.. Baruch spread
fast around the Senate late this af-
ternoon, and Senator Underwood at
once offered q resolution providing
for the appointment of a committee
Of ten Senators who should work out
a compromise on the reservations to
the treaty. He made a brief speech
urging his resolution, bat Senator
Lodge blocked immediate considera-
ton, which means that it will not be
taken up before January ), when the
Senate reconvenes after The HOLIDAYS.
Mr.. Baruch went to the President. il
is believed by Senators, at tie instance
of the business interests. who are eager
for the treaty to be disposed of as
speedily as possible. comforting. before
his visit. with Senators Of the mild
rcservaticnist" group
Compromise Without Wilson
The chief importance of Nj Baruch's
report to the Republican Senators. it
is thought, is that it convinces them
Il will be impossible for the Demo-
cratic friends of the treaty to propose
any set Of compromise reservations
with the Endorsement OF the President.
The compromise must be made. all SEN
ators are now convinced. without the
President taking any hand in ter
talniy On the surface
The move to-day was not intended to
be an open gesture to force pressure
on Senators, i is t'3rC rht fer the
reason that apparently every effort was
made TO keep II quiet. Several Sena-
tors with whom MI Baruch talked re-
fused point blank to discuss what the
subject Of the conversation was
Republican Senators have been in
sisting, however, even the mild reser-
vationists" taking this position, that it
was useless for them to talk compro-
mise with the Democratic Senators so
long as the Democratic Senators con-
tnue TO obey " hte House orders with
out question. Only Il compromise with
the Woodrow Wilson O K, the Republi-
cans have insisted, could be discussed
with any hope of reaching a solution.
May Facilitate Compromise
To-day's report Of Mr. Baruch, it is
thought, viii give decided impetus to
the work of compromise, in that it will
relieve Democratic Senator's, who dis
like the appearance of a break with the
President on the treaty, of any such
notion. Senator Underwood's program
for a compromise will be, it is thought,
tremendously strengthened.
Second only in Importance to the
Baruch development was the comment
of Senator Lodge, after the Foreign
Relations Committee had reported fa-
voraoly redraft by Senator Knox of
joint resolution declaring peace. that
this peace resolution would not be
pressed Immediate bur would, in his
opinion, facilitate the work of reach
ing compromise on The treaty itself.
The resolution WAS favorably re-
ported BY strict party vote. the seven
Republicans present voting for it, and
the three Democrats present, Hitchcock,
Pomerene and Williams, voting against
it.
Besides declaring a state of peace
between Germany and the United States.
the resolution specifically retains to
the United States all material benefits
which would be gained under the un-
ratified treaty OF Versailles.
Could penaiize Germany
If Germany should fail 20 comply
with this requirement, it is stipulated
that the President could prohibit Ger
many obtaining credits IN this country
and cut off commerce with her ma
tlonals. The resolution also contains
provision reaftirming the general de-
sire of the United States to aid in estab-
fishing a world concert for amicable
settlement Of international disputes.
The general impression tonight il