Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1919-12-14
|SEEKS TO BREAK
DEADLOCK OVER
TREATY Of PEACE
Senator Knox Asks Imme-
date Consideration of Rati-
flying Resolution.
PRECEDED BY DEBATE
OF NEARLY THREE HOURS
Proposal Of Pennsylvania Elm
mates for Present League of
Nations Covenant.

over the treaty of peace with Ger
many. Senator Knox of Pennsylvania
late yesterday afternoon asked unsi~
imous consent of the Senate for
immediate consideration of a resoIu-
ton ratifying the treaty of Versailles.
but eliminating for the time being the
league of nations covenant
His request came after nearly three
hours debate in which the admins
tration senators tried to pin re-
sponsibility for the treaty situation
upon the republicans, and the latter
replied in kind.
Senator Hitchcock of Nebraska who
has been leading the fight for the
treaty as submitted by the President.
objected, although Senator Under
wood Of Alabama, prominent demo-
cratic supporter of the treaty. and
Senator Brandegee of Connecticut,
one Of the republicans who had voted
against the treaty in every form. had
plan for obtaining peace with Ger
many.
Asks Consent for Consideration.
Senator Knox Immediately requested
consent for consideration Of a secpad
resolution. similar to that of Senator
Lodge now before the foreign rela.
tions committee. declaring that peace
exists between the United States and
Germany.
But Senator Hitchcock objected to
this request also. Both resolutions
went over under the rule. 1t is ex-
pected, however. that an effort will be
made to call them up again this
week.
During the debate which preceded
the suggestions of Senator Knox to
take affirmative action toward bring
ing about peace without further de-
lay, the democratic leaders urged that
it was the duty of the republican ma
Jority to take steps looking toward
ratification of the treaty In some
hand. iasistea Tat it was the Pres
idenf's place to suggest such reserya-
tions to the treaty as he would ac-
eept, since they had already put their
reservations into shape and q major
ity OF the Senate had approved them
Senator Lodge, the republican leader,
promised that any suggestions look
ing to a compromise made by the
President would receive careful con-
sideration.
"Held Out Olive Branch,
Senator Hitchcock urged q COM
promise through committee Of con-
Citation, and said he held out the
OLIVE branch"
Discussion of the treaty was start
ed by Senator Underwood. Calling at
tentlon to press reports that because
peace is not established American ex-
port trade is being injured and bust
ness. and industrial conditions re-
wood declared the republican major
ity was responsible for inaction on
the treaty and urged prompt ratid-
cation.
Senator Lodge declared that Presi-
dent Wilson was 'immovable" in his
position for unreserved ratifioatfon
only the President can resurrect the
treaty. he said by withdrawing and
resubmitting it to the Senate.
senator Underwood suggested a
Cancellation committee" to negotiate
with the President, but this plan SEN
ator Lodge rejected. Senator Hitch
COCK then suggested committees of
conciiiation representing the repub-
hcans and democrats, to work out a
compromise. Senator Lodge replied
That the President first must act, but
reiterated his willingness to give
careIui consideration to any proposals
made.
ftatInc0tI0n.
Exchanges between the leaders had
become sharp when Senator Knox
proposed that to secure a status OF
peace with Germany the Senate adont
his plan, rejected last November. 10
ratify the treaty unreservedly so far
as peace terms are concerned, but
without action on the league of ma
tons
Senator Underwood agreed to sun
port the plan SO far as he personally
was concerned, as the price of peace"
he said, and leave the people to decide
later whether the United States should
enter the league.
In calling UP the resolution for.
declaration of peace with Germany.
Senator Knox changed its form from
a concurrent resolution. as proposed
originally by Senator Lodge to a
joint resolution. requiring action by
the House and also approval by the
ton also was altered from it's original
language as rejected during the spe-
cial session. AS presented yesterday.
it reads:
United States unreservedly advises
and consents to the ratification of the
treaty of Versailles in so far only as
it provides for the creation of a status
of peace. between the united states
and Germany.
The second resolution. following the
form of the Lodge measure, proposed
that Congress declare that peace ex-
lists between the United States and
Germany.
Republican leaders said last night
that with the support of Senator I'm
derwood and other democrats for an
immediate measure to establish peace
with Germany and suspend action on
the league of nations, there now ap-
peared prospect of a way out of the
deadlock.
Y. s. in Acute Situation.
Senator Underwood said the decrease
in foreign exchange rates and can
collation. of exports placed in the
United States indicates an acute
situation.
No effort has been made by reput-
lican leaders to get in touch with
the President and work out a COM
promise. the senator said. He added
that the initiative rested with the
party in control.
Il would be willing" he continued.
ito vote for any ratification resoiu-
ton that would bring peace and that
Senator Lodge and the President can
agree TO-" -s~
Senator Lodge in reply said ratifacAs
ton OF the treaty either with or with
out reservations, would have no mgEe
(Continusd o. Four.senth Pae~l -
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