The Greeneville daily sun. (Greeneville, Tenn.) 1918-1920, 1919-08-19
AN UNFOLDING ATTITUDE.

ent FORM
Senator's who are opposed to the League of Nations
written encouraged by the strength of their
numbers and public support, are determined to force
the adoption of reservations and prepared fight
the last ditch if necessary
In these circumstances impasse to have been
reached 1t is apparent to the preudced observer
that those who advocate the unqualified ratification of
the treaty, without amendment reservation far
from mastering enough votes to put through this pro-
gram If the President insists upon it. the prolongation
of the fight to interminabe lengths will result.
For it has been evident that the supporters of the
treaty have been relying upon the fact that the opponents
of the league based their opposition upon d.
versty of The Shantung provision caused
of them balk while others displayed greater aversion
Article X and other sections Some favored direct
amendments of the text while others preferred the adop
ton of reservations which, while leaving the text unim-
paired would make perfectly clear the position of the
United States. Senator Borah stood at the head of
small contingent which emphaticay opposed the ratf-
cation of any treaty containing provision for League
of Nations
Because of this variety of opinions and lack of har
mony to definite purpose advocates of the treaty
encouraged to believe that faction would be able to
command enough votes to the adoption of its par
cuar views whereupon the opposition would scatter and
fade away leaving the way free for ratification. With
the opposition divided the friends of the treaty were
hopeful.
The futility of this strategy is apparent to any
who studies the situation. The opposition is unanimous
upon the vital point which is that the treaty weak
the sovereignty of the American government and
demands abandonment of the traditional policy of
aloofness from European politics. If senator
sders certain provision Objectionable than another
by no means renders it impossible for all DIRECTORS to
harmonic upon general program and that is what is
being done at this moment.
Senator Lodge has made drafts of the reservations which
he thinks should be adopted and copies of them being
submitted his colleagues for their information and su
gestion. Senator Knox has written proposed amend
ment to the ratification resolution which has teeth in it
1t to the United States he most complete lib
erty of action in respect to any report decision
mendaton advice proposals of the League of Nations
its executive council and also the sole right to deter
mine its relations and duties and of action
toward such league any member thereof" And makes
the validity of ratification depend upon the affirmative
action of the principal allied powers within 60 days after
the deposit of the resolution of ratification.
The so-called mild reservationists senators who are
upon certain qualifications, have been work making
drafts embodying their ideas which are under
discussion Thus the opposition is being drawn more
loosely together in approach to a harmonious
policy upon whic hthey act in concert With the
President determined to force through the treaty with
an unqualified ratification, the lines of the opposition are
being drawn tighter and the situation seems further than
ever from solution.
If President Wilson's friends have reported faithfully
him the facts they exist he know that there
are several senators of his political party and at
least Republican who openly in favor of rati-
cation but who would prefer in addition the adoption
Of clarifying statement which would leave no question
regarding of the disputed points. He also must
know of the repeated conferences which have been held
at the Capitol between his friends and senators of the
opposition looking to the possibility of finding common
ground upon which agreement can be based These
exchanges of views in good faith upon both sides
and with the sole purpose of frank expressions looking
to a solution of the problem.
Assuming that the President has definitely and ire
7ocaby determined that the treaty be ratified with
out reservations the formal proclamation of peace is de-
ferred to far distant date in the future An unyeding
attitude upon the part of the executive is certain to
oidy the opposition. The Senate feels its responsibility
equal part of the treatymang power of the gov
ives 1t will not do to raise the cry of politics charge
unworthy motives for every senator has solemn duty
perform under his oath of office and he must be gov
,rned hu his Indictment andh his