The Washington herald., 1919-02-26
BITTER CONTEST
ON LEAGUE PLAN
DUE IN SENATE
No Attempt Likely to Push
Endorsement Through
at This Session.
OPINION Is DIVIDED
Senators Inclined to Avoid
Going on Record Until
Public Is Sounded.

=
chief executive been brought so sharp
ly into conflict with Congress as yes
terday's events have shown President
Wilson TO be ia his night 20 carry
through the league Of nations pro-
posaL These events arc:
]. Unofficial announcement that
attempt will be made to force
through the Senate a resolution en-
dorsing the league plan.
Announcement also, unofficial
that the President may return 20
France without making an address
10 the two houses OF Congress in
joint session.
These two statements reflect the in
tensity and bitterness Of the contest
now raging between the President ana
the group in the Senate which has an
nounced Unalterable opposition 20 par
ticipatiOn by the United States in the
league organization. The bitterness
and the determination OF these Sena-
tors to prevent any action which
might be construed as an endorscTnent
OF the proposal grows with the pass
hours. Staunch supporters OF tho
President in the Senate say they arc
prepared 10 stake all in achieving en-
dorsement
VIII Avoid Going on Record.
But il is practically settled that no
attempt 10 place the Senate on record
in the matter Of the formation OF the
league will be made Two considcrs-
tions confronted those who had this
plan in mind. In the first place. there
was recognition OF the fact that a
large number OF the Senators was on
posed 70 the league constitution -
now formulated. A canvass OF tho
Senate is said 10 have shown forty-
two Senators. many OF them Demo
Gratis, who would not vote for such n
resolution. Several arc known 10 be in
favor OF some kind OF league. but viii
not support the plan as now proposed.
In the secnd place, the Presidents
supporters were not slow to rpaIiza
that there WAS small chance Of get
ting such resolution through at
this period OF the session. with orI,-
hyc days remaining IN which TO
transact business Opponents OF tho
league would block action on tho
resolution hy tsDrinE n to death o.
u iegis 7tuEF laneuver 10 keep
il Of the calendar
Tho result may be that tho Pres
ident will b. forced 20 70 back To-
Paris without any indorsemeuf or
tho league plan except such as he
The Presidents supporters in the SEN
ate today made no effort TO minimize
their fears that such might be tho
outcome o. the present situation.
People AEainst. Says Borab.
Tn" Presidents announcement thar
he will carry his fight 70 the Amer
iC4n people and win their endorses
ment was accepted as a challenge
by Senator's opposed to the league.
Senator Borah. OF Idaho. for in
stance. asserted that the people are
being heard from in no uncertain
manner. and that their voice prac-
tiCally Is unanimous against the
league. He directed attention TO six
great baskets OF letters which came
in yesterdays mail practically all
Of which commended him for his
speech against the league. Some OF
these correspondents. personally un-
I known 10 the Senator. went 30 far
as TO nominate him for the Presi-
denCy on the direct issue OF "Ameri-
Canisw against lnternationaIism"
A few OF the letters criticised
Senator Borah for the stand he has
taken.
Debate in the Senate will be- re-
sumed today with Senators Cum
minis OF Iowa and owen oT oklahoma
announced TO speak. Senator Cum
minis favors IN" general Principle OF
tho League. but docs not like tho
plan proposed. Senator Owen like
wise is in favor OF a league. hut will
, urE" in his speech adoption OF soma
amendments TO protect tho Monroe
doctrine and other well-ostablshcd
principle uf tho American policy.
on Thursday Senator Hitchcock
will address tho senate. and his
speech will be the FIRST TO be dcIiv-
cred by member who attends tho
dinner at tho White House this
. evening. Senator Etchc"ck rs a
supporter of tho league and whether
or not hr~ opinion will bc changed
or strengthened 10y tho discussion at
the dinner table Us Co be- disclosed
in his sIccCh
Lodge aud knoN 10 SpcnL.
Senator LOdEo. prospective chair
man Of the Foreign Relations Com
mittcC. Will follow SENATOR Hitch
cock with q speech Friday. and as
he will be at the dinner his views
are eagerly awaited. senator Knox.
also invited 10 the dinner. will speak
SATURDAY