The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-07-16
WILSON ADOPTS
OPEN ATTITUDE
AS NEW POLICY
Will See Members of House
and Senate as Frequently
as They Desire.
SEES ERROR IN OLD WAY
Burleson Stays Late at Cabinet
Session to Report on
League Fight.
Special Despatch 10 The Sun.

WASHINGTON, July Is. "At home
Wednesday. July l6. 10 to IL A. NJ"
Every member OF Congress, Senators
and Representatives without regard to
party or leaninGs on the League OF
Nations, flguratively received this card
from the White House to-day.
| After years OF seclusion. so far as
Congress members were concerned. the
President, apparently for closer rela
| tions and party harmony, has deter
mined upon new open house policy.
The first OF his series OF "at homes"
for Senate and House members to-
morrow is to be attended by score or
more Of legislators who have appoint
ments. 1t was made known, however
that all others are welcome between
the hours named.
| Regular at home days will be an
nounced in future, at which Senators
and Representatives can come for gen.
eral or individual conference and to
discuss the affairs OF state.
When he first entered the White
House the President undertook to re-
ceive all callers from Congress. but 1t
was not long before the welcome sign
was taken from in front Of the execu-
tive offices.
! The President spent much time In his
study and appointments were necessary
!, and hard to get. Only the chosen were
g. '1ar,
just before the war.
Follows Hitchcock rift"
Announcement OF the "at homes" came
close upon the telephone call from the
White House TO Senator Hitchcock
| tNeb) that ended stories OF the rift
between the Nebraska Senator and the
party chief No detailed explanation OF
the latest policy was given, but 1t is
plain that 1t can be expected to tighten
UP the party front. 1t is likewise plain
that nothing can be lost from a political
standpoint, as In effect the President
IS opening the source of any desired in
formation on the Leagoe OF Nations and
he peace treaty or upon domestic af-
fairs
The Executive Is in position of stand
Ing ready to give any Information to
any member OF either house who seeks
enlightenment or guidance The White
House is open without preliminary or
iornality during the ''at homes"
The open house announcement pre-
ceded the first Cabinet meeting held
since the Presidents return with the
peace treaty, For the first time in many
months the President discussed domes-
tic questions with his advisers Secre-
taries Lansing and Houston were the
only absentees. The session lasted from
80 until I 80 o'clock. but 1t was not
until after o'clock that Postmaster
General Burleson departed Attorney
General Palmer was but half an hour
ahead of him.
! The long stay of the Postmaster-Gen-
sral excited new interest in view of re-
ports OF his retirement from the Cabinet
questioned when he came out he said
emphatically You may deny absolutely
al. such rumors and canards."
! BurlesOn Makes Report.
It is understood Mr. Burleson went
over the legislative situation with the
President and presented to the Executive
a resume OF his information on the situ-
alton In the Senate with respect TO the
League OF Nations and treaty fight
The Postmaster-Generalh has long been
recognized as legislative and political
manager for the President and steered
all legislation that was forced through
the Congress even In the face of some
Democratic opposition. II was this leg
islation that kept the Postmaster-Gen-
eral at the White House after all his
confreres had left and 1t was reported
that it had strengthened the President 5
determination TO insist upon no reser-
vations in the peace treaty.
| Secretary of War Baker, who was the
first Cabinet member to leave. had
various War Department cables and
messages from Gen. Pershing under his
arm. He said he had no intention OF
making another trip to Europe. Matters
pertaining to rehabilitation and the
winding up OF the American army 8
affairs overseas would require his close
attention, II was pointed out.
Secretary Daniels discussed the COM
ing trip OF the Pacific fleet to the West
| Coast but said he was not able yet to
announce specifically whether the Presi-
dent would go aboard the fleet flagship
at San Diego next month and make the
cruise TO San Francisco or whether the
President would simply review the fleet
But the review OF the fleet and the Presi-
dents trip West have been definitely de-
, cided upon.
More Regulars Ordered Home,