New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1920-08-09
Reed Refuses
To Accept Cox
League Views
Senator Finds Himself Far
From AgreeingWith Nom
inee OH Dominant Issue
After Dayton Conference
Bolt Is Not Expected
Tried Until Last Minute to
Have Governor Change
His Acceptance Speech
Specie, Dispatch to The Tribune

DAYTON, Ohio, Aug. s.-Senator
James A. Reed. of Missouri, after a
conference with Governor James NJ.
Cox and preliminary study Of the
latter's speech of acceptance, has
found that the Democratic nominee
and he arc far apart on the dominent
issue OF the campaign-the League OF
Nations covenant.
The reason is that Governor Cox in
his speech came too near approXimating
the position of President Wilson that
the Treaty of Versailles must be ac
cepted virtually as it was presented.
Whether Senator Reed will bolt the
party was the main topic of converse
ton among Democratic leaders who re-
manned here to-day for political COZ
ferences. The Senator declined to COM
ment directly on Governor CoX's treat
ment of the league issue, saying ne de-
sired to read over several times the
speech of acceptance.
No Open Break Yet
"Whatever course I take will be
taken with full elaboration" said
Senator Reed
He said, however, just before leaving
for Kansas City tonight that there
had been no open break between the
Dictated that there would be none. Per-
sonally he praised Governor Cox
highly. Close friends of both the Sem
ator and the Governor were certain
that he would not bolt, but admitted
that the Senator probably would not be
expected to actively support the party
nominee,
It was learned that shortly before
Governor Cox delivered his speech OF
accordance and made the main cam
paien issue on the league with nom
destructive reservations, if these are
necessary to reach an agreement. the
Senator in long conference urged
him TO make a last minute change of
his position. This the Governor de-
clared he could not do, but both claim
that no bitterness developed at the
meeting.
The difference, between the Governor
and the Senator were indicted by two
statements to-day. Senator Reed de-
clared the critics Of the league have
been vindicated by the fact that no
BODY wants it as il was presented. His
dissatisfaction with the Cox stand,
however. was apparent, his statement
revealing marked contrast with the
Governors praises Of the league.
Governor Cox in speaking into
machine for making campaign phono-
graph records again declared that he
favored having the United States JON
the League of Nations.
League Critics INDICATED
Senator Reed said:
at now seems plain that nobody is in
favor of the league covenant as 1T was
brought here and presented to the
Senate. Everybody admits that it has
TO be changed. The truth is that 1t
has been literally shot full of holes.
Nobody dares any longer to sponsor 1t
as presented.
"Some are in favor of one change;
some are in favor OF fifteen or twenty
changes: some are against it alto
gether; but nobody is willing to take 1t
without some changes. Evidently we
are making fine progress. The longer
If is discussed, the more changes the
people favor. The critics Of the league
have been vindicated."
Beyond these words the Senator
would say nothing directly on the Cox
declaration. but indicated he might
make formal comment on the accept
ance speech within ten days. lie SAID
that ne intends to take vacation
shortly after reaching Kansas City.
Senator Reed conferred here with
Senator Pomerene on the continuation
Of the Senatorial committees investi-
cation of campaign funds, and both
agreed with the suggestion Of Senator
Kenyon that the Senatorial commit
tee investigating campaign eXpendl-
lures should be reconvened August l8.
The meeting probably will be in Chi
cago. Senator Reed said he did not
believe it would be necessary Tor the
committee to remain in continuous
eession. as Governor Cox had indicated.