The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1920-06-09
PLATFORM MAKERS
STILL HAZY OVER
PLANK ON LEAGUE
Watson Predicts Agreement
on Modified Indiana DecIa-
ration. But Extremists Ad-
VoCate Opposite Changes.


CHICAGO, June a--The league Of
nations plank still was underlined to-
day. "a hours before ,the Republican
platform was TO be presented TO the
national convention.
Members OF the subcommittee OF 10
when they went into session to smooth
out the remaining platform troubles.
expressed confidence that they could
agree, but all OF them were somewhat
hazy on how It was to bo done
senator Watson OF Indiana head Of
the subcommittee, maintained that in
the end the Indiana plank, with some
modltications. would get the support OF
Borah OF Idaho and Mccormick OF Illi-
hols thought there would have to he
material notifications TO pacify the ir-
reconciiables. The mild reservation
group also wanted changes made, but
IN the opposite direction
Bolstering the predictions cr an agree
ment, however. was Il feeling in many
quarters that the league question must
not be permitted to reach the convGN-
tion floor, where everyone realized II
might set off fireworks Of destruc-
tive nature.
Aside from the treaty issue, most OF
the platform material was in such shape
.'ab ohiy lHS lIllSHlnS tOHtncS Hau TO
be added by the subcommittee There
still remained TO be determined, how
ever, some details OF the Mexican dec
laration and some questions OF policy
regarding industrial relations.
While the IL were in deiiberdtion, the
remainder of the resolutions commit
tee of SO were receiving in open hear
ings the advice OF labor leaders and
others on wide diversity OF subjects
Lynch Law Up.
Demands that the Republican party
take an ''unequivocal' stand for en-
forcement of the Fourteenth amendment
ana against continuation of the reign
OF lynch law were made by delegates
headed by William II. Lewis, negro,
former assistant United States attor-
ney- general. He-urged congressional
investigation looking to a reduction in
the national representation in congress
from states where full enfranchisement
had not been allowed the negro.
Edward II. Wright, Chicago negro.
who spoke on the demands also de-
clared that one OF the claims made had
come from us as supplicants. for we
come as your brothers and your equals.
Questions of taxation must be among
the first to be given consideration OF
the Republican party II II would retain
the confidence of huustry, James A.
Emery, general counsel for the Ma
tional Association of Manufacturers told
the committee in laying before 1t that
organization claims for attention. The
manufacturers asked that the nations
war debt be funded into long-term Sc
curities and operation OF the sinking
fund be postponed until industry has
had an opportunity to recover from the
strain of war conditions.
The organization favors reasonable
M ant -
In the military forces. but objected
strongly to any form OF a general bonus,
Emery said. The question OF bnus
was linked inseparably with taxation. he
argued and therefore should be handled
carefully to avoid further additions TO
the already too heavy tax burden"
Realizing that it had serious party
history to write the subcommittee
away from the swirl Of dele
gates. took up quarters in secluded
hotel bedroom, left orders that ii was
not to be disturbed for anyone or any
reason. took off its coats. literally as
well as figuratively. and settled down
to the job Members predicted It would
not be ready TO quit before midnight
at the earliest.
Senator Borah was on hand for the
start. although the league plank was
not to be taken up for several hours,
He picked out comfortable berth or
a bed and waited.
At the outset OF it's meeting the sub.
committee read through the report OF
Chairman Hays committee OF III as
II has been revised In preeonvention
1t dealt with virtually no
controverted subjects and most NJ II
was written into the platform without
extended discussion.
Prohibition crept into the hearing
when Wayne p. Wheeler. general
for the Antisaloon league. and
four other drys urged the committee
to take firm stand for enforcement
nj the dry laws under the Nolstead act,
Wheeler said that the Democratic party
would be compelled to take similar
stand
when wheeler finished, Committee.
man Richards, Of Washington, leaped
To his feet and insisted that he be
heard in opposition, but he sat down
again when advised he would be heard
IN executive session. Joseph ObergfelL
Of Cincinnati. urged modification Of the
present dry laws.
Others who spoke at the morning
session included Jane Adams, for the
Women's International League for Per
nanent Peace. Lucy Branham. Or. Rob
prt Lovctt and Miss Grace Abbott for
a lifting Of the Russian trade embargo
aand John Kelly and James Eads How,
for the enfranchisement Of iunerant
abor.