New-York tribune., 1920-02-22
Democrats i'm
Break From
Wilson League
Continued from page 4

son, South Dakota; Jones, New Mexico;
King, Kirby, Mcclellan, Over
man, Phelan, Pittman, Ransdell Rob
inson, SHEPPARD, Simmons, and Walsh,
of Montana.
Hitchcock Beaten ON Vote
The first test vote was on an at
tempt by Senator Hitchcock to change
withdrawal notice "joint" instead of
q concurrent" resolution. This would
have the effect of requiring the Presi-
dents signature, and thus giving him
the right to veto it. Mr.. Hitchcock
was beaten on this, 80 to 26. The six
Senators who voted with Mr.. Hitch
cock on this, but deserted him when It
came to approving the original Lodge
text, were Ashurst, Chamberlain.
Fletcher, Henderson, Myers and Nu-
gent.
Perhaps the most significant action
on this ballot WAS that Of Senator Mel
son, Of Minnesota, mild reserva-
During the original battle
over reservations in November Mr.. Mel
son voted to make this read "joint" in
stead of concurrent" He is now
sticking behind Lodge against any
amendments proposed from
the Democratic side.
After the defeat Of the Hitchcock
Senator Lodge proposed that
the President also be given the right
to serve the notice of withdrawal, so
that either Congress or the President
could serve this notice. This was
beaten, 33 to 80, the "irreconcilables''
voting solidly against 1t, together with
the Hitchcock following on the Demo-
cratic side. Democrats voting with
Senator Lodge against both the
"irreconcilables" and Mr.. Hitchcock
were Ashurst, Chamberlain, Gore, Hen
derson, Myers, Shields and Smith. Of
Georgia.
Root Plan Held Impracticable
Senator'S Borah and johnson both at
tackled tho idea Of ex-senator Root that
on March 5, 1921, after a Republican
President has taken his seat, plans
should be started to revamp the league
of nations.
"You can't amend it under the rules
once you are in it," declared Senator
ohnson. "The time to amend it is
right now. Let's remove its dangers
taking out its sting now, not on March
II will say to tho Senator from Idaho
and the Senator from California" re-
piled Senator Walsh, of Montana.
that they must see to 1t that Mr..
Roots ideas do not prevail at the Re-
publican convention"
ut would be presumption" began
Mr.. Borah, "to think that l have in7lu-
ence in comparison with those against
me on this proposition"-
Will A0
vention," broke in Senator Walsh.
"Not necessarily" said Mr.. Borah,
although that may happen. But
want to see first she Democratic can
dldate. ] venture to predict now that
the Democratic candidate will not stand
for the league as it is now written"
II am inclined to think the Senator
is correct about that" admitted Senator
Walsh
II want to read to the Senate" said
Mr.. Johnson. "the text Of Article 26 Of
the league covenant, to show the utter
Stiffness Of the plan proposed by Sena-
tor Root"
Unanimous Action Required
Mr.. johnson read this, emphasizing
1t would be necessary for the league
council to agree unanimously to any
change to be proposed. "That, of course,
it is quite manifest, could never be OBJ
tained," said Mr.. johnson.
Senator Lodge rose, and the Senate
chamber grew still as every one listened
to hear just how Mr.. Lodge would COM
ment on the proposal of Senator Root.
~ would call the Senator's attention, ,
said Mr.. Lodge, "to the fact that such
change must then be agreed to by
the members Of the league aHd not
merely by their representatives.
"Precisely," said Mr.. Johnson, land
that makes it all the more difficult to
obtain any amendment or change"
"Certainly," said Mr.. Lodge, thus
uttering perhaps the sharpest criticism
of Senator Root he ever voiced in
public.
Senator Colt then entered on an out
line of Senator Roots position, defend
ing him. Mr.. Brandegee inquired if
Senator Root was not at one time in
favor Of "breaking the heart Of the
world by striking out Article X alto
gether." Mr.. Colt admitted that Mr.
Root advocated permitting Article X to
apply only for five years.
League Called "Plunge in Dark"
Forcing the debate back to the reser.