New-York tribune., 1920-03-10
Lodge Deprecates Wilson
VielU on Italy and France.
Senator Expresses Regret That President Has
''Cone Out of the Way to Discuss Allies; De-
clares His Statements To Be s'Most Unfortunate
From Tho T,ibuue,s vosh,noton Bureau

From Tho T,ibume's Washington Bureaa
WASHINGTON, March o. Senator
Lodge expressed regret to-day in the
Senate that President Wilson, in his
letter to Senator Hitchcock, reiteratinl
his opposition to reservations on Ar
ticle X of the peace treaty, had "gone
out of the way" to say things about
France and Italy. The Republican
leader said he regarded Mr.. Wilson's
statements as "most unfortunate" anc
added that he didn't believe the Pres
idents assertion, that the militarstic
party in France was in power, was well
founded.
statement as follows:
"Throughout the sessions of the con-
ference in Paris it was evident that
militaristic party, under the most
influential leadership, was seeking to
gain tho ascendancy in the counsels
of France. They were defeated then,
but are in control now"
Presidents Charge Doubted
81 do not think that is something
which ought to be said about France
Senator Lodge continued. "I believe it,
as matter of fact, to be unfounded.
regret extremely such a reflection upon
one Of our associates in the war with
Germany. l have tried personally in
these debate to avoid any reflection
upon the powers with which we were
associated in the great war. Some
criticism perhaps was unavoidable, but
| should like to take this occasion to
repeat what l have said before, that l
believe the feeling between this coun-
try and France has always been one
of real friendship. We have had our
differences and occasionally criticize
each other, but I think the feeling be-
tween the two countries is very deep
and very strong. l think great debt
or a great gratitude, I should rather
say, for her wonderful services in the
war. After all, it was France that
bore the brunt Of the attack 1t was
her territory that was devastated, her
farms that were destroyed her people
who were deported. The gallantry, the
unshrinking courage and self-sacriice
with which she met the onslaughts Of
the German for four years will always
remain a great monument to France,
and subject of admiration to all men
who believe in courage and patriotism
and love Of country
40 not Inlnk tnat france is IN the
least miltaristic. | think she desires
to have protection against repetition
of such sutierings as she has endured,
and l think that is a feeling which we
all must share. | am sorry that it
has been said by the President
Italy's Contention Upheld
II regret also that the President
should have occasion to say some-
thing about Italy which seems TO me
to be wholly uncalled for. Opinions
may differ as to the disposition of
parts of the Adriatic ittoral / myself
believe, and so stated when the ques-
tlon first arose, and | have never
changed my opinion, that the city of
fiume ought to belong to Italy Its
population is Italian But the Presi-
dent criticize such settlement be-
cause he says the argument for Fiumc
rests on military and strategic rea-
sons. That is true. The control of
the head of the Adriatic by Austria
has been source of danger, seat
OF invasion of Italy by Austria. for
more than century. That Italy
should desire to protect herself bv
holding this strategic point is not only
natural but right
Our Monroe Doctrine rests on the
great fundamental principle of the
right Of every nation to provide for
It's own preservation. Under the pact