The Washington herald., 1920-01-11
G. 0. P.SEEKS
SHOWDOWNON
TREATY SPLIT
Challenge Senate Demo-
Gratis to Choose Between
Wilson and Bryan.
LODGE ASKS ATTITUDE
Leaders View Caucus as the
Only Means Of Getting
Together.

Senate Republicans last night chal-
lsnged the Democratic Senators to
choose between President Wilson and
W. J Bryan on the peace treaty issue.
Democrats who VIII follow Bryan
and agree to support reservations
which are much more drastic than
Wilson wants were asked to put
themselves on record Within a few
days IL il expected the country will
know whether Wilson or Bryan has
the most influence with Democrats in
the Senate
The situation came about in this
manner
Senator Lodge and mild reserva-
uonistS after a conference. sent
word to the emocrats. through SEN
ators Colt and McNary. to fnd out
how many Democratic votes they
can get for the endrick
reservations. sponsors of which
claimed early this week that a.
Democrats would support them.
Based on Lodge Plan.
These reservations go much fur
ther than the interpretations which
Wilson, in his letter to the Jackson
day dinner. said he would not OBJ
ject to- They are. in fact, based on
the Lodge reservation program.
The effect of the Republican demand
hat the Democrats sponsoring reser-
yations show how much support they
,an get will be to bring a showdown
On the Wilson-Bryan split. Republican
Senators declared. 1t was intimated
hat the Democrats might hold a eau
l,us to decide their course, but Demo-
ratio leaders stated that at any rate
he question will not come up at the
Democratic caucus to be held next
Thursday to select a leader. They
bought it improbable. leading Demo-
rats said, that another caucus will
)e called at least until sfter the lead
'rship question has been decided.
Democrats and Republicans agreed,
however. that a caucus of Demo-
,rats would be the only way to get
oGetler on a program which any
considerable number of Democrats
AN support. They pointed out that
he Democratic caucus is now on
record as fayoring the Hitchcock
'cservations. which got Al votes last
'eSsion. and that until a later eau
Gus releases Democrats, they are
bound to stand by the Hitchcock
CscrvatIons.
Called Too Mild.
These are interpretations, and even
'enator Hitchcock says they do not
20 far enough to meet the pres
mt situation.
n kendrick and Mcclellan are un-
bile to assure the mild reservation
Sts and Senator Lodge that a sub
;tantial Democratic vote can be OBJ
aimed for the Democratic propos-
lis, this effort to settle the contro-
rersy and keep the treaty out of
he campaign admittedly will fail.
If il becomes apparent that it is
o fail, Senator Underwood will at
rnce call up his resolution for an
,fficial Conciliation committee, and
mild reservationists will support it
. the last hope OF getting an
greement. But it is conceded that
the Democrats should show, by
heir attitude on the Mcclellan
Sendrick reservations, that they
will refuse to go any further than
resident Wilson goes. there will
e no use in creating a conciliation
ommittee.
Compromise Is Sought.
Some Democratic Senators said hey
eheve President Wilson wants the
enate to present him a compromise.
nd that he will accept it and trans
nit it to the European governments,
ointtng out TO them that although he
TODD firmly for the original terms of
CONTINUED ON PAGE TWO.