The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1920-02-09

Washington, Feb. 9. The senate
today passed a motion suspending its
rules for the purpose of reconsider
ing the peace treaty. The vote on the
motion to suspend the rules was 63
to 9.
Senator Norris, Nebraska, refused
unanimous consent to suspend senate
rule to allow reconsideration of the
peace treaty.
Norriss objection followed a rul-
ing by Vice President Marshall that
cloture would apply to the treaty if it
was called up for reconsideration.
Senator Lodge at once moved sus-
pension of the rules and without de-
bate this question was put. 1t re-
qufred a two-thirds vote for adoption.
The nine senators who voted against
the motion are all Republicans. They
are Borah, Brandegee. France. Gron-
ma. Knox, Mccormick, Norris, Poin-
dexter and Sherman.
In Parliamentary Fight.
Immediately after the suspension of
the rules. Lodge moved that the ac-
ber 19 last tabled the treaty be recon-
sidered.
Norris raised the point of order that
Lodge was not entitled to make such
a motion because he did not vote with
the prevailing side last session: Sec
OnQ. because senate rules Ie0e-
ciSion is impossible, and third, that the
treaty was finally disposed of last ses-
sion and it is now too late to revive it.
Vice President Marshall overruled
Norris, who at once appealed from the
decision.
The senate sustained Marshall's rul-
ing, to the effect that Norris's point of
order was not well taken.
The vote sustaining Marshalrs rul-
ing was So to 10.
Lodge then moved to recommit the
treaty to the foreign relations commit
tee with reservations adopted by the
senate and the resolution of ratifica-
ton with instructions to report the
treaty back Immediately with the SEN
ate reservations and the resolution of
ratification"
Senator Hitchcock asked Lodge to
change this to provide that the treaty
! be reported back without reservations
Parliamentary discussion then en-
sued, centering around the situation
/ in which the treaty stood
/ No Break In Deadlock.
Despite the fact that there has been
no break in the deadlock over Article
10 since the treaty failed on Novem-
| Der 19 last, there are those who hope
that the developments today will con-
stitute the first step toward ending the
long contest between Republican SEN
ators and President Wilson, thru rati-
fication with compromise reserva-
! tions.
| But at the outset the treaty's prog
| ress is beset with obstacles Republi'
can ''bitter enders." led by Senator
Borah of Idaho, planned to attemp
to prevent the treaty being resurrect
ed. When Lodge asks unanimous con
sent to suspend the rifles and take i
| ground that time spent in further dis
cussion by the Senate will be WASTED
and will delay enactment of man,
necessary legislative measures now OF
the senates calendar.
| CIoture Big Objective.
The irreconcilables, who are ex
| pected to be Overwhelmingly beateI
in their effort to prevent the treat!
coming up under suspension of thi
| rules are also interested in the Ques
ton of cloture or limitation of de
bate. They are ready to obstruc
action indefinitely by a filibuster un
i less they are satisfied that the onl,
purpose of re-committing the treat.
to the committee is to remove cloture
They are willing that the treaty com
only on condition that they have alb
solute freedom in debate. They hop
to reach the country once more will
with their arguments against any sor
of ratification.
II debate is limited, they say it vii
prevent them getting a fair chance II
make their campaign. Lodge has as
sured them lie will not try to impos
cloture, but they are suspicious of tn
Democrats and are to debate either o
sboth of Lodges motions for wee
il necessary to show that they will nc
submit to cloture.
Lodge plans to have his committe
meet Tuesday, if the treatry is re
committed today and report at moo
tomorrow He will then present t
the senate notifications of the Lodg
reservations and the discussion wi
get under full swing again.
Hc<xfE,<.-z. i