New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1921-09-28
Democrats
Fail to Unite
On Treaties

porters of the Wilson view of the Ver-
sailles Treaty.
Three elements appeared in the CON
ftrenee--the rreconclables, the Demo
Gratis who are still inclined to line m
Tor the Wilson policy and those who
believe 1T is unwise to hold out against
the treaties
In the caucus the speeches Indicated
That the Democratic Senator's generally
do not like the peace agreements. but
some of them take the view it would
be positively unwise to keep this coun-
try In technical state Of war any
longer.
Senator Reed. of Missouri ut tba
conference assailed the treaties on the
ground that they would mean member.
ship on the Commission on Reparations
and would entangle this nation with
the affairs of Europe
number of the Senators held it
would be mistake to try to make a
political issue of the treaties. 1t is not
unlikely that the conference at the
next meeting will pass q resolution
that the treaties should not be made
partisan question. Moreover, reser-
vations and amendments will be dis
cussed at that session.
Senator Pomerene, of Ohio. was one
Of the Senators opposed to making the
treaties a political issue. His views
were expressed in an interview later
in which he said it would be a "verv
grave mistake" to regard the treaties
as a political issue, and that while he
had supported the Versailles Treaty
when it was before the Senate the
question now was what was best under
present circumstances.
POmereua E,vorr T-,,4
cit is not a question of getting en-
tangled in world affairs" said SEN
ator Pomerene. eve are entancled
now. We can rot expect the ratifica-
ton of the pending treaty will restore
commercial relations with Germany
and | believe that should be done"
He said Congress later. on could
determine what to do about Joining
the Preparations commission. He was
inclined to think the United States
could perform its duties as one of the
five great powers and trustee for GER
tain property better if a member of the
commission. He will vote for the
treaty.
Three reservations are being talked
about among the Democratic opponents
OF the treaty. One would name spe-
clhcally the benefits to be derived
from the parts of the Versailles treaty
which are referred to. Another would
declare that the United States stands
ready to assume what obligations are
necessary to fulfill the provisions of
the Versailles treaty under which this
country derives benefits.
A third reservation which the old
Wilson supporters want would pro-
vide that it is understood nothing con-
tanned in the treaty shall stand in the
way OF this country joining the League
OF Nations when Congress SO decides
by joint resolution. This could be
passed by ajority vote.
1t is not expected that any of the
Democratic reservations can be put
through the Senate.
Borah Calls for Data
Senator Borah introduced a resolu-
ton in the Senate to-day calling on
the Secretary OF State for certain in
formation regarding the reparations
commission and whether this country
has now or has had representative
connected Herewith. The resolution.
at the request of Senator Borah, was
allowed to lie on the table and he will
speak on it,
Senator Lodge, chairman of the For
elgn Relations Committee. in charge
OF the German treaty, did not press it
IN the Senate to-day. He allowed the
tax bill to be considered He will ask
night sessions Of the Senate beginning
tomorrow night to expediate the treat
les.
Republican leaders made an effort to
get an agreement TO vote on the treat
les Saturday, but without result The
opponents said it was not time to fix
date for voting until the Democratic
conference had decided on its course.
The Republican leaders advised the op-
position that if there was to be CON
siderable debate, as seemed likely, they
would insist on keeping a quorum
present.