New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1921-09-28
Caucus Leaves Senators
Still Divided in Pur-
pose; Conference Will
BE Resumed Tomorrow
Majority for Pact,
Some Undecided
Reservations Likely To
BE Offered, but Hope
of Success Is Small
From the Tribune's Washinotou Bvyenu

From the Tribune's Washinotom Bureau
WASHINGTON, Sept. 27,-pemo.
cratic Senators met in caucus TODAY ia
discuss the attitude they will assume
toward the treaties with Germany, Aus
trla and Hungary that are before the
Senate for ratification. The projection
OF the influence of ex-President Wilson
into the situation brought about a
noticeable growth in the opposition to
the pacts, but wide difference of opin-
ION developed in the caucus, and when
1t adjourned tonight no conclusion had
been reached. The conferences will be
resumed Thursday.
Although no test of strength was had
at the caucus, it was evident that
twelve or fifteen Senators had decided
to vote against ratification because of
a feeling, with cx-President Wilson,
that the Harding pacts mean the
scuttling of the Treaty of Versailles.
A considerable number of the Demo
Gratis apparently were uncertain what
stand they would take. A majority OF
the Senators gave evidence that they
would vote for the treaties on the
ground that although they are unsatis-
factory it would be unwise to prolons
the present uncertain state Of relations
with Germany.
Wilson's Protest an Influence
Although Republican leaders in the
Senate believe that the treaties will be
ratified, they saw a strengthening of
the opposition as the result Of the
antagonistic stand taken by the for
mer President. Several Democratic
senators hastened to deny this morn
ing that they had been called into CON
terence with Mr.. Wilson, but it was
learned that he had discussed the Ger
man treaty with Senator Carter Glass,
OF Virginia, and it was suggested that
Senator Jones, of New Mexico, also had
seen the ex-President recently. 1t also
was learned that the Democratic Sena-
tors generally know of his opposition.
just how many or whom Mir. Wilson
has seen is disputed, but it is under
stood his activities are not over. that
he VIII talk with one or more of the
Democratic leaders soon, and, further
more, that this is no new and sudden
movement of the former President.
For long time he has viewed with
concern what he regards as the scut-
ting OF the Versailles treaty and he
has been against tho new German
treaty since its contents became public
some weeks ago.
1t did not escape comment that the
news that former President Wilson
had thrust himself into the treaty.
night had come simultaneo asly with the
information that he was in much bet
ter health and was working eight hours
daily. w onder was expressed whether
he would carry his opposition to the
treaty with Germany and other treaties
to the point Of appealing to the coun-
try.
Glass Admits Conferences
Senator Glass admitted he had seen
and convcrsed with former President
W ilson four times in the last two
months. He said 1t was safe nre-
sumption Mr.. Wilson was against The
treaties, but that his own attitude was
not determined by that fact, and he
would vote against ratification in anv
event.
When asked if he discussed the
treaties with Mr.. Wilson, he replied.
"undoubtedly. But Mr. Wilson did
not indicate any desire that I transmit
his views regarding the treaties to any
ether Senator"
that Mr.. Wilson'S health was good. but
denied knowledge that other Demo-
cratic Senators had seen him, though
he said they might have done so.
Chairman George White of the Dem
ocratic National Committee has been
here lately, but Senator "Pat" Harri-
son denied that Mr.. White or James M.
Cox had taken hand in the treaty
controversy.
"The opposition to the treaties is in
creasing," said Senator Harrison. 'This
situation is just incubating."
He denied knowledge that Mr.. Will
son was taking part in the fight, but
admitted Mr.. Wilson was not favorable
to the treaties. He thought the Repub-
leans we're irving to magnify the story
CT Mr.. Wilson's opposition for political
reasons.
Senate Democrats discussed the
treaties to-day behind closed doors.
The opposition to The treaties is a.
coalition of rreconcilables and sup
anti od