New-York tribune., 1921-12-11
Majority of Both Parties
in Upper House Praise
New Agreement as Safe
and Effective Measure
Hailed as a Start
Toward Association
Reed to Oppose 1t, but
Few Are Expected to
Agree With His View
From TIE Tr'0uns's Washington Burees


WASHINGTON, Dec. 10--The Senate
will ratify the four-power treaty with
relation to the Pacific islands, which
was made public to-day at the plenary
session Of the Conference on the Linn
itation of Armament. This was the
prediction freely made In Senate cir
clcs tonight after the terms Of tho
arrangement had become known.
The treaty will have the support Of
nearly all the Republicans and most of
tho Democrats, according to present
Indications.
Followers of the Wilson Administra-
tion and supporters of the League Of
Nations will back the pact on the
ground, as they say, that it follows
along the principles Of the league. On
the other hand, most Of the Senators
who opposed the league will support
the new treaty in the belief that it is
built on radically different set Of
principles from those underlying the
league.
Many Senator'S reserved comment un-
til given full opportunity to study
the treaty. Senator Borah declined to
commit himself until ne had examined
the terms of the arrangement. Senator
Hiram johnson, like Borah, one of the
leaders in the war on the league in the
last Congress, is out of the city.
The fact that this treaty signifies the
L <>f nfnt ~
tions as proposed by President Har-
ding was comm ented on in some quar-
ters in the Senate. Senator Watson,
of Indiana, pointed out that the pro-
posed association would in effect
amount to an arrangement for just
such conferences for talking over con-
troversies az the four-power treaty
contemplated.
Speculate as to Philippines
The bearing of the new treaty ON tho
independence Of the Philippines was
the subject Of some speculation. Sen
ator Fletcher, Of Florida, Democrat,
who indorses the treaty, held that it
paved the way to independence for the
Philippines.
Flat-footed opposition to the treaty
was voiced by Senator Reed, of Mis-
souri,, Democrat, foe of the League Of
Nations. Senator Reed holds that the
United States will be in serious dis
advantage in the proposed four-power
conferences which the treaty provides
for as the machinery for adjusting
differences. His opposition. in which
he will have some, though not much
company, will serve to bring on thor
ough debate and thorough exposition
of the treaty
"The treaty." said Senator Reed,
"provides that if controversy devel-
ops the four powers shall hold "a joint
conference to which the whole subject
will be referred for consideration and
Adjustment This is nothing more nor
less than a proposition to refer our
rights to a tribunal Of four in which
we have but one voice. Such an ar
not be ratified by the Senate"
Much interest is felt in the question
whether Senator Borah will take the
same attitude.
"lt is too important to commit ones
self ON in any way without mature
thought and deliberation," said Senator
Borah tonight.
The fact that Senator Underwood,
who is a Democratic leader, as one of
the delegates will support the treaty
will have weight both In ratification
and in bringing the matter to vote.
Additional comment on the treaty
follows:
Senator Pat Harrison, Democrat, OF
Mississippi-The treaty Is all right
in so far as it follows the principles
of the League Of Nations. If 1t had
more Of the League Of Nations In it it
would be better.
An Admirable Document
Senator Weller, Republican. of Mary
1and-It Is q very admirable docu-
ment and will go far toward estab-
fishing peace throughout the world. 1t
meets my entire approval, and I will
vote for it when submitted to the Sen
ate.
Senator Keyes, OF New Hampshire.
Republican: "The conference is to be
congratulated for its prompt consid-
Grafton of this matter. 1t Is treaty
that will be beneficial to all, and / sin
cerely hope that the Senate will make
possible speedy ratification"
lican: az favor the treaty and | have
no doubt it will be rat fed"
Senator Jones, Of Washington: '"The
treaty will be ratified without doubt. I
am for it,"
Senator King, of Utah, Democrat: "r
think the treaty is most inoccuous. 1t
reveals pleasant and amicable feel
ing among the four powers. 1t scarcely
goes beyond the principle of the Bryan
treaties. In the event Of strained re-
lations It could scarcely stand the
shock that would result. II illustrates
the poverty of any International agree
ment that does not embrace ali the
principal powers Of the earth, and
seeks to deny the right of the nations