New-York tribune., 1921-05-15
House Favors
Substitute for
Knox Proposal
Porter Resolution, Merely
Declaring State of Peace
With Germany, Said To
Be Preferred by Harding
Fear Old Treaty Clauses
Repeal Of War Declara-
ton Might Put u. S. i'm
Embarrassing Position III
From The T,ibune's Wasl,ingto,, Barca,

From The Tribune's Washington Bureau
WASHINGTON, May Ia. There
seems to-day to be little doubt that
the Knox peace resolution is to be
shelved by the House, and the Porter
resolution, probably with some amend
ments, substituted for it. All signs at
the Capitol point to the growing senti-
ment in favor of the Porter resolution
and even President Harding, it is un-
derstood, prefers it, but does not be-
lieve it is entirely satisfactory as il
now stands.
Strong objections to both resolutions,
but more particularly to the Knox
measure, have risen during the last few
days on the ground that neither
provides adequate protection for the
alien property custodian. Both author
ize the holding of German properties
until final settlements are made, but
there is no provision IN either for the
administering or sale of the German
property.
Consideration of both resolutions to
end the war with Germany probably
will be started by the House Commit
tee on Foreign Affairs next week. 1t
is expected that some little time will
be taken by the committee in preparing
its draft for the House. 1t is under
stood that the amendments carving
the views of the Administration have
been prepared by Alien Property Gus
todian Thomas w. Miller.
The Administration, it is said, does
not like the repeal of the war declara-
tlon contained in the Knox resolution.
for it is feared the adoption of such a
measure might bring serious compli-
cations with Germany.
Fear Old Treaty Claims
Under former treaties with the
United States, it is said, Germany in
the event the war declaration is re-
pealed, might claim rights that would
put the United States in an embarrass-
ing position with the Allies, If there
is one thing the Harding Administra-
tion now appears to insist on it is that
we are with the Allies and against
Germany.
The Porter resolution merely de-
clares state of peace This method of
procedure, it is said, will avoid any
complications that might result from
Germany insisting on her rights under
old treaties.
The Foreign Affairs Committee will
get busy without further delay to
quiet some OF the Senators who are
getting restive over the apparent
shelving of the peace measure in the
House.
Preference for the Porter resolution
was openly expressed to-day by Repub-
lican Floor Leader Mondell, who indi-
Gated that the House will act when the
President is ready to have the resolu-
tion adopted.
Porter Resolution in Favor
"It is possible-but not entirely
probable = that the peace resolution
may be before the House by the end
of next week." said he. "The German
acceptance has cleared up the situa-
ton to a great extent. Other things,
as we all know, are still in the way. but
believe we can expect these to clear
up rapidly. What we desire is that it
be taken up at the most opportune time.
"At best, it would take several DAYS
after the Committee on Foreign Affairs
has been formally called, to decide on
the form of the resolution. The major
ity of the committee, believe, are in
favor of the Porter resolution. They
do not think it is necessary TO repeal
the declaration, as provided in the
Knox resolution. | am inclined TO
think they are right"