Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1921-12-14
Japan Probably VIII Retain
Mutsu In Adjustment
of Agreement
TOINCREASE TOTAL
japanese and Chinese Fail to Reach
Agreement in Shantung Dispute
Other Questions Delayed

Washington, Dec. 14.-Progress
was made today by the leaders Of
the conference in adjusting the de-
tails of Japanese acceptance OF the
5-5-3 naval ratio. The understanding
was that tonnage Of all three of the
big naval powers is likely to be in
creased somewhat in order to MAIN
tain the Hughes ration while permit
ting Japan to keep the Mutsu.
In the other end Of the Conference
Far Eastrn affairs-a sudden chill
was thrown over the hopes that
sprang up Sunday and yesterday
that an agreement was in sight be-
tween the Chinese and japanese over
Shantung on the basis of the Chi
nese buying from the Japanese the
half interest the japanese claim IN
the railway that runs across the
province. The hopes have not ex-
pired, but they fickered last night.
The accomplished work of the
Conference. the four-power Pacific
treaty, was signed in the morning
by the plenipotentiaries, but Presl-
dent Harding did not send it to the
Senate at once. as was pelleVed yes
terday to be his intention. 1t IS un-
derstood that while Secretary Hughes
inclined to the view that it should be
sent to the Senate at once. Senator
Lodge, who must lead the fight for
it's ratification, favored delay.
The measure may go to the Senate
before the end Of the week. however.
Meanwhile the irreconcilables under
Senator Borah are lining up for
hard fighting and the Democrats eV-
identity are not going to be in too
great hurry TO help Mr.. Harding.
The expectation is general that no
real trouble will be had when the
time comes to take a vote, but 1or
the present the Administration
spokesman probably will have to deal
with the irreconcilahles. while the
Democrats, who suffered at the lat
er's hands in the League fight, look
on with considerable complacency. It
is probable that former President
Wilson will be consulted after
while By some of the Democrats.
The naval question was before DIR.
Balfour Baron kato and Secretary
Hughes again this afternoon. They
met in conference in Mr.. Hughes
office. Previously Mr.. Hughes had
with him American naval experts,
and he sent for them again. after
Mr.. Balfour and Admiral Kato had
gone. The Secretary maintained ST.
lencc as to what transpired in these
sessions. but the understanding was
general that means were sought to
ratify the Japanese desire to keep
the Mutsu.
On the question Of ratio Mr.. Hughes
has indicated time and again that he
is adaman. But If the Japanese
were allowed to keep the Mutsu and
the United States were allowed to
build couple Of Hoods, the 5-5-3
ratio would remain intact. And that,
it seems likely last night, is what
may come out Of the frequent gath
crings of the leaders.
Il also is understood that in
these gatherings the question of for
tifications in the Pacific is being
given to the French and italian ma
vies. The real problem, it appears as
to the latter, is not the total Of cap
tail ship tonnage to be allowed them
for neither nation is in position to
build fleet of great battleships, but
the French call for large allowance
in submarines. 1t is taken for grant
cd that the British objections will be
supported to a considerable extent.
but the leaders must be careful of
French sensiblitics.
The sudden chill in Shantung ne
gotiatiOns was one Of the most per-
picking developments of the Confer
ence. Until Sunday the belief pre-
vailed among the people best in
formed on Far Eastern affairs that
the Japanese would not yield farther
than in their offer to return the
lease hold, unon condition that they
were allowed one-half ownership Of
the railroad. Equally it was be-
lieved that the American delegation
would not feel itself in position to
put heavy pressure uDon the Japa-
nese and that other delegations were
too tied up to do so. On Sunday
came the change in the wind.
The Chinese became very cheerful.
Their good cheer increased yester-
day. although others still were a
little skeptical. Many of them be-
| lieved that all was over but comple-
tion of deails. The japanese had
gone ahead with negotiations based
upon the Chinese offer to buv the
interest in the railroad claimed by
the former. The Chinese, willing to
pay anv price within reason, felt
that only the price was open for
for settlement.