Evening star., 1921-12-14
SETTLING DETAILS
NOW IS UNDER WAY
Diplomats Engaged in "Iron-
ing Out the Wrinkles" in
Pending Questions.
BY n. o. MESSENGER.

ironing out the wrinkles" is In
process today in arms and far eastern
conference circles. Settlement of the
naval ratio is under way in one
quarter ano discussion of Shantung
railways affairs continues between
the negotiators of China and Japan.
System. brought to the last degree
of efficiency. rules the proceedings
in the undertaking to agree upon
works out-that is, If this interests
you: First, the three leaders. Ad-
miral Baron Kato, Mr.. Balfour and
Secretary Hughes exchange informal
suggestions
That is to say, they are informal
as matter of record. but powerfully
potential in effect. If found unten-
never were made. If they look prom
ising. they go on to the new naval
committee of fifteen, additional ex-
perts and advisers of the three gov
ernments are called upon for data
and thus the consideration shapes to-
ward an end.
Diplomatic negotiation is fearfully
and wonderfully made. The shrug of
a shoulder. a lifted eyebrow. a facial
expression of questioning take the
place of words and speak volumes.
The negotiators walk as If upon egg
shells, and an ominous sound indicat-
ing cracking is the signal for retreat.
Awaiting Public Opinion. A
The four-power treaty-they call it
the quadrilateral treaty for short, now
will not go into the Senate for sew
eral weeks. The result of this with
holding will be in the nature of ref
erendum to the people for an express
sion Of opinion upon this instrument
of world peace: that Is what it will
amount to, it Is said.
In the intervening time. public opin-
ion will be allowed to crystalline, and
lit is confidently predicted that the
crystallization will be of form and
brilliancy sufficient to be recognized
as far from neglible by opponents in
the Senate.
Speaking of the aforetime irrecon-
ciliables in the Senate, those who to
the last voted against reservations to
the league of nations and everything
pertaining to the international treaty
then pending, 1t is pointed out that
some of them are no longer in the
Senate. Their places have been taken
by senator's who may be counted upon
to support the treaty, it is said, while
others of the number are expected to
support this treaty because Of its en-
tirely dissimilar character.
Some Senatorial Changes.
Senator Sherman of Illinois. for
instance, who was an irreconciIlable,
has been succeeded by Senator Nc
kinley, who will vote to ratify. SEN
ator Norris of Nebraska has indicated
his disposition to vote aye on ratifi-
cation. Senator McCumber will be for
the treaty. Senator Penrose has not
expressed himself, but is classed in
the affirmative.
Senator Gore of Oklahoma has been
succeeded by Senator Harreld, repub-
lican. Senator Poindexter of Wash
ington has declared for the treaty.
Senator Shields of Tennessee, does
not seem to be very friendly now,
but his we'll known independence of
spirit would. it is thought, dispel any
hesitancy in voting for the treaty If
in the meantime upon further con-
sideration it had appealed to his
judgment.
Senator johnson of California is
understood to be agreeable to rati-
fication. although no one is authorized
to commit him. From New Mexico
has come Senator Bursum. who will
vote for the treaty, it is said.
Additional support is expected to
be created for the treaty after the
collateral Yap agreement is presented
in proper form, and especially if
Chinese questions can be settled in
way productive of pronounced sat
isfaction all around.
1t is considered appropriate that
the United States should ratify the
four-power treaty first Of all the ma
tions if that can be done, iflasmuch
as this government has taken the
/ initiative in the movement out of
/! which has emerged this great work
as a collateral issue.