The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-03-14
BRYAN ARGUMENTS FAIL ID CONVINCE
 GEORGIA SENATOR
Watson Thinks Commoner'S Logic on Colombian Treaty Lacking In Variety-May
 Talk But Can't Write
By HUGH w. ROBERTS Washington Bureau The Ags-Hs
 800 Davidson BuIIdIn

9UU baWuson builulht Washington, March -(special.)-''Put pen in the hands of William Jennings Bryan, and immediately you deprive him of his head"
 MT. Bryan as writer does not stand very highly with Senator Thomas E. Watson of Georgia, who unquestionahliy is writer. The Georgia senator in un- equivocally expressing his mind on the subject, used the above quoted sentence
 He was speaking of the Colombian treaty which he opposes, and against which he may deliver his maiden speech in the Senate. He declared that MT. Bryan's message to the Senate in sup port of that treaty was as weak doc afment as was ever penned, and tha. ex- President Roosevelt's telegram to the late Senator Stone of Missouri, in which the treaty was denounced, was as strong a bit of writing as ever came from that peculiarly strong writer.
 The Colombian treaty was proposed by President Wilson in order that Colombia night be reconpensed for ter*tory snatched by Roosevelt for the co1st-Ic- tion of the Panama canal It was de- feated by the republican Senate during the term of President Wilson. It has been sponsored by President Harding and returned to the Senate. The Senate will vote on it's ratification the eighth legis- lative day following the convenIng of the extraordinary session The treaty pro- vides for the payment by this govern ment of $25, 900, 600 to Colombia.
 USES TWO HOURS
 It is understood that Senator Watson is the only democrat who opposes ratifica- tion. During the incumbency of Wilson, practically all of the republicans opposed it, especially an those who followed ths leadership Of Roosevelt. Since Harding has followed Wilson in asking for rati- fication, many republicans, faced with the necessity of swallowing the brave words uttered during the democratic ad- ministration, are greatly embarrassed and humiliated. It is indicated that the treaty will be ratified, although Senator Watson, in discussing this matter with the correspondent of this newspaper to- night indicated a strong doubt as to that result.
 'The newspapers which pretend to speak for Harding declare that the agree ment of the Senate to vote on the ques- tion of ratification constituted a victory for the President" said Senator Watson. "As a matter of fact, the embryonic struggle resulted in a dog fall. Post ponement was authorized because repub- lcan leaders knew that to postpone was expedient. Had the question come to a vote Thursday afternon, it is very doubt ful whether the treaty would have re- ceived the necessary two-thirds major ity."
 CONCERNING BRYAN
 Senator Watson declared that he had posted himself by a two-hours review of the facts in the case. and that but fer postponement he would have ad- dressed the Senate. He did not state un- equivocally that he would speak on tht subject in the extraordinary session, but the idea prevails that he will. In review ing the subject, Senator Watson encoun- tered the recommendation of Bryan.
 T. is in three parts,' he said. Tn the first, Bryan declares that Colombia is peeved, and that it would be comforteo if we paid it $25, 5,000, ,000: in the second that Colombia is nettled and would be pacified if we paid it s25,0oo,000; and 1T the third, that Colombia is angry, but that if we paid it $25, 100000 it woult smile again and trade with us.
 Put pen in the hands of William Jennings Bryan and immediately you de prive him of his head"