The Washington herald., 1922-12-28

dent Harding urging Its defeat.
The President yesterday told Sem
ators Curtis and Moses that he
would forward such a communica-
ton.
During the day Secretary of State
Hughes went to the White House
. and was in a long conference with
Mr. Harding. 1t was understood
that they went over the draft of
the letter. The President will ad-
wise the Senate that the Borah pro-
posal is premature and embarrass-
ing to steps the Administration al
ready is undertaking. it was indi-
Gated.
Senator Borah said in the course
Of a speech yesterday that 'if we
can be advised that the action of
the Senate will conflict with or en-
barrass the program which is now
under progress, i shall be very
glad. indeed, to consider that in
connection with the matter"
Yesterdays proceedings were fea-
tured by an hours broadside by
Senator Lodge, majority leader and
chairman of the Foreign Relations
Committee. Revealing the Admins
tration's opposition to the confer
snce at this time the Senate leader
attacked the amendment from all
sides.
BORAH DEFENDS PLANS.
Senator Lenroot also delivered a
speech against the amendment, and
Senators Brandegee and Watson,
Republicans, and Reed. Democrat,
Joined in the opposition.
Senator Borah delivered a two
hour defense of his proposal and
Senator John Sharp Williams made
two league of nations speeches. Ac-
ton went over when other Senators
served notice that they desire to
speak. Senators johnson and Nc
Cormick will denounce the proposal
in addresses today. Senator Nc
Nary will speak for it.
1t was asserted during the day
that if Senator Borah loses out in
the effort to attach the amendment
to the navy bill, he will offer 1t as
q separate resolution Administra-
ton leaders. however, pointed out
the difficulty Of getting anything
out of committee during the short
session in view of the press of ap-
preparation measures.
Senator Lodge strongly opposed
the idea Of this country initiating
an economic conference. He par.
ticularly urged that if the Senate
were to request the President TO
invite foreign powers to a confer
ence. the subjects for consideration
must be explicitly stated. He point
ed out the difficulty and embarrass-
ment of applying a vote to any
proposition after the United States
had acted in the attitude of host.
RECALLS ARMS POLICY.
Speaking as one of the American
delegates to the Limitation of Arm
aments Conference here year ago,
Senator Lodge related how every
effort to limit auxiliary naval craft
and land ornaments had proven fu-
tile in the face of French and other
oppositions-
We have received no informa-
ton" said Lodge, from France,
Japan, Holland or Italy that they
are ready TO meet US in conference
and place limitations upon sub
marines and auxiliary craft. AS in
the case of land armaments. it
would be perfectly idle to take
the great responsibility Of calling
= conference to consider limitations
which were rejected only a year ago,
unless we had assurance from the
powers invited that they were ready
20 consider the questions. 1t would
certainly do no good"
Assailing specifically the part OF
the amendment relating to an eco
nomic conference, in which the
United States would be called upon
70 take hand in the reparations
problem, Senator Lodge pointed out
that such a conference might take
up anything from the havens above
10 the earth underneath" There is
nothing in the proposal, he empha-
sized, to prevent the subject of
foreign debts being acted upon.
Addressing himself particularly
TO the economic conference phase
Of the Borah amendment. Senator
1enroot said he could not support
the proposal because 1t is without
condition or limitation and if adopt
ed will build up in Europe false
hopes of American relief that cam
not be realized. and thus postpone
and delay the economic rehabilita-
ton Of the world
WOULD WORK INJURY.
Senator Lenroot continued. we
shall be doing Europe positive in
Jury as well as ourselves IL the
United States shall take the initia-
tive in calling it."
If this amendment be adopted.
all of Europe vii accept ii as an
indication that public opinion in
America with reference to the
cancellation of her debt to us has
changed, that Clemenceau's mis-
sion has been completely success
full. that any concession made be-
tween European nations will be
compensated for by the United
States.
Senator Borah based his argu-
ment on reports that Europe is
nearing the brink, chaos is ahead.
conditions now are insufferable. and
the United States cannot afford to
disregard thoSs conditions. He as
serted that economic prosperity in
this country depends upon restora-
ton OF the buying power of Eu-
rope. which would provide markets
for American surplus products
Huma nitarian grounds also Ought
to inspire us to help bring about
ameliora ton of these conditions" ,"
he declared.
Borah pictured the situation in