Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1922-12-28
SEEKS CONFERENCE

Washington, Dec. o7.-(By A. p
The first official disclosure that
President Harding is negotiating to-
ward an international conference for
the conservation of European econ
omic problems was made by Senator
Lodge of Massachusetts, the Repub-
lican floor leader. during open de-
bate i'll the Senate today on the pro-
posal of Senator Borah. Republican,
Idaho, for the president to call an
international conference to discuss
economic conditions and disarma-
ment.
Senator Lodge in the course of an
hours address against the Bora Ii
amendment as presented, did not op-
pose the calling of an economic con-
ference. but said it should be care
fully and strictly defined with such
questions as reparations, Allied debts
and immigration specifically cXclud-
ed from consideration.
State Department Silent
The State Department.. which has
consistently maintained silence as to
be making in reference to improv-
ing economic and business conditions
in Europe, declined to add anything
to the statement of Senator Lodge,
but it was learned that President
Harding was considering seriously
transmitting a letter to the Senate
giving information of his negotia-
lions and at the same time depolr-
ing any intervention from Congress,
which might operate to hinder his
efforts.
1t is understood that through the
been sounding out" several powers
regarding the desira bility of holding
an economic conference. Whether
the proposed conference would he
called by or held in the United
States or whether this nation would
be a participant were. however, i'm
portant details not disclosed. Sec
rotary Hughes conferred with the
president at the White House late
today for an hour but no announce
ment was made at its conclusion and
there was no intimation of whether
it related to the economic confer
ence discussions.
Administration Disapproval
The opening debate on the
amendment in the Senate developed
the full force of administration dis
approval for it as drafted and also
bipartisan support and opposition.
Administration leaders mapped out
. program to defeat the amendment
on a parliamentary point of order if
possible, and on a direct vote if the
parliamentary point should fail.
Before the Senate convened about
thirty Republican senators gathered
in the office of Senator Lodge and
planned the fight against the Borah
proposal. 1t was arranged that Sem
ator PoindeXter. Republican, Wash
ington, in charge of the naval bill,
should make the point of order that
the amendment was not germanc
and went far beyond the provision
incorporated in the bill by the House
for conference to consider arma-
mcnt limitation with reference to
naval vessels Of 10000 tons or less
and to military and naval aircraft.
Will Throw out Amendment
Republican and also Democratic
leaders said they believed the par
liamentary point would be sustained
and the Borah amendment thrown
out. The Republican leaders ar
ranged. however. to carry on the
fight if the point should be over
ruled.
Republican leaders said they did
rot believe decision of the point of
order, which could be overturned by
q majority vote. would be appealed
and declared positively after can
vass that there were enough votes
assured to defeat Senator Borah s
pending motion to make his amend
mcnt in order by suspension of the
rules BY a two-thirds vote.