Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1922-02-18
WILSON URGES PACIFIC
TREATY RATIFICATION
Reservations Proposed by G.
o. p. IrreconciIabies; john
son Discovers Flaw.

Washington, Feb. 1s.--Although Prcsi-
dent Harding reiterated his belief yester-
day that reservations 70 the Pacific
treaty neither were required nor justified
sentiment in the Senate Foreign Rela-
tions Committee grew strongly in favor
of amendments, probably three IN num-
Der, TO clarity the Four-Power pact
beyond oil possibility Of a mlsunder-
standing.
At the same time it became obvious
that Democratic opposition to the pacts
was on the wane Word reached Demo
cratic members OF the Foreign Relations
Committee that former President VIII
son, after careful examination OF the
results of the Arms Conference, had
come to the conclusion that it would be
grave mistake to oppose the treaties.
The information WAS accepted as au-
thentic by Democratic Senators, al
though there was no formal statement
from the Wilson residence. One Demo
cratic Senator said Mr.. Wilson had
concluded that opposition to the trea-
ties would be most unwise."
Without Mr.. Wilson's assistance, il
was generally conceded that Democratic
resistance 10 ratification Of the treaties
would be extremely feeble. The Demo
Gratis, as a rule, probably viii content
themselves with supporting reservations
which Republican irreconcilables are ex-
pectedf TO offer.
Reservations were discussed at today $
meeting Of the Foreign Relations Com
mittee. Senator Brandegee, of Con
necticut, Republican, suggested three
reservations, which he probably viii Offer
next week These would provide:
THAT nothing in the Four-Powel
pact binds the United States, either
morally or legally to employ its armed
forces unless Congress assents.
THAT all agreements or adjustment
entered into under the Four-Power pac
in the future shall be subject 10 confrma
tion by the Senate.
That violation Of the terms OF th'
pact by one signatory power would
release other signatories. from thei
obligations.
President Harding, il is understood
believes such reservations to be unneces
sary. Nevertheless, having been a reser
vationist himself in the Senate, it
generally believed that he would no
engage in any serious quarrel with Sena
tors over reservations which would no
impair the fundamental purpose Of th
Four-Power pact.
The naval treaty also was criticize
for the first time yesterday A flaw wa
discovered which. greatly intereste
members OF the committee, and this ma
lead to much more extended discussio
of this instrument than has been Ne,
pected
Senator johnson brought up in con
mittee the question of Singapore. II
desired to know why Great Britain ca
maintain heavily fortified base at tha
place and Japan continue to fortif
her bases at home, while the Unite
States must scrap Notifications in th
Philippines and on the Island of Guar
The frontier of this country, Senate
Johnson declared, thus was drawn in (
Hawaii. Such discrimination agains
the United States, he said, was inc,
plicable to him.
1t was held by Senator Lodge ths
Singapore is not in the Pacific Ocea
and consequently could not be consic
cred in connection with naval treat,
He said Singapore did not come with
the jurisdiction of the Disarmamel
: Conference
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