The Topeka state journal., 1922-02-04
UP TO THE PUBLIC TO HONOR LINCOLN
Democrats and Republicans Sit
Quiet on New Pacts.
Underwood Declares Opinion
WIN Ferce Ratification.

Washington, Feb 4.-American
public opinion will largely determine
senate action on the treaties evolved
by the armament conference, it was
agreed toda- by Republican and DEM
ocrat:c senators already lined up for
or against them.
Senator Underwood of Alabama,
Democratic leader and member of the
American delegation, expressed the
opinion that an Overwhelming pre-
ponderance'' of public opinion favor
able to the conference accomplish
ments would insure ratification of the
various pacts-
Bitter Opposition Awaits.
Altho reluctant to discuss the situ-
alton on the Democratic side, Under
wood appeared sanguine as to the ul-
innate outcome of the bitter opposi-
ton awaiting the treaties from the
senate 'irreconcilables."
Senator Borah. Republican, of
Idaho, leader of the "irreconcilables,' -
took different view from Underwood
in anticipating what the effect of
American sentiment on the senate's
Borah expressed confidence that pub
lie opinion is veering away from the
conference and it's decisions eff only
because of its blunders and entangle-
ments." instead of toward them, as
contended by Underwood.
Underwood's adherents in the sem
ate declared he would wield more
political influence with his Demo-
cratic colleagues than some of the
senators who still reflect the League
of Nations views of woodrow Wilson
are willing to concede.
Put Demo Cards ON Table.
Underwood planned to deal with
he 10 Gid a f-7T7 7l<Iz n fIl1I
it was stated, by laying all his cards
! face upward on the table at a con-
ference of the entire Democratic
membership of the senate to be held
shortly after the treaties are submit
1 ted to the upper chamber by Presi-
dent Harding. He intended to tell his
! colleagues all about the conference
, and his participation in it and to per-
/ NIT them to ask him as many qnes-
tions as they may desire, it was said.
Underwood's task would not be
nearly so difficult as that of Senator
Lodge, the Republican leader. and
| also a member of the American dele
! cation. it was predicted. Lodges
! chief difficulty may lie with the SEN
I ate foreign relations committee, of
which he is chairman.
! The committee was originally
I packed with Republican 'frreconcila-
4 b1es'' to prevent the Versailles treaty
from being reported from it without
reservations. Its members Include
1 such bitter enders" in the League OF
Nations fight as Borah. Johnson, OF
California. Brandegee, of Connecticut
: Moses of New Hampshire, and McCor-
mick, of Illinois, Shield. of Tenn nessee
a Democratic sirreconciiable." is also
1 a member of it.
Dig Into Four Power Pact.
Especially with regard to the four
power Pacific treaty, the 'irreconcifa-
bles" are determined that the confer
ence pacts shall receive the most care
full scrutiny and discussion before they
are reported from the committee to
which they win be referred immedi-
ately following their submission to the
senate
One of its ''irreconcilable" members
predicted that the four-pact would
leave the committee only after it had
been ribbed with reservations"
j With only four Republican members
on whom he can depend to share his
own opinion that no reservations are
needed. McCumber North Dakota
New of Indiana. kellogg of Minnesota
and Wadsworth of New York. Lodge
may have TO fall back on the five
League of Nations Democrats, who