Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1923-01-04
Would "Pin Down" Admin
istratiOn to One De-
finite Policy
REPUBLICANS SET
Says Country Should Know
Truth as to Repara-
tiOn Operations

Robinson's demand that the United
States be officially represented on
the reparations commission was ex-
pectcd to reopen senate debate today
on the international situation, Rob
linson was scheduled to explain his
Ibill in a brief speech, ard so great
| is the interest now in the senate on
this and kindred questions that gem
eral discussion was expected to fol-
low.
Senator Lodge later called 4 spe-
cial meeting of the foreign relations
committee for Friday to consider he
Robinson bill.
Robinson's bill is a second step
in a program of trying to pin down
the administration to a definite for
elgn policy, by process OF elimlna-
tionl. Democrats ana few Repub-
licans are working together on this.
The Borah amendment TO the naval
bill for an economic conference was
the first step. Borah, by means of
that measure. brought to light defi-
mite in formation concerning the ad-
ministrationu's position on European
economies. Now Robinon is attempt
ing to go a step further, and put the
administration on record either as
favorng or opposing American off!c-
ial membership on the reparatlonS
commission.
in advance of any word from the
White House as to its attitude to-
:. wards the Robinson bill, Republican
leaders said they would not let IL
pass. They viii brand it as an Ell
fort to embarrass President Harding
and Secretary Hughes in the conduct
Of foreign affairs. Opposition TO the
bill need not be construed as repre-
= senting administrator opposition tn
American membership OH the repara-
tions commission, party leaders sad.
What they do oppose is any effort TO
goad or hurry the administration
. Into taking steps prematurely or an
inopportunc moments.
This attitude was taken because
Mr.. Harding is known to favor
American official membership on the
commission, or at least more near
" Official Representations Of this
country before the commission.
In one respect, from a Republican
viewpoint, American official member
3 shin Of the commission just at this
time is impossible. One party leader
ipointed out that if the United States
al this moment avai!ed itself OF IT'S
undoubted privilege to become a
member of the commission, that ac-
ton would at once be construed lr
Europe rs a decision by this govern
ment to participa8 fully from now
on in administration Of the Versailles
treav: and at once all Europe's trouo
les would be laid on the American
doorstep, while this government
would be called on TO become m
volved in every European question.
In avoiding such involvement. much
embarrassment would result, because
ONE governments would take a a
light a refusal by the u. s., to take
up certain questions. if any questions
at all were taken up.
Rcbinscc. disclaimino anv intention
Of embarrassing Mr.. Harding. said
he believed it was time the Senate
, and the country learned first hand
what the reparatiOnS commission IS
doing. or ut least what he American
Unofficial Representatives there are
foinr. That is why he wants Henry
r. HODGE. secretary. and Lloyd
Robins. financial adviser Of the Amer
ican delcgation brought before the
foreign relations committee. Senator
Lodge has agreed 10 call them. and
, 10 ask the state departmen To fur
nieh all is data on the sam" subject
II this ;rn1irv shows that Roland
Povllen. the American observer has
beon acting. as Senator Borah
charged. lust like regular member
, Of the commission. the senate ought
| seriously to consider whether he
should he withdrawn or else given
! full oficiol status. Robinson holds.
TTn denied that his bill bill is a
. s,en towards reviving the LEAGUE OF
q rations issue. although. he admitted
. ha could no. fOresee wha MIGHT grow
out Of - Republican politicians be-
lievn tho domocarts are goirg to
rovive tho iSe1'n within the coming
wear. Tic international question
having beor roOpnnnd. the democrats
GRO now afforded chancG 70 nut for
ward their nrogram of foreign rela-
Sons m tho country in opnnsition TO
, tho administration plan. and unless n
eos+'op1or+ in Europe occurs speedily,
Nv 1924 thu lenpun issuo NAV aPa'f
ho tho paramount one. some here be-
5 Epvn
) Mno,,-,-i,;Io. arnid ornat socrpcv. Am
t haseo Ior Cc1~oo Harvev is cnrrving
IN bic conferences on +hn ru~orAaTr
: ei.rotio',. with Preilert Hardir~. Soc
r rc4ar,. Of STATE Frrhre. and o'hnr
n oin,inis~stion officials and leaders in