Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1924-07-26
RATIFY TREATIES BY
MAJORITY VOTE, FIRST
POLICY OF DAVIS

Dark Harbor, Islesboro, Me, July
25.-Treaties should be ratified by a
majority vote of both houses of con-
gress, instead of by two-thirds
majority of the senate, as the con-
stitution now requires, is the view
of John W. Davis. Democratic pres
idential nominee.
In giving voice to this belief here
today, Mr.. Davis made his first
declaration of policy since his nom
nation, but he was only reiterating
la statement TO the American Bar
Association more than a year ago at
the time he was president OF that
organization.
Il said that, and 1 still say It."
Mr.. Davis declared in reply to ques-
lions as TO whether he had made
such a statement. Il believe with
John Hay the forefathers in their
wisdom fixed it SO that the kickers
could rule. Ii / had my way, the
kickers would not be able to rule.
Treaties should be ratified in the
same way that laws are made. One
strikes at the vitals of government
no more than the other. | don't
know of any other civilized govern
ment that requires more than ma
jority. and / do not see why II
should be required in this country
Asked if his acceptance address
would disagree with the party plat
form, especially with reference to
the plank proposing referendum
on the League of Nations, Mr.. Davis
SAID it would not dissent from 1t. "
Pressed on this point. the nominee
said: Wait until my address is COM
plete. We then can lay it and the
platform down together and see
how they compare"
After another morning at work in
the studio of his host, Charles Dana
Gibson, Mr.. Davis had an hours con-
ference with Thomas l.. Chadbourne.
New York lawyer and one of the
| chief hackers of William Gibbs Nc
Adoo in his campaign for the presi-
dental nomination.
Frank J.. Polk of New York, I'M
der secretary of state in the Wilson
administration, was present at the
| conference, at which points to be
made in the address of acceptance
| were among the matters taken up.
Whether campaign financing was
discussed was not disclosed. Mr..
! Chadbourne has had much expert
enCe in this line of work and those
party leaders who have to do with
shaping the campaign organization
are understood to have under con-
sideration the drafting of his serv-
| ices in the coming campaign.
Mr.. Chadbourne arrived at Seven
Hundred Acre Island from Bar
he departed for New York immedi-
ately after the conference. He was
accompanied by Mrs. Chadbourne,
who had visit with Mrs. Davis and
Mrs. Gibson while the conference
was in progress.
| In disclosing that as yet he has
given little attention to campaign
finance plans. Mr.. Davis said he had
received a letter from his sister, Miss
Emma Davis. at Clarksburg, w. Va.
enclosing n 500 bill which she said
an old friend of the nominee. a car
! penter. had handed to her with the
statement that it was his contribu-
ton towards the campaign fund.
THAT is about the only direct con-
| tribution have received" Mr.. Davis
said. II have the money and am
greatly gratified by the contribu-
ton"
Joseph Pulitzer. publisher of the
| st. Louis Post Dispatch. who is Wis
| iting at Bar Harbor, has an engage
ment to see Mr.. Davis tomorrow.
Cyrus III. X. Curtis. New York.
and Philadelphia publisher, who has
summer home at Camden, and
| William A. CASTOR of Boston. who
opposed Senator Lodge. Republican.
of Massachusetts,. for the senate seat
| in 1922. will call on the nominee.
| Charles Dana Gibson returned
| home today from a Belfast. Maine,
hospital, where he submitted to a
minor operation several days ago.
| He was reported in much improved
condition.
Mr.. Davis will leave here next
| Thursday. returning to New York. He
will have a week there in which to
round out his address of acceptance
| and hold further conferences before
| leaving for CIarksburg, w. Va.