Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1926-02-21
Democrats and RecaIcitrant
Republicans Shape Onslaught
Upon Agreement.
REJECTION IS FORECAST
BY MINORITY MEMBERS
"UMavorable" Terms Will Be Used
as Lever by Non-Paying Ma
tions, Group Argues.

Strong opposition to the present
ratification Of the Italian debt settle
ment developed at conference OF
Democratic Senators yesterday In
which Senator Borah. chairman Of the
foreign relations committee, also had
his part.
Some Of the Democrats who at
tended the conference insisted last
night that II the Italian settlement
were brought to a vote now, II would
be defeated
The Democrats declare that II the
Italian settlement Is now ratified, the
favorable terms given Italy will be
used by France as a lever to bring
about equally favorable terms for the
settlement OF the French debt to the
United States.
why give France a lever with
which to work for more favorable
terms?" is the way one Of the Senators
put 1t.
klan's Hand LIS Seen.
An argument advanced by some Of
the opponents Of the Italian debt
settlement is that it would help to
bolster up the MusSolini government.
which has been charged with perse-
cution of Masonry in Italy. The Ku
Klux Klan is taking part in the op-
position to the italian settlement, ac-
cording to reports.
Senator Borah has declared his op-
position to the Italian debt settlement
in the past. He has a considerable
following on the Republican side Of
the chamber. estimated as high as 15
on this issue. The Democrats assert
they would lose very few votes If the
Italian settlement were brought to q
vote now.
Among the Democrats who took
part In the conference vest erday
were Senator Robinson Of Arkansas,
Democratic leader; Senator King Of
Utah. Senator Reed of Missouri, Sen.
Swanson Of Virginia and Senator
Walsh Of Montana
While II was asserted that no deci.
sion had been arrived at to make the
Italian debt settlement a party issue,
there were strong assertions that II
the administration brings up tho mat
ter FOR consideration soon, the party
will line up almost solidly against It.
SEQ Loss in Pact o. X.
The French debt. 1t was pointed out
Is much larger than the Italian debt
and the feeling Is that Frances capac
AlS W P@y 40 AhuCIi C1tcE tkldll IaaL OF
Italy. The argument was advanced
that it would be folly to permit a set
tlement with Italy now to interfere
with obtaining as favorable terms with
the French as possible.
Many Of the Democrats are opposed
to ratification Of the Italian settle.
ment at any time, insisting that the
terms are too unfavorable to the
United States
Under the leadership Of President
Coolidge, however, the Republicans
are planning for drive to put the
Italian debt settlement over the top
The House already has ratified it,
and 1t has been reported favorably
to the Senate from the committee on
finance. Senator Smoot, in charge OF
the bill, has been waiting until the
tax bill was out OF the way before
bringing it up for consideration. The
tax bill, 1t Is expected, will be finally
disposed of before the end of this
week.
Hull Assails Agreement.
Representative Corden Hull of Ten.
nessee. Democrat, in a statement is
sued last night, denounced the italian
debt settlement, and criticised the an,
peal for its ratification made by the
President on Friday.
The President is attempting the
comic paradox" he said. and is
shouting loudly about developing our
trade with that country after con.
structing mountain-high- tariff walls
against Italy,"
Mr.. Hull. who opposed the settle.
ment at the time 1t was ratified by
the House, asserted that there is ''Nt.
tie wonder there is opposition to this
virtual cancellation of Italy's debt"
The Republicans are counting upon
the pressure Of public sentiment in
favor of ratifying the italian debt
settlement to bring the Democrats