The Washington times., 1930-01-22
The long-awaited London arms

IL Is recognized LnaC the Amefl-
can delegation already has
worked to marked effect in cas-
ing the irritation which France
and Italy obviously felt because,
in their view, they were being
treated as "stepchildren" in this
gathering of the powers.
King George opened the parley
in the royal gallery Of the house
of lords yesterday morning. For
the most part Washingtonians
were cheated out Of the privilege
of hearing his broadcaSted
words, few Of them caring to
tumble out of bed at 6 o'clock |
in the morning to turn on their
radio sets.
The preliminary speeches of |
Premier Ramsay Macdonald, Sec
retary of State Stimson, Premier
Tardieu, and others indicate that |
the conference is to ease into its
major tasks gradually and con-
servatively. There are to be no
near.ultimatumS, no dramatic
strategy on the international
chess board.
It has become clear, also, that |
the conference is not likely to
focus or concentrate on any
single type Of ship in the
armadas of the powers. The
proposal that the modern dread
naught be abolished Is not likely |
to assume undue Importance in
the parley-any more than the
Japanese inSistence that it's quota |
of cruiser strength be increased. |
The experts believe that the
parley may continue for a period
of two or three months. They do
not expect an agreement to be
reached at an early date. Secre-
tary of State Stimson thinks that
this conference should be sue
ceeded by others at not infre-
quent intervals, because naval is
sues, like others affecting the ma
tions, are never fixed, static, or
permanent, and because the point
of view of the powers affecting a
given type of ships may be draS.
tically changed overnight by rea-
son of the progress of science and
invention.
The revised Young plan, other.
wise known as the reparationS |
pact, has been signed at The
Hague after one of the longest
international meetings on record.
It validateS an agreement by
which Germany is to pay the re-
mainder of her war indemnity,
and provides also for the ratio Of
these payments which is to 90 to
the United States as interest and
amortization of the allied war
debt to this country.
The prohibition front remained
comparatively quiescent during
the week, although there was
plenty of criticism for the recon-
mendations of President Hoover
and his crime commission, and
the wet bloc in the House deter
mined to continue its fight for an
amendment to the Volstead act
more vigorously than ever before. |
The House already is at work |
shaping legislation to put the
presidential re mmendationS-
designed to simplify and ex-
pedite prosecution of dry law
violators-into effect. The drys
showed their complete dominance
OF the Lower House by rejecting
various wet amendments-incl
ing one offered by Representative
Sirovich, of New York, which |
would have eliminated the poison
ing of industrial alcohol-by an
overwhelming vote.
Representative Linthicum. Of
Maryland, has been chosen leader
Of the House wet bloc, Repre-
sentative James M. Beck, of
Pennsylvania declining to serve.
Representative Florence P, Kahn,
OF Pennsylvania has been chosen
secretary.
There were two other develop |
mentS during the week-one was |
a resolution offered by Represen- |
tative Mary T. Norton, of New
Jersey, authorizing the people to
vote a majority opinion for re-
tention or rejection of the Eight |
zenith Amendment.
The other was an announce
ment by Secretary of War Hur-
ley that prohibition is extended |
to the military forces of the |
United States in all parts of the |
world, including the Philippines. |
The tariff issue in the Senate
was cleared by the rejection Of
all proposals to increase the sugar
duties over the existing rate.
The Democratic Progressive coali-
ton continued in excellent work
ing order, so far as this item in
the Hawley-Smoot bill was con-
cerned.
The future of the tariff bill,
itself, however, remains in as
much doubt as ever. Compare
lively few predictions art heard
now as to when the Senate will
pass it, or whether any bill of
any type can emerge from con-
ference between the House and
the Senate. It appears now that
the two branches of Congress are
hopeleSsly deadlocked on the
legislation.
The Hoover Administration has
resolutely declined to take any |
part in the tariff controversy.
Many shrewd observers believe
the Senate will give up any fur
ther attempt to force the bill to
q vote.
Nicholas Longworth, Speaker Of
the House has shown the first