Jasper County Democrat, Volume 22, Number 95, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 25 February 1920 — LODGE—WITH RESERVATIONS [ARTICLE]

LODGE —WITH RESERVATIONS

Senator Lodge’s “program” is re-

oelved by Republican senators with “reservations.” The “irreconcilables” are willing enough to accept all that Mr. Lodge proposes In the way of ratifying the treay; of peace, always provided that this procedure is certain to nullify it. They want a kind of ratification that will mean repudiation. The "mild reservationists” pretend to seek ratification with qualifications less destructive than those Mr. Lodge has concocted and less objectionable than those demanded by the “irreconcilables.” If Mr. Lodge seems to make concessions to the “irreconcilables” he alienates the “mild” —but firm—reservationists in the senate majority. If he yields to the latter, the outright obstructionists threaten revolt and defection. Both these groups make their demands in the name of Republicanism—and Mr. Lodge surrenders first to one and then to the, other in the same sacred name. It is a fine little game for Mr. Lodge. With neither the doubtful friends nor the known foes of the treaty willing to let him proceed to compromise and consummation, the putative leader of the Republican senate can move in neither direction and must Stand still —which is exactly what Mr. Lodge desires. Hie is quite ready to make chessmen of “mild” reservationists and “wild” reservationists and downright defeatists, and then play them to the conclusion he wishes most of all to see—a stalemate that leaves the treaty lifeless. Senator Moses of New Hampshire and Senator McCormick of Illinois have declined to serve as members of the committee of 171 to write the Republican alibi for the next campaign. As men who have helped to /make the record of the present Republican congress they appreciate how difficult it will be to escape responsibility for it.