This case was typical.

The Republicans in question spoke against certain provisions of the proposed treaty.

They then, having ingeniously provided ammunition for the foes of the treaty, abandoned their opposition to it, and the Democrats stepped into the position they had abandoned.

Enough Republicans were absent to prevent the securing of a two-thirds vote for the treaty, and the Senate adjourned without any action at all, and with a feeling of entire self-satisfaction at having left the country in the position of assuming a responsibility and then failing to fulfil it.

Apparently the Senators in question felt that in some way they had upheld their dignity.