Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1915-12-23
Mr.. Ford Declares That Every
Nation in the World Will Soon
Look Upon America as Nov.
ing First to Stop War.
STOCKHOLM NEXT PORT
Pilgrims Finally Come to Agree
ment on Preparedness Ques-
tion-Several Newspaper Cor
respondents Quarrel and Will
Leave the Ship Soon.

Christiania, Norway, Dec la.-"Every
nation in the world will soon look upon
the American peace pilgrims taking
the initiative in stopping historys worst
war. The landing of the peace expedition
In Europe will be recorded as one Of the
republic ever did," said Henry Ford to-
day to the Associated Press on stepping
ashore on Norwegian soil.
The stea mship Oscar II, carrying the
Ford peace expedition. arrived at this
port on Saturday after n II days voyage
from New York The delegates expressed
much displeasurc because the vessel was
delayed three days by the British au-
thorities at Kirkwal.
Mr.. Ford said he was confident tho ex-
petition would result in getting the men
out of the trenches before the winter
was over. He declared he had informa-
ton from official sources that his peace
plan was looked upon approvingy. He
added that his motive in coming to Eu-
rope was to develop to the full an under
standing throughout the world by the
time peace sessions were begun at The
Hague where William Jennings Bryan
eX-scCrctary of state was expected to
join the peace party.
Mr.. Ford explained the presence of
the American party in Norway was
merely intended to convince the Nor
wcgians OF the fervent wish of Ameri-
cans for peace. He expects to gather a
Norwegian delegation here, and then In
about three days proceed to Stockholm,
Sweden. BY the time Copenhagen was
visited and The Hague reached prob
ably two weeks hence. Mr. Ford said.
tho peace movement would have a
definite program.
After holding meetings while crossing
tho Atlantic and disagreeing over the
question Of the American preparedness
policy the $50 peace advocates on arriv-
ing were anxious to learn what attitude
would be adopted towards them by
Europe
Receptions by Christiania preachers
and university professors and an unoffi-
cial call made by Albert G. Schmede-
man, American minister TO Norway. at
tended the first day of the members of
tho peace expedition in Europe.
Christlana newspapers publish long
accounts regarding the Ford expedition,
accompanying the stories with cartoons
from foreign newspapers.
Just before tho Oscar II reached
Christiania the Ford guests held pub
lie meeting aboard the ship. Samuel
Mcclure of New York said that unless
the peace pilgrims composed their diff
ferences Of opinion regarding President
Wilson's preparedness policy II would
cause disaster to the expedition. He de-
clared American preparedness was
necessary and was not related to the
peace efforts.
The Rev. Charles +. Aked pastor of
the First Congregational Church Of San
Francisco. maintained 1t was ridiculous
for Americans to urge peace abroad
while preparing for war at home.
Finally a resolution declaring that the
delegates We're unanimous for European
peace was adopted.
London, Dec. CA Christiania despatch
80 the Morning Post says that several
newspaper correspondents, as the result
Of quarrel will quit the Ford peace ex-
petition while the steamer is in that port.
A Copenhagen despatch to Reuters Tele-
gram company says that members Of the
Ford peace party spoke last evening be-
fore the Norwegian student union In
Christiania. Tho American minister, AL
bert G. Schmedeman. and the rector Of
the University OF Christania were In the
audience which crowded the hall. Henry
Ford was prevented from speaking by in
fuenza, but the Rev. jenkins Lloyd Jones,
Miss Katharine NJ. Brewster and Lieut.
Governor Andrew j. Bethea Of South
Carolina addressed the meeting, Lewis
J.. l-ochncr, general secretary OF the ex-
petition. explained the intentions of Mr.
Ford and his co-workers, The Norwe-
Gian chairman of the meeting gave as
eurances of the students genuine inter-
est.