The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1915-12-22
FORD PILGRIMS IN NORWAY.
LEADER TELLS OF HOPE TO
BRING PEACE.
Every Nation i'm World Will Applaud
When Men are Brought From
Trenches. ''

Christiania, Dec. 10 (via London).-
Every nation in the world will soon
look upon the American peace pill
Srims as taking the initiative in stop
ping historys worst war. The landing
Of the peace expedition in Europe will
be recorded as one of the most benev-
olent things the American republic
ever did" said Henry Ford today to
the Associated Press representative on
stepping ashore on Norwegian soil.
The steamship Oscar II, carrying the
Ford peace expedition, arrived here
Saturday, after a IA days voyage from
New York. The delegates expressed
much displeasure because the vessel
was delayed three days by the British
authorities at KirkwaT.
Mr.. Ford said he was confident the
expedition would result in getting the
men out of the trenches before the
winter was over. He declared he had
information from official sources that
| this peace plan was looked upon ap-
provingly. He added that his motive
in coming to Europe was to develop
to the fullest extent an understanding
throughout the world by the time
peace sessions were begun at The
Hague, where William Jennings
Bryan, former secretary Of state, was
expected to join the peace party.
Mr.. Ford explained that the pres
ence Of the American party in Norway
was merely intended to convince the
NOrwegians OF the fervent wish of
gather Norwegian delegation here
and then in about three days proceed
to Stockholm, Sweden.
He said the party would grow as it
travelled through neutral countries and
thar this would convince the belliger-
ents that the rest of the world de-
manded peace Immediately. BY the
time Copenhagen was visited and The
Hague reached, probably two weeks
hence, Mr.. Ford said, the peace moye-
ment would have a definite pro-
gramme. The members of the Ford
peace party landed at O'clock this
morning and went to various hotels.
The weather is fine. so the travellers
will have a good chance to see Nor
wegian winter life.
After holding meetings while cross
ing the Atlantic and disagreeing over
the question Of the American pre-
paredness policy the $50 delegates. ON
arriving We're anxious to learn. what
attitude would be adopted towards
them by Europe. ~
Receptions by Christiania preachers
and university professors and an Off
cial call made by Albert c. Schmede-
man, American minister to Norway,
marked the first day here of the peace
party. Formal meetings will begin
Monday. Z,
Christiania newspapers publish long
accounts regarding the Ford expedi-
ton, accompanying the stories with
Icaitoons from foreign newspapers.
Just before the Oscar u reached
Christiania, the Ford guests held a
public meeting aboard the ship. Sam
ucl Mcclure of New York said that
unless the peace pilgrims composed
their differences Of opinion regarding
President Wilson's preparedness poll
cy it would cause disaster to the ex-
petition. He declared American pre-
paredness was necessary and was not
related to the peace efforts. The Rev.
Charles F. Aked, pastor of the First
Congregational church of San Fran
cisco, maintained it was ridiculous for
Americans to urge peace abroad while
Il resolution declaring that the
del> -ates were unanimous for Euro
pean peace was adopted.