Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-11-18
COL. HOUSE YIELDS
UNIQUE INFLUENCE
Greeted by All of Civilized Eu-
rope as Envoy of Worlds
Greatest Statesman.
SEEKS BASIS FOR UNITY
SEEKS BASIS FOR UNITY
BY CHARLES H. GRASTY.
(Cablegrnm to The Sunday Star ani
New York Times. COpyright, 1879

New York Times. Copyright. 1919
LONDON, November 17.-Col. House
arrived in England with his mission
and handed the press a statement in
general terms of Americas position
in the war. One of his shipmates told
me the colonel prepared the statement
the first day and spent the rest Of tho
voyage pairing it down. 1t was a
model of succinctness and made hit
here. Having issued this statement OF
principles. the colonel disappeared un-
derground. where no doubt he is dig
ging away most strenuously.
What he is aiming at or SO far has
accomplished only Col. House knows
and he won't tell. In a general way 1t
the colonel is here as the direct repre-
sentative of the President on the fol-
lowing basis: That while President
Wilson was unwilling to part with
power and delegate 1t to a central au-
thority permanently sitting in Europe
and charged with conducting the war:
and while the President realizes that 1t
is much easier to enunciate the for
mula OF unity of central authority than
to actually put the theory into opera
ton. he became convinced that a vast
betterment was possible in methods
which permitted the chaos in Russia
and the consequent rout in Italy.
Probably Similar Conclusions.
TT is not unlikely that President
Wilson and Lloyd George have reached
similar conclusions. The latter adopt
ed plain speaking as his remedy. while
the former sent his particular friend to
Europe to study the situation deeply
and quietly. keep constantly in touch
with Washington. and submit some plan
for closer coordination that consulta-
ton with the European governments
marks out as acceptable and workable.
The Presidents mission has arrived
In stormy times. 1t seems odd that
the quiet man of a few years ago back
in Austin, Tex. should now be the
bearer OF announcement and reassur-
ance to all civilized Europe. but it is
a literal fact. Never in history has
any foreigner come to Europe and
found greater acceptance or welded
more power. Behind this super-ambas-
sador. whose authority and activities
are unique, stands President now
rated in Europe as the worlds greatest
living statesman, and behind the Presi-
dent stands country whose measure
less resources and unshakable will are
counted sure shield against the sue
cessful sweep Of Prussianism.
Would Give Power of Attorney.
Such are the peculiar circumstances
in which Col. House comes. There Is
scarcely any plan that he can devise
and America support that will not be
accepted. Europe is almost ready to
hand America power of attorney to
finish the war as she deems best. and
Europe is convinced that with Japan's
friendship and backing, Americas par
ticipation means the kaisers ultimate
defeat whatever temporary advantage
may be gained by superior military or
ganization and concentration of author.
ity.
English opinion is much struck by the
admirable organization of the American
mission. Instead of putting Col. House
in a position where he could be smoth.
cred by details. the President freed his
hands for dealing with the general sit
uation by sending an exceptionally fit
ted staff to handle financial and eco
nomtc matters. and thus build a ground
work on which the structure of Coop
Grafton can rest.