The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-12-12
q. s. Fleet Leaves Portland
Today To Be Escort.
Vice Admiral Sims in Charge
of the Squadron.
WILSON 600 MILES OUT
He May March in Paris With
American Soldiers.
Says He May Have To Make
Two Trips to France.

London, Dec. 12.-The United States
battle fleet which is to form part Of
the escort of the United States steamer
George Washington into Brest, left
Portland this morning. 1t was conn
manded by Vice Admiral Sims, who
was on board the battleship Wyoming.
The fleet consisted of two battleship
divisions under Admirals Rodman and
Rodgers and one destroyer divisions
The fleet will be met at sea by thirty
destroyers from Brest. The George
Washington, carrying the president
and his party. will be met at o'clock
tomorrow morning ninety miles from
Brest ~
Make Two Trips.
Aboard the U. S. g. George Wash< ,
ington, Dec .12 (by wireless to the
United Press via Paris) If the peace
treaty is not signed before March
(when the new congress convenes) It
will be necessary for President Wilson
to return to the United States and
make a second journey to France. was
the belief expressed today. 1t was
hoped. however. that this would not be
necessary.
the American troops in tho parade in
Paris.
At Last Report.
Brest, France Dec. 1.-THE George
Washington, bearing President Wilson
and his party, was six hundred miles
out from Brest when she last reported
by wireless Wednesday at midnight.
The big steamer was making fifteen
knots, owing to the heavy seAs. but
was expected to arrive on schedule
Friday afternoon, as the result Of her
shortened course.
There was a heavy fog and drizzle
of rain off shore.
The present weather is anything but
fitted for q celebration, but Friday
falls on the 13th-the presidents
lucky number, and Americans here
are betting 1t will clear up.
| According to present plans, Wilson
! will come ashore between l and 3
o'clock tomorrow afternoon. A dele
cation of Socialists. headed by Albert
Thomas. Mayor Godde of Brest, and
others will greet him when he lands.
| Previously. he will be weIcomed
Foreign Minister Pichon, Marine Min-
lister Leygues and Andre Tardieu.
Board the Ship.
Colonel House. General Bliss, Gem
eral Pershing, Admiral Benson and
| Admiral Wilson will also board the
steamer to exchange greetings prior
to the landing of the party. Margaret
Wilson will accompany this party.
While Socialist leaders and mem-
bers Of the chamber of deputies will
| await the president on shore, the Of
ficial welcome will remain in the
hands of the French government
1 Nine French cruisers, headed by
Amiral Ube, four destroyers, Admiral
Mayo's flagship, the Pennsylvania, Ad-
miral Sims flagship. the Wyoming,
the American dreadnaughts Florid4,
Utah. Arizona. Arkansas. New York.
Texas. Nevada and Oklahoma and q
number of American destroyers will
anchor in a double line.
!. The George Washington will pro.
ceed down the lane between the war
ships receiving the presidential salute
of 81 guns from the French craft
The liner will then anchor at the head
of the column while the warships pas
in review.
When the president comes ashore q
brief ceremony will be held on th<
/; quay. After this the party will driv<
directly to the railway station and
entrain for Paris. They will not pas
thru the center of the town. The en-.
, tire route to the station will be lined
\ with American soldiers. A company
Of poilus. as a guard Of honor, ais(
| will be present