The daily Gate City and constitution-Democrat. (Keokuk, Iowa) 1916-1922, 1918-11-20
WELCOME
PRESIDENT
IN EUROPE
Every Allied Country Excited
Over Announcement That
Mr.. Wilson is
Coming.
PLANS TO SAIL DEC. 8
Annual Message to Congress to be
Delivered Day Before Party
Starts for
France.
PLA-Is TO SAIL DEC. 3

UNITED Press Leased Wire Ser--ice.
LONDON, Nov. 20.-President Will
son is assured of the most cordial re-
cepton in every allied country, both
from the people and from the officials.
There were many evidences today
that the executive head Of the Ameri-
can republic would receive a welcome
such as has never before been accord
ed foreign dign1tary. Receipts Of the
news that he has definitely decided to
personally attend the forthcoming
peace conference served to make man
1fest the great respect and affection
felt on this side for the man who. so
clearly outlined the policies OF the
worlds democracies in the present
war. There is absolutely no spirit Of
criticism or jealously in any Of the ma
Llons with wnicn the UnlLed states IS
associated in the war.
All former hostilities on account OF
Americas tardy entrance into the
conflict has been smothered in the sim
ceresI gratitude, not only because
the republics timely help without
which it Is generally recognized the
war would not have been won, but also
because of Wilson's mastery hand
ling of the conversations before the
signing of the armistice.
The allies not only trust the Ameri-
can executive, but are depending on
his counsel and advice, thoroughly ap-
preciating his high-mindedness and
his vision.
1t is understood here that while Will
son was considering the advisability
of trip to this side of the Atlantic,
both Lloyd George and Clemenceau
were urging him to come to the peace
conference 1t is believed his final
decision was largely the result OF
their representations.
Plans to Sail December 8.
LBy Robert j. Bender, United Press
Staff Correspondent
WASHINGTON, Nov. 20.-President
Wilson is cleaning up a mass of
work preliminary to leaving the coun-
try for the peace conference in
France. Making no engagements
whatever. except those important to
the tasks in hand. the president is
devoting himself now to:
His annual message to congress,
which will outline his reconstruction
policies and disclose hfs domestic pur-
poses for the remainder of his term.
Determining what war bureaus shall
be retained during the reconstruction
period and which ones soon may be
dfsbanded.
Selection Of the republican member
of Americas peace delegation.
Details of his forthcoming trip to
Europe; and
Routine business which must be
cleared UP before he goes.
Because the president is uncertain
how long he may have to remain in
France, he is clearing up details for
an Indefinite period ahead.
AS for the peace delegation, II ap-
pears now that it will be composed of
the president, Secretary Of State Ian
sing. Secretary of War Baker, Colonel
F. NJ House and one republican
probably Elihu Root Announc Gem ent
of the personnel will be made very
soon.
Until late last night the president
discussed with senators details OF
pending legislation and some OF his
ideas on reconstruction, including the
probable labor policy he will advo-
cate and the need Of building up and
protecting a great American merchant
marine.
He plans to sail for France Decem-
Der after delivering his annual mes
sage to congress on December 2.
Meantime the government is hav-
ing many new problems presented IT
for settlement at the peace table
particularly by neutrals who look to
President Wilson as their friend
Neutrals confidently expect to send
delegates to the conference. Unless
they are formally invited to attend