The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1918-12-21
PEACE meet
IS POSTPONED
Until FIRST
OF FEBRUARY
Wilson S Visit to England and
Reorganization Of English
Cabinet Cause for Delay
Preliminaries Start.
VICTOR VISITS SOLDIERS

PARIS, Dec. 21.-The preliminary
peace conference at Versailles has
been postponed until the beginning of
February, at the earliest, says Marcel
Hutin, editor of the Echo de Paris
This postponement is due he says
to changes in plans because President
construction of the British cabinet,
which will occupy Premier Lloyd
George as soon as the result OF the
elections is announced on Dec. %.
Preliminary exchanges, which
were to begin in Paris today. accord
ing to original plans, have also been
deferred.
King Victor Emanuel Of Italy left
Paris at midnight on his way to visit
Italian troops in Belgium. With his
departure, Paris put aside her holiday
attire and matter-of-fact consideration
of conference arrangements began in
earnest this morning
American Delegates Confer.
Premier Orlando and Foreign Minis
ter Sonnino, Of Italy. remained in
Paris, but will start for Rome tonight.
expecting to return early in January.
The Italian king viii start on Sunday
for Rome, going directly from Bel
GUM.
President Wilson and the American
delegates had a day Of few interrup-
tions before them in which to study.
in q preliminary way, various plans
which hSve been proposed for carry
ing out details Of Mr.. Wilson's pro-
gram.
Apparently the other powers are
looking to the United States to bring
forth a concrete proposition concern
ing freedom OF the seas. Probably
the American delegation has not
agreed upon any Of the many sug-
gested plans having this question in
view, but there Is reason to believe
that the proposed limitation of con-
struction OF naval craft to lightly ar
mored vessels. like revenue cutters,
whose sole purpose would be to pro-
tect merchant shipping, finds favor.
Answers Navy Argument.
Advocates Of this plan say there
would be no further use for heavily
armed ships, IL all nations were placed
on an equal footing by this means.
In answer to the British plea that
she requires q great navy to defend
her colonies. advocates OF the plans OF
limiting construction say that with nc
strong enemy Of the sea, England
would not require great feet, as she
could protect her distant possessions
by transported troops, sent on armed
transports. This, however. is only one
of the plans advanced to open the dis
cussion and develop the views of other
powers.
Delay in formulating plans for the
procedure Of the peace conference II
causing uneasiness among American
and other foreign correspondents. who
are eagerly awaiting definite announce
mentS as to whether open sessions
will be held and whether the censor
ship will be relaxed as to news Of non
military character.
To Visit Battle Zone.
Plans have been perfected for the
American correspondents to make a
trip through the battle zone during the
Christmas holidays. Chaumont and
Tours will be among the points visited
Count Romanones, the Spanish pre-
mier, was in conference for half an
hour with. President Wilson last eve
ming. It Is reported that the premier
invited the president to visit Spain, but
no official announcement as to Mr.
Wilson's reply has been made.
Premier Clemenceau also conferred
with the president during the evening,
being at the Murat residence from
to $50 o'clock.
The Sorbonns will confer an honor
ary degree on the president late this
afternoon.
Give Brilliant Reception.
The Italian embassy gave Dime;
in honor of King Victor Emmanuel
and his son the Prince of Piedmont
last night. 1t was followed by bril-
liant reception. Colonel and Mrs z
NJ House were present. President
Poincare and members OF the ministry
accompanied the Italian king to the
station at his departure from the city.
Chief Burgomaster Vagt has gone
to Berlin to make arrangements for
meeting
Arrangements are being made for
imposing military reception OF Presi-
dent Wilson according to some OF fhe
newsra pers. There will be guard OF
honor at the station when he arrives
and he will be greeted by King George.
Mr.. Wilson and the king will then
drive to Buckingham palace through
streets lined with troops. They will
ride in the royal carriage. Premier
Lloyd George will be among the
prominent persons taking Part in the
welcome OF Mr. Wilson.
Plan Popular Welcome.
It is said that the route of the pro-
cession will be as extended as possible
so as to permit of great popular wei
come. It is unknown whether Presi-
dent Wilson has as yet replied to the
Lord Mayors invitation to civic
luncheon in Guild hall, where it is
understood the city corporation wishes
to present a welcoming address to Mr..
Wilson. This address. II time permits
the luncheon to be given. will be en-
closed in golden casket.
The interview secured by the Times
with President Wilson at Paris yes
terday was distributed to the whole
London press by that newspaper. In
the Times itself the interview Is given
Continued on Psee Ten)