Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1918-10-25

Washington. Oct. 25.--Col. l.. Nj.
House, spokesman OF the state depart
mcnt. and Admiral William S. Benson,
chief of naval operations. have arrived
In France to represent the United
States in the consideration of Ger
many's plea for an armistice and peace
negotiations.
The decision on the question Of, an
armistice will be made by the supreme
war council consisting of Promiers
Lloyd George. Clemenceau. and Or
lando. and President Wilson. repre-
sented by proxy. The council will be
advised by Marshal F'och. Sir Douglas
Haig. General Diaz. General Bliss and
General Pershing.
To Represent Political Side.
The part which the United States
will take in arranging the armistica
details can be handled by representa-
tives of the army and naval estab-
lisnments now In, Europe. Should
political questions be involved repre-
sentatives OF the. president will be
available to meet with entente pre-
miers.
Comment Of London and Paris
newspapers, rejecting the attitude OF
people of France and England and OF
officials on the reply of President Will
son. was considered most satisfactory
today by officials.
House Has Advisers.
Colonel House is accompanied by
Gordon Auchincloss. his son-in law;
Joseph G. Grew. chief Of the state de-
partment's division Of western Euro
pean affairs and former secretary of
the American embassy at Berlin. and
Frank l. Cobb, of New York.
The party sailed from an Atlantic
port q week ago Wednesday before
the wireless version OF the last Ger
man note had been sent out and were
nearing the other side when President
Wilson received the note and answered
IL.
1t is understood Colonel House is to
speak for the president on any ques-
tions concerning negotiations for an
armistice or for the formulation Of
concrete, terms on which peace may
be made.
Admiral Bensch is expected to repre-
sent the United States navy in the
discussion Of naval questions. as Is
General Tasker Fl. Bliss represents the
army on the supreme war council.
Important Problems to Settle.
The navy. as we'll as the military
leaders Of the co-belligerents, have
important problems to settle before
conditions are determind on for the
cessation Of hostilities.
Colonel House has been recognized
as the logical selection by the president
to represent him In such conferences
as now are to be held. Not only Is he
closer to the president probably than
any living man but he is believed to
be peculiarly fitted for the task at
hand. He has made frequent trips to
Europe since the war began in 1914.
comforting with leaders in the leading
belligerent nations, and more than a
year ago he was charged by the pres
ident with gathering data for use at
the peace conference.
Little Delay Expected.
Altho formulation OF terme IN answer
t.; the request Of the German sovarn-
inent for an armistice and peace Is
regarded as a task difficult because Of
its importance. the general opinion
here is that little delay may be ex-
pected.
That the supreme war council already
has considered the problem Is known.
Exchange OF opinion between Wash
ington and the allied capitals has de-
veloped a common understanding on
which armistice terms may be based.
Serious consideration Of the form
Of .armistice to be offered Germany
may be In progress. The details may
DC made known TO Germany and tho
world In comparatively short time.
y The quick response made to Bull
garia for an armistice was pointed to
AZ probably indicating that the views
Of the military advisers OF the nations
arrayed against Germany might be
expected as one OF the great questions
involved would permit.
Refusal May Block Plans.
fix That Germany might block the plans
by a note refusing to accept the terms
outlined by President Wilson In his
reply has not been disregarded.
In some quarters the belief was re-
iterated today that Germany has not
reached the point in the decline Of
military strength. where she would
accept an armistice looking to peace
at any price. increasing pressure Of
i { II 7 ,