Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1918-12-18
President Feels There Are
Plain Things To Be Said and
He Wishes to Say Them and
Avoid Conflicts.
AMERICAN PLAN OF
RELIEF PRESENTED
Conference Held With Hurley
in Regard to Use Of Ge.man
Ships to Bring Home Amer
lean Soldiers,
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Paris. Dec. 17-After conferences in
Paris, President Wilson mas come to
understand fully why the peace con-
ference cannot get under way before
the first of the year. The mere physi-
cal preparation Of getting the Ameri-
can mission to the conference settled
in its offices is a tremendous job.
President wilson's visit TO the Amer
lean troops az the front and his re-
view Of them in Paris that is planned
will pe out of the way by the first of
the year Meanwhile the informal con-
ferences which mean so much in lay
ing the groundwork for the peace con-
ference, will continue. The president
is seeking to get acquainted with the
men with whom he is 10 deal, so no
may discuss with the preatest freedom
the problems arising apd develop tho
vaue of the personal equation
From the presidents point OF view,
1t is Indicated there are plain things
to he said, and he wants to say them
and avoid antagonisms, notwithstand-
divergences of opinion have been eX-
pressed as representing public opinion
in England and France, the president
is confident that an acceptable agree
ment will be reached before the peace
conference adjourns. Diplomatic hia-
tory shows that conferences of this
kind usually, If not invariably assem-
bic without definite programs TO work
with and that such conference prob
ably never accomplished precisely
what is expected of it.
Keeping Counsel.
While things are shaping for the
great gathering, President Wilson Is
evidently working out his own plans
and for the most part keeping his own
counsel.
President Wilson's health continues
good. He has completely shaken off
the cold which followed him to Eu-
rope. He is keeping in closest touch
with affairs in the United States
through advices from the White
House, from members of the cabinet
and the heads of some of the special
war bureaus upon whom he Is de-
pending for accurate information
So far as known the president has
not yet selected a director general of
railroads, and Director General Me
Adoo may hold over until the presi-
dents return.
Economic questions arc coming
prominently to the front IN the discus
sions preliminary to the assembling of
the inter-allied conference. The main
point hinges on the appointment of
Herbert G.. Hoover as director general
of relief for all the allies and the
United States
Action Postponed.
The American plan for relief was
presented to the recent meeting of tho
supreme war council, in London, but
action on II was postponed. The ar
rival of Premier Lloyd George and
Premier Orlando in Paris next Thurs
day will again bring these premiers
together, this time with President Will
son and the deferred relief project
again will come up.
An amendment concerning raw ma
terials promises to be the main sub
feet of discussion. A number of other
questions also are involved, particn-
larly the use of merchant shipping
now in German ports for the distri-
button of relief and also the prompt
movement of American troops back
to the United States.
President Wilson conferred today
with Edward y. Hurley, the shipping
director, one of the subjects under dis
eussion being that of shipping for the
homeward movement of troops Dur
ing the last few days the foreign gov
ernments have been cancellng the
! charters of ships used by the United
| States in transporting troops so that
the vessels might he put back in
trade,
The presidents last engagement for
the day was with Marshal Foch, CIV
ing the president the opportunity to
see for the first time the man who
led the allied armies 10 victory.
Tonight's program held only one
event. a dinner and reception at the
American embassy with the president
and Mrs. Wilson as guests. A limited
hut distinguished company had been
| invited