Arizona republican., 1918-11-19

the question is regarded as one which
the president himself must decide.
The prevailing opinion here is that
Mr.. Wilson already has made up his
mind on this subject He does not go
TO the peace conference as delegate and,
consequently, it is held that should he
relinquish his authority and functions
OF office ne would be without power to
act for the United States in the discus
sions.
Presidents Are Found
There is ample precedent for the
president to leave the territorial limits
Of the United States. President Harri-
son on one occasion went into Canada,
while President Taft visited both that
country and Mexico. President Roose-
Welt and also President Taft visited
the Panama canal zone.
Both President Taft and President
Roosevelt continued to perform the
functions of their office while on their
visits to the canal zone, sending instuc-
lions to Washington both by cable and
wireless. 1t was pointed out today that
the president also could in this manner
attend TO any pressing matters of i'm
pOrtance here while he is abroad.
In ali probability the president will
cross the Atlantic on an American pat
tleship, probably on one of the navy's
newest dreadnaughts While on such
ship, it is claimed, he is on American
territory and technically would be alb
sent from the country only for such
time as he actually Is on foreign soil.
If the president intends to delegate
any Of the functions of his office to
Vice President Marshall, the vice presi-
,, inf Cd ~ nd
TACT in itself was accepted in some
quarters as clearly indicating that the
president has decided that his physical
absence from the country does not
create such a vacancy in the office as
10 fall within the section of the const-
tuition which clothes the vice president
with authority to discharge the duties
OF the office during the inability of the
president to act.
Veto Power Is Discussed
The question Of what effect the pres
dents absence will have on the work
Of congress was freely discussed tonight
in congressional circles. Many held that
the president could not approve or veto
legislation while absent as the actual
signature Of the president is required
Under the provisions Of the constitu-
tiou if bills are not acted upon by the
chief executive within 10 days after
their passage. they automatically be-
come effective.
Very little important business will be
transacted by congress in December,
under the program as now outlined. No
pressing legislative matters now pend
ing or in prospect are likely TO be COM
pleted before the expected adjournment
Of congress for over the Christmas
holidays, and if congress does adjourn
10 viii not reassemble until early IN
January, and the president probably
will return home soon afterwards.
Lansing Probable Leader
There was no statement tonight as to
whether the American delegates to the
peace conference actually will accom-
pany the president or will follow at a
later date. In some quarters it was re-
Garded As likely that they would make
the trip with the president, so as to
have the advantage of conferences with
representatives. of the allied nations
before the peace congress conyenes.
Secretary Lansing undoubtedly viii
head the American commissioners
Others regarded as probable selections
as delegates are Colonel House. Loui:
y. Brandies. associate justice of the SUI
preme court. and Elihu Root, former
secretary of state.
General Tasker II. Bliss, former chic
Of staff and military representative o.
the United tSates on the supreme wal
council, is expected to head the military
representatives. from this country, wht
will assist in the work of the peace
conference, while Vice Admiral SIM
probably will be selected TO head tn,
naval delegation.
Besides the delegates and militar,
and naval representa- there will b,
30 secretary to the delega ton and
number Of assistant secretaries anC
clerks.