New-York tribune., 1918-11-17

manifested a desire for independence.
mas nos ves been decided by the Al
lies.
It was regarded as likely to-day that
no state would be admitted TO the con-
ference which had not previously been
recognized as de facto by the Allies.
In any event, however. repre- sentatives
o. such states will have an onportur;ty
70 be heard at the peace conference
Dy the section considering the problem
respecting them
NO decision has yet been reached -
70 Russian reoresentation at The con-
terence, It IS now doubted here that
RUSSIA will have delegation empow-
cred to vote equally with the other Al
led nations President Wilson NAV
suggest to the Allies method by which
representation for the Rus sian democ-
racy can be obtained without doing
violence TO the sensblities of Russia
or to conventions which usually govern
selection Of such delegations.
Neutrals to Have No Voice
Neutral nations will have no voice in
the conference, but their representa-
tlves will be able to appear before sub
committees or sections and state COM
paints and requests, There is thought
TO be under consideration the issuance
o. invitations to neutral governments
TO send representatives to the final ses-
sion Of the conference. in which the
league of nations proposal will be
voted on.
The alternative plan is to submit the
league Of nations convention to the
neutral governments for ratification
after it shall have been adopted by
the peace congress, but the neutral OBJ
lection to this proposal would be that
q new order Of international life and
conduct had been projected for them
without their having had an opportu-
nifty Of being heard, and that if the
league is to be universal they have a
right to be represented in any tribunal
creating II,
Justice for Neutrais
The neutral nations will have no
voice in any other work Of the confer
ence. They may, however, appear be-
fore its sections as plaintiffs against
the Central Powers and present griev-
ances and claims for redress on ac-
count of outrages and injuries suf-
fered from the enemies violation of
international law. They will be heard
impartially, and perhaps for the first
time in the history of international
relations a peace conference will be
also court Of justice to right wrongs
committed against neutrals
The role of the United States in the
conference will be unique. Except
when this country's delegation assumes
leadership, which will be pronounced
III regard to moral and humanitarian
questions, it is most likely to play the
part of arbiter among the Allies them
selves and among the Allied and enemy
delegations. The keynote of the Amer
lean delegation will be "exact justice,
and opposition toward the American
delegation is expected chiefly when il
inclines too strongly toward mercy.
Lingulst FOR Chairman
1t was hinted in an Allied quarter
to-day that heads of Allied delega-
tions would be foreign ministers and
not Premiers. The chairman of the
conference. it was thought, would be
French, which will be the official Ian
guage Of the conference.
1t was doubted if Secretary Of State
lansing spoke French with sufficient
fuency to make him an ideal presiding
officer, but it was suggested that he
might be made honorary president.
There was an inclination, however, to
believe that this distinction would be
reserved for President Wilson
AS there will be military and naval
sections, economic and social sections
political and scientific sections, en-
bracing experts on geography, ethnol-
ogy, history and languages, it was said
to-day that the lmerican delegation
composition than has heretofore been
thought likely 1t was assumed that
General Pershing would represent the
military interests Of the United States.
as Field Marshal Haig and General
Petain are expected to represent Eng
land and France respectively on their
delegations 1t was believed Admiral
Benson, in whom President Wilson and
Secretary Daniels have the utmost con-
6dence, would represent the American
naval interests.
Admiral Benson and General Per-
shing would return to Washington to
receive instructions direct from Pres
ident Wilson. if they should be selected
TO attend the conference.
IN the economic field, representatives
Of American trade, of international
commerce and of shipping problems
will probably be selected Edward N.
Hurley has been spoken of as one. A
second might come from the chair of
econom Of some university.
Labor Delegate Likely.
Contrary to some predictions, a rep
resentative of American labor. it is