Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1918-12-21
FEBRUARY is
NOW HELD AS
LIKELY DATE
Paris Exchanges Also De
ferred-Wilson Conf
dent of Success.

Paris. Dec. 2Is-The preIIm-
mary peace conference at YER
: sailies has been postponed Hn-
Ill the beginning of February
at the earliest, says Marcel
HUT HUtin, editor of the Echo
d. Paris. This p0StpOncment is
due to changes IN plans of Pres
id2nt Wilson's visit to England
and the reconstruction Of the
/ British cabinet, which will Oc-
cuPy Premier Lloyd George as
J soon as the result of the eiec-
! tons is announced Dec Is.
/ Preliminary exchanges which
were to begin in Paris today, ac-
cording to original plans, have also
been deferred
President Wilson, in an inter
view, says he is confident that the
big council of statesmen of the
world will be able to reach a just
and reasonable solution of prob
lens that Will be presented at the
peace conference.
Get Down to Study.
President Wilson and the Amer
lean delegates had today a day Of
few Interruptions before them in
which to study, in a preliminary
way, various plans which have been
proposed for carrying out details
of Mr.. Wilson's program
Apparently the other powers are
looking to the United States to
bring forth concrete propositions
concerning freedom of the seas.
Probably the American delegation
has not agreed upon any one of the
many suggested plans having this
question in view, but there is rea-
son to believe that the proposed
limitation of construction of naval
craft to lightly armored vessels,
like revenue cutters, whose sole
purpose would be to protect mer-
chant shTppEaf buds mKsEs--sA--es-.s.-
Advocates of this plan say there
would be no further use for heavily
armed ships were all nations placed
on an equal footing by this means.
No Need for Fleet.
In answer to the British plea,
that she requires great navy TO
defend her colonies, advocates OF
the plan of limiting construction
say that, with no enemy of the sea-
England would not require a great
feet, as she could protect her dis
tant possessions by troops dispatch
ed on armed transports.
This is only one of the plans ad-
vanced to open the discussion and
develop the views of other powers.
Correspondents Anxious.
Delay in formulating plans for
the procedure of the peace confer
ence is causing uneasiness among
American and other foreign CORE
spondents who are eagerly awaiting
definite word as to whether open
sessions will be held and whether
che censorship will be relaxed as to
news of non-military character.
Plans have been perfected for the
American correspondents to make
trip through the battle zone during
the Christmas holidays. Chaul-
mont and Tours viii be among the
points visited.
COnfers With Spain Chief.
Count Romanones, the Spanish
premier, was in conference for half
an hour with President Wilson last
evening. 1t is reported the pre-
mier invited the president to visit
Spain, but no official announce
ments as to Mr.. Wilson's reply has
been made
Premier ClemeDceau also con-
ferred with the president during the
evening.
The Sorbonne viii confer an hon
orary degree on the president late
this afternoon.
Prepare Wilson Reception
London. Dec. 21-Arrangements
are being made for an imposing
military reception of President
Wilson, according to some of the
newspapers.
There will be a 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 TAX
ing part in the welcome OF Mr.. Will
son.
It is said that the route of the
procession Will be as extended as
possible so as TO permit of great
popular welcome.
Receives Acceptance
King George has received from
President and Mrs. Wilson an &C
ceptance of his invitation to be his
guest at buckingham palace during
their stay in London. They will be
quartered in the royal suite Gus
tomarily used by visiting monarchs
and will be entertained after II man
ner similar to that usually In the
royal visitors.
A meeting OF the war cabinet was
held today attended by represen-
tatives OF all government depart
ments, 10 arrange tho detailg OF ths
presidential visit, which VIII last
from Thursday next, until Monday
night or Tuesday morning.
RIVER BILL FOR $4,000. 900.
Washington. Dec. el-The river
and harbnrH aDurourtation bill car