Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1918-12-06
The Presidents Address.

Congress, In joint session last Monday,
heard President Wilson announce formally
his purpose to attend the Peace Conference
and give his views on the part the Govern
ment should play in dealing with after
the-war problems.
Democrats Of the House received the an
nouncement with cheers. which some Sena-
tors joined; the Republicans were silent
almost throughout the address. except
when the President referred to the valor
and efficiency Of Americas soldiers, and
mentioned the names of Pershing and
Sims. Threatened interruptions by men,
bers who disapprove OF the trip. and
Of the Presidents failure to include
Senator among the peace delegates. how
ever. did not materialize.
Upon the much-discussed question of
the Presidents attendance at the Peace
Conference. Mr.. Wilson said: Il welcome
this occasion to announce to the Congress
my purpose to join in Paris the represen-
tatives of the Governments with which we
have been associated in the war against
the Central Empires for the purpose of
discussing with them the main features Of
the treaty of peace. | realize the GREAT
inconvenience that will attend my leav-
ing the country. particularly at this time.
but the conclusion that it was my para
mount duty to 60 has been forced upon me
by considerations which hope will seem
as conclusive to you as they have seemed
to me.
THE Allied Governments have accepted
the bases Of peace which outlined to the
Congress on the 9Th Of January last. as
the Central Empires also have, and very
reasonably desire my personal counsel in
their Interpretation and application. and
1t is highly desirable that should give it,
in order that the sincere desire Of our Gov
eminent to contribute. without selfish pur-
pose of any kind. to settlements that will
be Of common benefit to all the nations
concerned may be made fully manifest.
II shall be in close touch with you and
with affairs on this side Of the water.
and you will know all that | do. At my re-
quest, the French and English Governments
have absolutely removed the censorship
of cable news which. until within fort
night, they had maintained, and there is
now no censorship whatever exercised at
this end. except upon attempted trade
communications with enemy countries. 1t
has been necessary to keep wire con-
stantly available between Paris and the
Department Of State, and another between
France and the Department Of War.
in order that this might be done with
the least possible interference with the
other uses Of the cables, have temporarily
taken over the control Of both cables In
order that they may be used as a sim
die system. did so at the advice of
the most experienced cable officials. and
hope that the results will justify my hope
that the news Of the next few months may
pass with the utmost freedom. and with
the least possible delay from each side of
the sea to the other.
Il am the SERVANT VI tnc ndtlOn. can
have no private thought or purpose Of my
own in performing such an Grand SO to
Give the best that is in me to the common
settlements which must now assist in
arriving at in conference with the other
working heads Of the associated govern
ments. shall count upon your friendly
countenance and encouragement"
The Presidents annual address was read
before a crowd that filed floors and galle-
ries. He reviewed at length the country's
accomplishments in the war, paying tribute
to the armed forces and to loyal workers
at home. Among other things, he dis
closed that he thinks the problem Of read.
justment is taking care Of itself without
Government aid
1T Is surprising" he said. how fast the
process of return to peace footing has
moved in the three weeks since the fighting
stopped. 1t promises to outrun any in
curry that may be instituted. and any
aid that may be offered 1t will not be
easy to direct it any better than it will