The Chattanooga news. [volume] (Chattanooga, Tenn.) 1891-1939, 1918-12-23

It is hoped that a similar conse-
quence will follow the trip of Mr..
Wilson to London this week. At the
same time, however. 1t is made plain
that II such influence is carried out
too far, the result might be the in
volving of America in an entangling
European alliance. But men OF vision
in the future of the United States
express the hope and belief that the
president will clear up his own atti-
tude on this line at an early GATE.
If this is not done, it may result In
further criticism at home.
President Wilson had no early en-,
gagements today, but 1t was expected
that at least some of the morning
would be spent in arranging fpture
conferences.
Arrangements are not yet com
plete for his trip to Rome. but IL is
believed they will be announced
shortly. This journey will lnciude
visits to the Turin and Milan indus
trial centers. After reaching Rome.
the president will visit the Quirinal
(the palace of the king), the Vatican
and the Methodist college, thus pre-
venting criticism on sectarian lines,
1t was considered certain today. ;.
Officials close to the president
hope that at least some of the ques-
tior.s most embarrassing to President
Wilson and his colleagues will be
cleared up before the Italian trip IS
made early in the new year. In addi-
ton to the matters already mentioned
two other new ones which have not
vet been solved are the disposition
of the German fleet and the punish
ment of the ex-kaiser and other Ger
man officials. In view, of the CLOUDY
situation that has developed, 1t Is
possible that an official statement
may be made by the American states
man soon. The commissioners franK-
ly explain that these are questions
upon which an open mind is neces-
sary.
The Franco italian suggestion that
the surrendered craft Of the German
fleet be equally distributed has FOUND
much support among neutrals. IL is
made clear. however, that opinion IN
the United States regarding both
problems must be ascertained pe1ore
a definite decision Is reached.
Martyrize War Criminals.
Furthermore, It is pointed out that
one thing which must be watched
closely Is van effort to martyrize any
war criminal. This might influence
the Judgment Of the American peo-
pie, who in a spirit of justice would
be led to demand complete proof, and
then punishment that would stand
the test of time.
A sidelight upon the difficulty at
tending the pre- conference situation
ia given by the Paris Midi. This pa
per. in a two-column editorial on the
first page headed, LET Us occupy
Our Imperious Duty" ar
CUES that there could be no society
of nations so long as armed hordes
run wild in Russia infiicting misery
upon innocent people. 1t winds up:
president Wilson is In Europe.
His army is also here. There is a
under way to liberate the
Russians from the misery of fright
full tyranny. France has maintained
for four years by the
heroism of her children, and now has
the right to search for a. qualified sue
cessor to whom she can trust the glo-
rious mandate Of an armed apostle"
Visit to Hospital.
The president and Mrs. Wilson
we're greatly moved by his visit TO
the Red Gross nOSpltdl aC Neulily vi
Sunday. The president spoke to and
shook hands with many of the
wounded heroes. and many who were
without arms or had their hands In
bandages he patted on the shoulder.
Mr.. Wilson desires that all of the
American wounded be returned home
as quickly as possible, a desire that
was intensified by the trip to the
Neuilly hospital
In fact. the speedy transportation
,f the American wounded is q prob
em upon which the president Is
personally. He is urging
Edward N. Hurley. chairman of the
American shipping board, to get all
possible transports for the task as
quickly as he can.
There is considerable friendly n
valry among the Paris golf clubs to
secure the presence Of Mr.. Wilson on
heir links. The president is known
as an ardent golfer but has been
to content himself with
as his chief means of get
ting outdoor exercise.