The Watertown news. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1917-1919, 1918-12-02
PLAN Peaceful
SEA SOLUTION.
Allied PremierS Are Now in Daily
Discussion of Two Big
Principles.
WILSON PAvES WAY TO PACT
Versailles Congress May Leave Prob
lem Unsettled Till Nations Can
Agree on Decision-U. S. Will
Not Limit Warships.

Washington, Dec. 2.-Impressions
that there will be any fatal friction
between any of the allies and the
United States at the peace table are
not held In any authoritative quar-
ters in Washington.
On the eve of the presidents ap
pearance before congress it is stated
that the allied premiers are in daily
discussion of the two big principles
which are to be settled on or be In
process of certain settlement before
President Wilson leaves the peace
conference.
Wilson Yields on Indemnity.
1t is pointed out that President viii.
son paved the way for amicable ad
iustments of certainly one of the big
questions when he advised the allies
that he confirmed to the principle that
there should be indemnities.
1t is said that the principle now
having been generally agreed to, the
measure of the indemnity, while diff
6cult, Is only arithmetical, and car
be arranged by a subordinate body OF
men to be taken from the economic
and legal experts attached to every
embassy to the peace conference.
1t is freely admitted, however, that
the question Of the freedom of the
seas is one that demands either an
early new definition or general
agreement on a practical application
Of the present understanding.
1t is noted here that while Presi-
1ent Wilson answered the allies
promptly, acceding to indemnities as
feasible and just, he, too, as Great
Britain has done, reserved the main
question for the council table Of the
world.
Even this, If there should be wide
diversion of opinion after the discus
sions begin around the table, will not
aecessarily create an impasse.
Remedy In "Modus Vivendi."
1t is said that there is always the
remedy to prevent such things in what
statesmen know as the "mOduS vi
7endi." The main question may be
passed over, If there is no unanimous
agreement on a definition, but there
could be an agreement that no nation
could act at least without sufficient
notice to each and every one Of the
nations represented at the council
BOARD.
It is not impossible, or even i'm
probable, that the freedom Of the seas
nay be defined satisfactorily to two
,r more of the powers in the peace
:ongre IS. 1t is nevertheless stated
that this does not imply that any of
he nations will surrender their opin-
.ons on the subject or that their non
surrender would mean a fatal break
n the congress. 1t is certain that the
principle of the "mOdus vivendi''
would be as practical and feasible be-
:ween all nations as between two ma
ions.
U. S. Won't Limit Warships.
In this connection it was stated
hat there is no intention on the part
If this government to limit it's war
ship construction, but that this Is
something entirely apart from peace
congress discussions.
Officials say that it will be time
enough to discuss the academic ques-
ions of the number Of ships each ma
ion might be asked for as q naval
world peace Ratr1 when the peace
congress unanimously agrees or dis
agrees to any proposition of gradual
disarmament.