Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1918-12-14
PRESIDENT MAY STAY
IN EUROPE TWO MONTHS
Possibly VIII Make Second Trip if
His Presence at Peace Table
is Necessary
By Associated Press to Every Eveain-

By Associated Press 10 Every Eyeainy
On Board the George Washington. Dec.
II DELAYED President Wilson will re-
main in Europe probably two months,
returning 10 Washington, if Indications
prevail that his presence is necessary Just
before the close of the present Congress
II later he is required at the peace table,
1t is said he will not hesitate TO return to
France 1t Is known, however. that be
hopes to avoid this latter contingency
and that all affairs requiring his counsel
will be disposed of before the middle Of
February.
Ii is said President Wilson 5 conferences
with Entente statesmen during the next
few days undoubtedly will centre on qucs-
tlons surrounding the proposed league Of
nations and the definition of freedom OF
the seas" and possibly, also, on the ques-
ton of indemnity.
On the question of the league of nations
there will be discussion. II Is said, whether
the league shall be provided for in the
treaties of peace or later. 1t Is known
to be President Wilson position that the
peace treaties should embody agreements
TO create league Of nations. Ii is also
known to be his conviction that there Is
strong necessity for establishing, upon
clear definition, of freedom of the seas
The much discussed Point In President
Wilson fourteen essential points for
peace. on which Great Britain has reserved
decision. Is said to be not intended to
spec fy unqualified freedom of the seas
outside territorial waters, but only TO
stlpulatc that no single nation shall re-
strict freedom and that when freedom
Is restricted 1t shall be only by concrete
power enforcing international covenants.
1t IS expected the President will approach
what may be differences in opinion rather
than of principle and that he will rely
upon open minded conferences and pro-
cesscs which will not involve unnecessary
antagonism
1t IS said to lie his attitude that neither
the United States nor the other govern
ments should assume the role Of master
and that he believes IS supported BY
public opinion generally.ls TO the agree
ment 10 be sought for between peoples.
rather than Governments, as essentials
to a peoples war
The reduction of ornaments proposed
III President Wilson's Fourteen Points
specifies reductions not below domestic
safety. Statesmen seem 10 be agreed
that 10 reduction OF domestic anuaments
without international unity is expected.
The attitude of President Wilson with
regard to indemnltles Is generally be
lieved 10 he that the general necessity Tor
the pay ymcnt Of great sum will be justified
only il based on most careful and judicial
consideration The President IS said to
agree fully with the Entente Premlers rs
to the great wrongs Of military power,
but to feel most strongly that the ways
of righting them must TIC consistent
with the object of the war 1t is asserted
that he thinksthe right procedure would
be first a careful determination OF Just
CLAIMS and demands for reparation for
damage and then the determination OF
the method of payment and the posi-
hility of obtaining payment The decisions
to have been reached On these
vital SUBJECTS by the Entente are believed
20 be tentative.
In determining the question of free
dom of the seas it is thought radical
revision of maritime practices prob
ably will arise.