The Hays free press. [volume] (Hays, Kan.) 1908-1924, 1918-11-28
WILSON TOknEND
PEACE CONFERENCE
President Announces His lnten-
ton to Sail for Europe
in December.
TO PROtONG STAY IN FRANCE
Executive Plans TO Extend Visit Till
Work of Gathering Nears End
Retains His Office.

Washington, Nov. 20.-Democratic
senators who conferred with President
Wilson tonight. for two hours left the
White House with the impression that
the President now plans to remain in
France indefinitely, or at least until
the major portion of the work of the
peace conference has been completed.
The President was understood to be
especially interested in the applica-
ton, in the framing OF the treaty, Of
the principle of the freedom of the
seas, which he enunciated in his four
teen terms, and on which the Allies,
in agreeing to discuss peace with Ger
many, have reserved the right of free
dom of action at the peace confer
ence.
Believes League" Essential.
The plan for a league of nations
was another subject to :. hich the
President was said to have given
much study. He was understood to
regard it as essential for the mainten-
ance of the peace of the world.
During his absence from the United
States the President plans to continue
to exercise all the functions of his
office. He will keep in communica-
ton with Washington by wireless
while at sea and by cable and, if nee
essary, by dispatch boats while he is
abroad
His Office In Embassy.
While in France the President was
said to plan transaction of any neces-
sary executive business in the Ameri-
can embassy. Technically he then
would be on American soil. Should
he visit London or any Of the other
Allied capitals, the embassies there
would become his executive head
quarters
The Official Statement.
Washington, Nov. 19.-President-W vii
son will attend the opening sessions
of the peace conference. This was
announced tonight officially. He will
go Immediately after the converting of
| the regular session of congress on
December 2.
This official statement was issued
| at the White House:
1.-The President expects to sail for
! France Immediately after the opening
| of the regular session of congress, for
| the purpose of taking part in the dis
| cussion and settlement of the main
| features of the treaty of peace. 1t is
not likely that it will be possible for
/ him to remain throughout the sessions
Of the formal peace conference, but
his presence at the outset is neces-
sary in order to obviate the manifest
disadvantages of discussion by cable
in determining the greater outlines Of
the final treaty, about which he must
necessarily be consulted. He will, Of
course, be accompanied by delegates
who will sit as the representatives Of
the United States throughout the con-
ference.
Establishes a Precedent.
Mr.. Wilson is expected to receive
abroad a reception such as has been
accorded but few men in public life.
He will be welcomed not only as the
/ President of the United States and the
commander-in-chief of its armies and
navy, but also as the champion OF
world democracy.
In visiting Europe, the President
will be the first chief executive of the
United States to participate in a
peace conference for the settling Of
issues growing out Of war in which
this country participated, and likewise
he will be the first President to leave
North America during his term of
|