The Chattanooga news. [volume] (Chattanooga, Tenn.) 1891-1939, 1918-12-30
CONFIDENCE in
CLEMENCEAU
"The Tiger" Wins by Vote of
$50 to 134 After
Stormy Debate.
REPLIES TO CHARGES
Defends Balance of Power
System-Pays Tribute to
Wilson'S Open Mind.

SyosVA4 ~yS ~AANSS w
Wilson's Open Mind.
Paris, Sunday. Dec. 2s.-(A. P)-
Premier Clemenceau was given a
vote of confidence, $50 to 1874, IN the
chamber Of deputies today after a
stormy debate, during which the war
aims of France were outlined by Ste
phen Pichon. foreign minister. and
the premier had indicated his adher-
ence to the ''old system Of alliance
called the balance Of power.
It was indicated by the premier
that the formation OF a league o.
nations might be carried out coinci-
dentally with the drafting OF the
treaty of peace. NJ. Renaudel, So
cialist, brought about this statement
by expressing his regret that the al
lies had decided not to organize the
league until after peace had been de-
clared.
In addressing the chamber of dcpu-
ties last night, Premier Clemenceau
made 1t plain 1t was his intention to
support Great Britain in the peace
negotiations on the question OF the
freedom Of the seas. and he declared
that his attitude In this matter was
approved by President Wilson.
The premier told the chamber
that now was the time to change
pilots, but the deputies gave him n
vote of confidence by $50 TO 1874.
Premier Clemenceau explained the
peace situation as 1t concerned
France. Great Britain and the United
f3tafSs and nSypeared fullySto satisfy
all except the unified socialists, who
repeatedly interrupted him In a man :
ha n q
characterized as indecent
Premier Clemenceau said his con-
versations with President Wilson had
been profitable. although. he added.
II should not be telling the truth II
I said had always been IN agree
ment with him on all points"
In summing up his argument TOT
full confidence and the exercise or
patience by the chamber, the premier
declared:
"There will be claims to be set
forth and others which will have to
be given up. II mounted the ros,
trum to elaborate the subject, would
be the worst premier IN Europe.
That does not mean we are not
working hard to prepare a line Oh
action for the peace congress-"
Nothing of the Sort" was the an
swer Of M. Clemenceau.
'Whether this chamber gives me
a vote OF confidence or not, l am
ready to resign Office" he continued.
"If YOU have a minutes hesitation
now is the time to change your pilot
You cannot do it when we are under
way" a,
Replying to charges made by AL
bert Thomas, socialist leader, that
he had kept the chamber without
information, Premier Clemenceau
said:
"The question Of peace Is
tremendous problem. 1t Is ques-
ton which is one Of the most difficult
ever submitted to the nation at any
time. In a few days a conference
of delegates will meet at Paris Whlcn
will settle the fate Of nations In all
parts of the world.
"PeopIe say, Premier Lloyd George
has spoken, President Wilson mas
spoken, but you have said nothing.
7 have given explanations whenever
Won have asked me. But 1t isn't be-
cause Mr.. Lloyd George has spoken,
or because Mr.. Wilson has arrived
from America with elevated thoughts
that am obliged to explain myself
and keep running to the speakers
rostrum.
France was in an especially difH-
cult situation. It was the country
nearest Germany. America was far
away and took her time to come into
the war. England came at once at
the call Of Mr.. Asquith. We suffered
and fought; our men were moved
down and our towns and villages
were destroyed.
"There is an old system Of alliances
called the balance Of power 1t
seems to be condemned nowadays.
but IL such a balance had preceded
the war: If England, the United
States. France and Italy had agreed,
say. that whoever attacked one OF
them attacked the whole world, the
system OF alliances. which I do not
renounce, will be my building thought
at the peace conference IL your con-
fidence sends me there.
II have been reproached with de-
ceiving President Wilson. / do not
understand why. have made 1t q
rule not to question him, but to let
him develop his views. That Is what
he did. President Wilson, to whom
certain persons, in the interest OF
their parties. attribute intentions
which perhaps are not his. has
opened his mind and has inspired re-
spect through his simple speech and
the nobility of it.
president Wilson said to me: \
will try to convince you, but perhaps
you will convince me-"
Since Thursday the government
bench had sat in obdurate silence. re-
fusing to reply to any queries, but
when M. Pichon ascended the tribune
this afternoon he was ready to an
swer. He declared:
"First-That the government was
In accord that the utmost publicity
should be given to the peace confer
ence. thus replying to the interpella- :
ton of the socialist deputy. Marcel
Cachin. OF last Friday. when he
asked Premier Clemenceau to state
whether secret diplomacy would he
abandoned in the peace conference
fHan4fnnaA ~ Dada ol