The Oskaloosa herald., 1918-12-19
FRANCE AND j. s.
ARE IN HARMONY
HAVE FULLY AGREED ON PEACE
CONFERENCE PLANS
AMERICA HOLDS ADVANTAGE
Her Great Stores of Raw Materials
and Her Demonstrated Ability to
Build Ships Have Given Her
the Whip Hand.

Build Ships Have Given Her
the Whip Hand.
Paris, Dec. 18.-The first conference
of the American delegates will be held
at five o'clock this afternoon, when
President Wilson will go to meet the
other representatives
The Presidents principle conference
preceding the American conference
was with Gabriel Haratoux, former
French Foreign Minister.
He was busy this morning studying
reports and data of the recent con-
ferences.
France and U. s. In Accord.
BY William Phillips Simms, Paris,
Dec. 1S.-President Wilson has been
in France but one week, but signs are
piling up that France and the United
States are coming to an agreement.
This does not mean that they are in
absolute agreement on the entire
peace program but everything is com
Ting right along according to the con-
victions of the French.
French Diplomats are Mum.
Every political chief has already
been called to the Murat Palace
where eye for eye the Americans and
the French can look upon each other
France admits that she greatly adj
,,o;ras DraSidanf NTilcny, ard will rri1o
the domestic situation of the United
States.
They are sphinxes themselves. how
ever regarding all matters less they
embarras the government.
Americas Potent Weapons.
By Robert J. Bender, Paris, Dec. IS.
Americas most potent weapons at
the peace meeting will be. her ship
building facilities and the control of
raw material. .
1t has begun to increase in evidence
that these will be highly important in
the conference from which President
Wilson hopes to attain acquiescence
in Americas ideals.
What Others Want.
Great Britain it is learned would
like two million merchant ships and
France would like one million.
Both countries are eager to effect
an agreement for the distribution of
raw material and assurance against
overcharges.
All nations would appreciate the ma
tionalization of Americas Merchant
Marine and her share of raw mater
ials thus ending Americas virtual
domination of world markets.
The League Of Nations :
Americas plans for the building of
merchant marine and the pooling OF
raw material will be held up until the
attitude of the nations towards the
League of Nations is finally effected.
1t is said that the president regards
this as the most essential feature OF
the peace treaty. Americas participa-
ton in the worlds politics and COM
merciaI activities will lead to the point
which will depend upon the willing
ness of the entente to enter into the
league of nations.
President Wilson is expected to
show that league OF nations Will
eliminate the danger of one nation al
fecting a discriminatory freight rate
against the other.
Wilson As a Joke-Smith.
BY Robert J. Bender, Paris, Dec. is.
The sta ssmen OF Europe are laugh
ing at President Wilson's jokes. He
was noted in Washington as a story
teller and his reputation in that regard
is already made here.
Premier Clemenceau especially en-
joys some of the Presidents quips.
Many silk Hats In evidence.
Though deeply appreciating the hon.
or which is shown to the President,
the American party is glad the cere-
mony is ended so that they can get
down to work.
More silk hats have been on exhibt
tion in Paris during the past few days
than at any time since the war began.
"Little America In Paris.
The Place de la Concorde is Little
America" Dozens Of automobiles
are always parked In front OF the
Crillon hotel. American statesmen
and soldiers are always about. There
is always a great variety Of visitors at
the American headquarters at Crillor
Senate Discussing Peace Terms.
Washington. Dec. lS,-The foreign
relations committee today was prepar.
ing final action on the Knox resolution
expressing the sentiment OF the SEN
ate that league Of nations should not
be considered until after the peace
treaty has been signed. Sentiment
Of the committee 1t is understoodN us
leyenly divided.