New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-01-26
Wilson to Get First
View To-day of War
Havoc Near Rheims
President to Tour Surround
ing District in Army Auto;
Effect of Scene on Him Is
Discussed: Goes to Opera

PARIS, Jan. 25.-President Wilson
will have his first view of the havoc
wrought in Northern France by the
Germans tomorrow. On that day he
will make the first of series of short
trips by going to Rheims, from which
city he viii tour the surrounding dis
trct in an army motor car
Later the President expects to make
another visit to the battle area, prob
ably the region of Verdun He will
20 on Sunday or some other day be-
tween the sessions of the peace con
ference when he feels he is not taking
the time he thinks he should devote to
business.
The President will take very small
party. It win include Mrs. Wilson,
Rear Admiral Grayson and French
army officer familiar with the field
and military operations that took
place there and who will explain the
situation to the President as they 80
along.
Although the President has been
strongly urged by the French au,
thorites to visit the devastated dis
trcts as ono of the first events of his
visit to France, he has not considered
that he has had the time until now.
His views on the question of repara-
ton by Germany have been fairly we'll
defined by those about him. and what
effect, if any his visit to the ruined
regions may have on his opinions in
that regard is the subject of lively
discussion among Freuchmcn.
President Goes to Opera
President Wilson went to the opera
last night to see performance of
"Castor and Pollux." 1t was the first
time he had gone to a regular per-
formance since he left Washington.
six weeks ago. The President took
with him a very small party, includ
ing Henry White, General Bliss and
Rear Admiral Grayson.
The performance was put on in gala
fashion and the audience apparently
was holiday one. Most of those
present obviously came for two things
to see the President of the United
States and the opera.
Though much Of the vast auditori-
UNI was taken up by persons of official
rank. there was still room for the
public. which waged a merry war all
day long with ticket spectators, who
probably reaped u harvest as prices,
reported by Americans who sought
tt,1oS no
normal.
The Pres ident and his party occu-
pied orc OF the principal boxes and
they were the cynosure Of all eyes.
When the Pres dent entered he re-
ceived tremendous demonstration.
"The Star Spangled Banner" was sung,
and then the "Marseillaise, after
which the performance began.
Once between the acts the Presi-
dent and Mrs. Wilson went behind the
scenes and shook hands with the prin-
cipals of the chorus and ballet.
Tea Was Great Event
The tea given at the Paris White
House Friday was an event the like of
which the French capital probably had
never seen. 1t was especially and ex-
clusively for the working men and wo-
men who surround the President and
Mrs. Wilson during their stay here.
It's purpose was to make them feel that
they were members of the offic al fam
lly, no matter what their occupations.
The gendarmas who guard the great
palace gates, the gruff sergeants and
buck, prvates Of the American troops
that patrol the inner grounds, the
chauffeurs who whir the Pres dential
cars about the streets as Il happy re-
lief from dispatch riding at the