Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1919-01-18

the peace congress at o'clock this af-
ternoon. The Sale D'Horloge, now re-
christened the Sale de LAPaix and one
OF the most splendid reception rooms
in Europe. has been placed in readiness
for the delegations Of the various ma
lions as they entered to inaugurate the
sittinGs Of the full congress, the en-
tire chamber having been rearranged
inr the special purpose to which is now
ling put
st to catch the eye Of the pleni-
.ltiaries entering the hall Il statue
Q. peace, holding aloft the torch Of
civilization. had been placed. This his
toric marble figure stood directly be-
hind tho chair Of Premier Clemenceau u
OF France. the, presiding officer. It
seems. as IL the statue might have heen
placed in this position to exercise
controlling Influence on the dclibera-
tions.
In front OF the statue was spread the
council table covered with the tradi-
tional green baize OF diplomacy. This
table Is In the form OF huge horse
shoe. Across the upper end were nine
seats Of honor-for the presiding Of
fIcer. the vice president and premiers.
On each side Of the two arms of the
horseshoe there were fifteen seats,
making sixty seats. besides the nine
at the head Of the table.
hsfrsshmsnts' at Hand.
Each delegates chair was uphol-
stored IN bright red leather and before
each place was a complete equipment
OF writing materials. The sittings Of
the room were in white and gold. with
a frescoed ceiling bordered by dancing
cupids. -Four great lustre chandeliers
hung from the ceiling. while five large
windows. looking over the Seine river.
ous apartment.
Leading from the council room was
another large chamber overlooking the
garden. To this room the delegates
can retire for consultations. A large
table at one end suggested that re-
freshments would be served there to
the delegates.
Further on was 4 gorgeous state
dining room where luncheon and din
ner may be served TO the delegates in
case protracted sessions are held. The
whole suite Of rooms was suggestive
OF elegance and beauty and the artistic
taste Of the French.
Wilson Not to Speak.
All the peace delegations held final
meetings this morning before the as
sembling Of the peace congress this
afternoon. The American delegation
met at 10 o'clock but President Wilson
did not attend. remaining at the Mur:,t
- - 80
While there had been some expecta-
tion that President Wilson might ad-
dress the opening session on behalf Of
TIE foreign delegates in response to
President ,Foincaire's address Of well
come. II was finally determined that
there would be no speeches except
those Of President Poincare and Prem
ier Clemenceau when the premier takes
the chair as presiding officer Of the
congress.
poineairs Speaks Briefly.
The peace conference was formally
opened this afternoon with a speech by
President Poincaire. Of FraDce. Presi-
dent Poincare thanked the allied ma
fions for having chosen Paris for their
important work and praised tho valor
OF the allied armies which had pre-
served the capital Of France from the
enemy. The presidents speech was
as follows: .
Gentlemen: France greets and
thanks you for having chosen as the
scat OF your labors the city which for
more than four years the enemy has
made It's principal military objective
and which the valor Of the allied ar
mics had victoriously defended against
INCREASINGLY renewed attacks.
Permit me to see in your decision
the homage OF all nations that you
represent toward country which moro
than any other has endured the suf-
ferings Of war. Of which entire prov
3inces have been transformed into a
vast battlefield and have been sys-
tematically laid waste BY the invader
and which has paid the human tribute
In DEATH"
Cheering News from Germany.
with the assembling Of the first full