The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1919-01-18

Paris. Jan. 1S.-"You hold in your
hands the future of the world" Presi-
dent POincare of France declared to-
day, in his address to the peace dele
gates at the opening of the conference
of Paris.
Welcoming the commissioners,
Poincare thanked the nations for
choosing Paris for the conference.
Germany" he said, 'willed to rule
BY iron and she perished by iron"
Reviewing the reasons for each ma
tons entry into the war, he dweIled
especially upon the course pursued by
the United States and the events that
led up to America warning on Ger
many.
Hail TO President.
He hailed President Wilson in the
name of France and of all countries
Tepresented in the conference hall,
lauded the American people and
praised the allied troops and the
arm.es of tie United States for finish
ing their task.
The victory, Poincare declared. was
total victory and the delegates ought
10 draw out of this total victory the
total consequences.
The associated powers unity for
work, he said, ought to continue to
exist in unity for peace. A spirit of
JuSt4CGt ne declared, should give the
conference in its deliberations. He
recommended the establishment of a
league of nations
Tie Conference Opens.
Paris Jan 1S.-The peace confer
cnce convened for its first Official ses-
sion 1t 800 p. m. today
Delegates representing twenty-sfx
nations meet in the famous Clock
hall' 1.-the Quai d Orsay. President
l'olncare made the opening address
ire peace delegates sat at a huge
horseshoe shaped table. their secre-
iari' $ at small tables near by. This
helnS the first session, it was open,
and newspaper correspondents were
permitted to be present. None of the
tremendous issues of the peace settle
fnent were to be taken UP. The sit
ting was to be devoted to the formalf-
Ties attendant to the convening of the !
most important gathering at which
President Wilson, leading the peace
delegation of the United states. in
tended to put thru his league of ma
tons plan and other measures which
he believes will end wars and make
the world safe for civilization.
The Problems Coming.
Formation of definite policy
toward the Russian soviet government. |
lndemnities to be collected from Ger
many. final disposition Of the Ger
les, regulation of national boundar-
les. the demand of Greece for Con-
stantinople. the disposition of the Holy
land, lreland's demand for home rule,
under the principle of self-determina-
ton. adjustment of national boundar-
les along racial lines. freedom of the
seas, and reduction of armaments were
among the important questions con-
fronting the peacemakers as they as
sembled.
The delegates present represented
all the nations associated in the war
on Germany and in addition Peru,
Ecuador. Uruguay and Bolivia, which
severed diplomatic relations with Ger
many. The central powers were not
represented. When the peace treaty
has been drawn up. the delegates rep
resenting the German government and
its former allies will be asked in to
sign.
League of Natious First.
When the conference starts regular
proceedings, the league of nations will
be the first issue taken up This will
he done at the insistence of President
Wilson. Premier Clemenceau IS the
one who is expected to bring it up for
discussion
The delegates included the follow
ing:
United States-President Wilson.
Secretary Lansing, Henry White, Cen
eral Bliss
Great Britain-Premier Ilovd
George, Foreign Secretary Balfour. /
Chancellor Bonar Law. George y.
Barnes
France-Premier Clemenceau, For
eign Minister Pichon. Marshal Foch.
(generalissiTno of the aTies)
Italy-Premier Orlando. Foreign
Minister Sonnino. General Diaz.
Japan-Niscount Chinda. Ambassa- !
dor to Great Britain; Baron Natsui. |
amba ssa dor to France
Belgium-Foreign Minister Hv
mans, Emile Vandervelde, Minister of !
Justice.
Greece-Premier NenizeIos. and
Wnntinued on Page Twol