Evening journal., 1919-01-02
Bv the UnlIed press.

BY the United Press.
ABOARD PRESIDENT WILSON'S S TRAIN
BOUND FOR ITALY, Jan. 2.-Pursuing
the same course he has followed in
( France and England, President Wilson
Avill talk directly 10 the people OF Italy
as well as confer with their leaders.
lie will make every effort 10 clear up
any possible misunderstanding enter
tained by the Italians concerning his
peace program.
In summing up the Presidents work
i'm Europe so far, Il Is certain that he
has made the greatest progress toward
lining up the Allied countries In favor
Of the league Of nations. His speeches
have emphasized the forecast that he
intends the league shall be the fore
most subject Of the peace conferences.
lie has made it clear that America will
refuse TO join any combination except a
world league. oppose any balance OF
power and insist upon peace Of just
ice. The leaders Of the associated ma
tions. he has declared, will sit in the
conferences as the peoples representa-
tives, not their masters.
Freedom Of the seas is plainly the
one outstanding difficulty now. but the
American delegates are very hopeful
that complete agreement will be reach
cd on this subject.
President Wilson is thoroughly en-
iOying the trip-his second successive
day OF complete relaxation. King VIC
tor Emmanuel's private train which vas
placed at the disposal Of the Presidential
party, is the very acme Of comfort and
luxury It's nine coaches are I'm charge
Of the Kings personal stan. President
and Mrs. Wilson's car is in the center
of the train. Its exterior is Of the
same dark blue as the other coaches
and Is emblazoned with the royal coat
Of arms. Its interio. is a combination
Of mahogany and blue satin.
A small but enthusiastic crowd gath
cred at the station in Paris last even
ing 90 wish the President bon voyage.
In response 20 repeated cheers he came
out on the vestibule just before tho
train left and stood, hat in hand. bowling
and smiling, but made no speech.
PARIS. Jan. 2.-On the eve Of the for
nal conferences the peace capital OF
The world is being swept by a battle
between pessimism and optimism.
Warned by Premier Clemenceau that
The road to peace probably viii not be
strewn with roses together with his ad-
mission fiat he is not opposed TO con-
tinuatlon Of armed alliances on land and
sea. the opposition element in France
5 freely crticising the Premier's policy
as dangerous and predicting that long
debates viii feature the deliberations.
Despite the fact the outcome Of these
apparent differences now seems doubt
full the frank public discussion Of De
balable issues at this time Is believed
by high pcrsonages in both London and
Paris 20 assure a complete understand
ing and make the formal conferences
much briefer than was anticipated.
The man in the street is blowing hot
and cold. The public is notlceably
keener for the Congress 10 set under
way.
In the meantime two currents OF
opinion are clashing. The Humanite
which reflects one, says.
Premier Clemenceau and Foreign
Minister Pichon have formulated their
conception OF peace. 1t is q raw con
tradictlon Of President Wilson's. Let
us unfold ourselves. The Allies ideas
lack unity now. Then where viii The
conference bring us2"
Government circles, however, main
that Clemenceau and Wilson have the
same goal and merely express them
selues differently.
"The peace of the world will not en-
dure unless France is made secure y
declared the Temps.
This Is the keystone OF Clemenceau's
program. Undoubtedly he VIII insist