The Chattanooga news. [volume] (Chattanooga, Tenn.) 1891-1939, 1919-01-14

10y Jonn EuWln NeVtn.)
Paris, Jan. 14.--u. N. S.)--The
/ question OF. representation by the,
ssn&isg nstipns at the peace cons.
ferencn Is looming up today as one
OF the hgest problems confronting
the commissioners of the "big four"
This question. It is understood,
was precipitated by President Will
son, who expressed unwillingness tc
have the great powers settle inter-
national questions out of hand and
then call in the smaller nations and
say Sign here"
The matter may be settled at the
adjourned meeting of the supreme
interallied council on Wednesday as
well as the number of plenipoten-
taries that will sit at the round
table when the peace conference
opens at the foreign Office at $3.50
o'clock Saturday afternoon.
Although there were no formal
conferences on President Wilson's
program of activities today, he met
and talked Informally with some OF
the British, French and Italian
statesmen on problems that still lack
a settlement. He saw also, some Of
Tie tntlnDCio VI tlib COit-
mission at the Hotel Crillon, and
called upon Col. r. M. House. who
is sick in bed and recovering.
The Americans have secured the
consent of the allies for utilization of
German shipping (including some Of
the German warships turned over
to Great Brittany, for the use of
American soldiers that are being
sent home. They can be utilized for
carrying foodstuffs on their return
voyage.
The only two Japanese representa-
tives at Mondays session of the
council were the Nipponese ambas-
sadors to France and England. but
the official peace delegates are ex-
pected here in tire to take part in
the formal opening of the actual
peace conference on Saturday. The
ambassadors did not take part in
any of the discussions over the ex-
tension of the armistice from Jan. IL
but sat listening intently.
Returning Troops.
One matter that has been passed by
President Wilson through all sessions
was the imperativeness of returning all
American troops to the United States
without delay. Therefore. he insisted.
no time should be lost on matters OF
minor Importance. 1t may be stated
that this matter is causing the presi-
dent a great deal Of concern, inasmuch
as his desires are the same as those
men who made victory possible-that
they be allowed to resume their normal
peace occupations at the earliest pos
sibe moment.
Naturally the allies are anxious 10
keep the United States troops over as
- 49, ~as.aNrv ENsG
but this will not be permitted. The
same reason is actuating the Americans
in refusing to send any reinforcements
into Russia. inasmuch as the American
position is utterly opposed TO the utili-
Zation of force to overcome any nation
alty.
The failure to give out any detailed
official news about the sittings of the
council is increasing the embarrassment
Of the American reporters because the
French and British are more liberal in
keeping the press posted on develop
ments.
Some information has been formally
given out by Arthur Hugh Frazier. for
merly first secretary Of the American
embassy in Paris. but the correspond
ents complain that it is too mesgre and
fails to give a clear account of what
has been done.
II is contended by some of the COM
missioners that the French suggestion
OF each of the big powers being repre-
sented by FIVE delegates at the peace
should be modified. They ar
que that the membership should be cut
to two or three for the frst-class ma
tions, while the smaller powers should
not have more than one member each
present. This matter was argued at
some length at the sitting of the coun-
Gil yesterday.
Although satjsfactorv progress Is un-
derstood to have been made on a num-
Der cf matters. this question was not
settled.
While IL is officially announced that
all Of the allies will be represented. II
Is not known whether this will include
Russia and Rumania.
Official announcement on the details
Of the condition of the renewal of the