The sun., 1919-01-23

by way Of the Black Sea and the Bos-
porus
Aside from the Importance of the con-
| illusions reached II was especially nota-
BILE as being the first time that the
| voice of the United states has taken
| the direction In the concert of European
Powers on the most serious European
question now presented. There was
added Significance in the fact that an
American President In person had taken
| leadership In the council. made UP
chiefly OF European statesmen. and had
pointed a way which they had unani-
mously adopted.
Plan Presented in Writing.
The final result came after three days
OF continuous discus ion OF Russia, which
did not crystalline until the final hours,
when President Wilson presented In
writing the plan he had elaborated.
There was little opposition. and this
was based mainly on doubts as to
whether the proposition would be ac-
cepted.
In reply st was pointed out that the
contending factions were well night at
the end OF their resources and that their
needs likely would lead them at last TO
combined appeal to the associated
Powers.
Besides the definite proposal az given
in the official communication the Joint
Commission Of tho Associated Powers
will lay down four conditions indis-
pensable in bringing about an adjust
ment: First, peace at all points sec
ond. removal OF all economic barriers
which restrain the free circulation or
exchange of food and commodities be-
tween the factional zones and the-out-
ut H..
n representative basis, and, fourth.
some adequate arrangement for the pay
ment of debts.
Even IL eventually the proposal is
not accepted members OF the council
expressed the view that their PROPOSE
would pave the way for such other
measures as their own action had
brought about.
Reason for Choice of Islands.
The Princes Islands were chosen for
the eventful meeting because they are
outside the zone OF any of the contend
ing factions. They are also allied
headquarters and are not likely to be
obnoxious TO any OF the factions as
would be other points having better ma
terial facilities for the meeting.
time of the meeting. so as to give time
for representations to come from the
reinotest sections OF Siberia and other
distant localities.
Beside the decisive action taken with
regard to Russia the council also pro-
vtded to-day a Joint commission Of two
each from the United States Great
Britain. France and Italy. to proceed
Immediately to Danzig and Warsaw for
economic and political situation OF
Poland.
pienary meeting OF the full con-
ference was announced for next Satur-
day. when the plans OF President Wilson
and David Lloyd George, the British
Prime Minister. dealing with a league Of
nations will be the first order of bust
ness.
To-day's action on Russia and Poland
however. goes into effect without pre-
sentation to the full conference. and is
taken as the action Of the great Powers
When the council met this morning
there were present. in addition to all
the members of the council, Marshal
Foch. Gen. Weygand, his Chief OF STAFF.
and Rear Admiral Hope. Deputy First
Sea Lord OF the British Admiralty
Board, to aid In solution Of the Russian
problem.
Inc AfneTICdN peace commission is
depending upon its specialists In inter-
national law for the preparation Of the
American view of important questions
raised in the agenda adopted by the
Peace Conference Saturday. These are.
first. responsibility for the war. and
second. the framing of q policy for In
ternational cooperation In legislation
directed toward the interests of labor.
Wide differences exist at present re-
Earding the first question. particularly
as to the responsibility OF individuals.
rather than OF Governments. for the
war. and likewise violation Of the rules
OF war by the Central Powers.
1t is believed TO be by no means Gers
tain that the American delegates are
willing to accept the views of the French
legal authorities quoted by Premier
C!emenceau respecting the personal re-
sponsibility OF the ex-Gerrnan Emperor
and his Generals in the absence OF
precedents and until there is a clearer
understanding OF the limitations within
which such a doctrine can be eAer-
cised
There IL possibility that recon-
mendations upon labor will be withheld
Cntil opportunity is afforded to study
the developments Of the Berne Labor
Congress.
"War Cabinet" 10 Resume.
President Wilso. Ss5 decided to re-
sumo the sessions Of his War Cabinet,
or his "wednesday Cabinet" so called
because this is the regular meeting day
at the White House of the heads OF
the war boards, military advisers and
members of tho Cabinet
The purpose OF the meetings in Paris
Is for the discussion OF economic prob
lens involved in the armistice and the
peace negotiations. They will be at
tended by Bernard Baruch, Herbert c.
Hoover. Vance Mccormick and Edward
y. Hurley, all of whom have been sum
moned to Paris by the President, and
such other of his diplomatic, political.
economic and military advisers as the
President may designate to attend.
Blockade. shipping, food relief for Flu
rope and the provision OF raw materials
for the restoration of the devastated
regions are among the problems which
will come before the meetings, and the
Cabinet.
Plans for cooperation with the En-
tente Powers in the solution OF economic
problems are also taking shape. The
British Government expects to designate
an economic representative to work with