New-York tribune., 1919-01-07
French 0 Opinion Holds
Presidents Visit to Rome
May Have Good Effect
Nervousness Is Passing
Conflicting Land Claims of
Italians and Jugo-Slavs
May Be Settled
By hampton Hunt
Ne,o York Tribune
Spccidl Cable Serrice

PARIS, Jan. s. Paris is following
very closely President Wilson's tour
through the Allied countries as "gre at
missionary of international morale" as
one newspaper describes him to-day.
But neither his visit here, nor to Eng
land, perhaps has excited SO much spe-
cial and particular interest among the
French as the Italian trip.
The French probably have a keener
knowledge than any other nation of
the exact Importance of various com
plex international problems now await
ing solution. For this reason the in
terest in Mr.. Wilson's visit to Rome
centres mainly, from the French point
OF view, in the effect it will have on
the settlement Of the Adrlatic problem
and the future relations between Italy
and the new Jugo-Slav state.
French opinion, even before the
armistice began, was inclined to be
conflicting claims of the Italians and
the Jugo-Slavs to Fiume and the Dal-
matian coast may have upon the peace
conference. This nervousness cannot
yet be said to have been entirely re.
moved, but the impression given gen
orally by to-days Paris editorials un-
doubtedly indicates that the French
are now inclining much more strongly
to the belief that as a result Of the
Presidents visit to Rome the Adratic
question will be settled without shock
and without injustice to anybody
French Praise Mr.. Wilson
French observers especially admire
the skilful manner in which Mr.. Will
son, during the Italian visit met the
very delicate situation at present exist
ing.
Each speech President Wilson made
IN Rome" says the Temps" "was an
appeal to the conscience of the nation,
an exhortation in favor of new
world that shall be based upon right
and friendship. Reading between the
lines it is easy to guess that the Amer
ican President desires an equitable
arrangement between the Italians and
the Jugo-S -Slavs, as we'll as between the
Italians and the Greeks. But even when
he mentioned the burning question of
the Balkans he never departed from the
most smiling cordiality and the most
courteous reserve"
The "Temps" suggests that it is only
fitting that French opinion pc equally
discreet in it's comments, and the
French press certainly is following this
counsel.
ST. Brice, in the Journal" pays high
compliment to Mr.. Wilson.
Presidents Dexterity Complimented
Each stage in Mr.. Wilson's tour"
lie lays, "shows the dexterity with
which the American President is adapt
ing himself to European politics. In
Paris he paraphrased the programme
defined by President Poincare-repara-
ton and guarantees. In London he
recognized the peculiar situation occu-
pied by England, owing to her insular
position, and saluted in the British En-
pire the embryo of future society of
nations. In Rome the President exalted
the breakdown of imperialistic theories
and announced the reign Of friendship
in international relations in place Of
covetousness and intrigue And his de-
fence Of international altruism was
made in he Italian Chamber, which not
long ago echoed with the famous ex-
preston of Salandra in exaltation Of
sacred national selfishness.
What long way we have travelled
since 1915!"
st. Brice, however, sees in the policy
pursued By Italy when that country
belonged to the Triple Alliance strik-
ing example of the practical value Of
the system Of balance of power, as
extoiled by Premier Ciemenceau in the
French Chamber Of Deputies last week,
IN opposition to the Wilson theory Of
society Of nations.
Why" he asks, "did Italy, after
oeing thrown into the arms Of Ger
many by annoying circumstances, re-
nam faithful to the Triple Alliance
twenty-five years?
Decanse,' ne answers, "she realized
'na' II was the aurest way of assuring
ner naval position in the Adriatic and
utraiizing the coyetousness Of Aus
ira IN regard 70 The Balkans.
Moreover, in 90 doing" he adds,
eaiy secured counter insurance from
england and France. This, In a nut
she1l, ia the system Of balanced power
"hich is the nete noir Of MIR. Wilson,
0us which has prevented more wars
than It fas causcd."
Sincerity Of Converts Questioned
Rene Daral. In the "Gaulois," warns
1r. Wilson nor 20 be under illugiona
concerning the sincerity of the sudden
eDhYersions to his ideas which he is
"i'neEsing. Everybody agrees with the
necessity of establishing a durable
peace, ne sdmits, but he fears that the
aec'mpishment Of this object on the
f.