The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1919-02-25
New German Revolt Hurries
Up the Peace Conference.
Framing of Preliminary Terms
the Main Labor Now.
OFFICIAL ADVICES LACKING
Various Committees Are Max
ing Progress With Details.
ReparatiOn Commission Is in
Agreement, Says One Report.

Paris, Feb. 25.-The new revolution
in Germany is giving added impetus
to the work of preparing the outline
for a preliminary peace. The con-
ferees are anxious to reach a point
where food and materials may be
shipped into Germany to restore
economic and political conditions to
normal basis
The peace, conference had not yet
received official advices on the situa-
ton in Germany today. owing to the
fact its representatives in that country
are sending reports by courier rather
than by telegraph. But there was
disposition on the part of the delegates
to feel that speed in effecting a pre-
liminary peace is becoming more es-
sential each day from a standpoint OF
self protection, if for no other reason.
When Wilson Returns.
While the question of whether peace
with Germany or final disposition of
the league of nations shall be taken
up first after President Wilson'S re-
i turn probably will remain open until
ne is present to participate in the
discussions, there appears little doubt
| at this time that the preliminary peace
will be given precedence.
The various committees are pro-
crossing rapidly in the working out OF
| details of the general peace settle
| ment. The subcommittee of the body
which will determine responsibility
| and punishment for authors of the
war, is understood to have completed
! its report on individual guilt. tho the
| whole committee has not yet acted.
! The sub-committees report is said to
have been unanimous
The committee of reparation is re-
ported to be approaching agreement
on the principle upon which damage
will be collected. 1t is further report
ed that early high claims are being
consistently shaved down to conform
with what can be obtained. The COM
mittee is understood to show a prefer
ence for making the period of pay
ment as short as possible-inside of
| twenty years-rather than permit the
cry of Commercial slavery to go up
from couple of generations.
As to Territorial Claims
In the matter of territorial claims.
Informal discussions regarding the
western frontiers of Germany are GO
ing on Only the Moroccan and Ar
menian questions remain of the minor
problems to be taken UP.
Representatives of various league of
nations societies of the big powers will
meet in London this week to confer
on amendments and additions to the
constitution. which they will present
when the peace conference opens de-
bate on the covenant.
oscar strauss and Hamilton Holt
will represent the League to Enforce
Peace.
Senator Bourgeois of France and
} Premier Venizelos of Greece will at
tend, giving the conference a semi
| official standing. SO far as recomrnen-
dations are concerned. The Ameri-
cans are said to be desirous of adding
an article making equality in religious
: and civil rights obligatory to all sig.
natory nations. The French seek
some compromise, within constitution
al bounds. in lieu of the interna tional
/ police force which they unsuccessful
{ ly attempted to incorporate in the
: original draft