The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1919-02-08


Paris, Feb. S.-Feverish haste marks
the proceedings of the peace delegates in
the few days remaining before the re-
turn of President Wilson to the United
States. The most difficult problems re-
late to the new boundaries. to be Gre
ated and which have aroused the aspir-
ations of many nations, especially the
little ones, for the territory of their
neighbors.
The president has definitely postponed
his trip to Belgium, although the Bel
Gians greatly desire that he personally
inspect their ruined country and indus
tries and be convinced of the justice OF
their claim for reparation. The French
also would have been glad if the presi-
dent not only could have been able to 20
to Belgium, but if he could have contin-
ued his visits to devastated France. The
French feeling in this matter has been
voiced by Captain Andre Tardieu in his
declaration that the German blockade
should be continued indefinitely.
More important demands, however,
have required the presidents continued
presence in Paris. 1t is regarded as nee
essary that the associated powers shall
present solid front when the delegates
of the central powers are admitted into
the conference. Otherwise, it is felt in
some quarters, the enemy defeated on
the field might succeed by cunning and
intrigue in causing dssension among the
associated powers and in getting better
terms for themselves by offering tempt
ing alliances. The main efforts Of the
conference leaders, therefore, are being
directed toward the consolidation of their
own forces and gaining adhesion to the
fundamental principles which are to gov
ern the future relations of states.
A great deal has been done to settle
the various territorial issues by media
tion and having such disputes submit.
ted to the society Of nations. A success
in this direction has been the settlement
between Jugo,Slavia and Italy.
As these difficulties are overcome, how
ever, others appear in the shape of de-
mands by some elements for the impo-
sition of harsher terms on Germany than
are contained in the present armistice
agreement, not only for the present, but
also for the distant future. Some of
these proposals are that Germany should
be kept blockaded indefinitely, even aft
er the signing of the final peace treaty
in order to permit France and Belgium
to rehabilitate their injured industries 50
as to be able to compete with Germany
in the worlds markets, The question
has been raised, however, whether they
may not be regarded as irreconcilable
with that part of the primary peace
plan in which it is declared that no eco.
nomic discrimination shall be permitted
1t was indicated at yesterdays meet.
ing of the supreme war council that the
civilian elements had decided that the
time had come 10 assert themselves, and
issues that developed at that meeting
will be considered at the next gathering
without the presence of the military
leaders.
Simultaneously with this work the
special commission on a society of ma
tions will be adding the finishing touches
to the great prospect, which, it is ex.
pected, will be completed to-day in readi.
ness for the next plenary meeting of the
conference which probably will be held
early next week.