The Knoxville independent. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1894-current, 1919-04-12

vailed in conference circles feSdrulnS
the deadlock over the treaty. A mem
Der of the American delegation when
asked regarding the situation said
"You know the George Washington
has been ordered to Brest. That is
good subject for speculation" Among
the subjects up for discussion in the
council of four was that of tribunal
for trying the former kaiser, the for
mer crown prince and others.
Washington, April 9.-In announc-
ing that the presidential transport
George Washington would sail from
New York for Brest Friday instead
of next Monday, the date originally
fixed for her departure. Assistant Sec
retary Roosevelt disclosed that the
change had been made as the result
of cablegram yesterday from Ad-
miral Benson at Paris inquiring when
the ship could sail.
CA New York message says the
steamer will sail at 4:30 p. m. on
April IL and should arrive at the
French port about April I'D
League Pact Revised.
Paris, April 9-The drafting commit
tee of the league of nations has now
completed it's work
The covenant as revised contains Y
articles. A full meeting of the league
of nations committee will be held to-.
day to consider the redraft and the
covenant The progress made Monday
BY the reparations commission came
only after keen digcGlssion. IN which.
Mr.. House presented President VIII
sons views. A draft report was finally
/ adopted with several minor reserva-
tions, one Of which covered the extent
to which Belgium was bound by the
definition of categories for damages.
The reparations drafting committee
will meet again today.
Treaty Is Virtually Completed.
"Peace making is practically COM
pleted," a high British official told
correspondent. SIT will be a peace
which both the bolsheviki and the re-
dictionaries probably will regard as
acceptable" The official added that
complete agreement practically has
been achieved in the matter of repara-
tions, the Rhine territory and perma-
nent disposition of Danzig.
Dutch Ignore invitation.
The Dutch government apparently Is
ignoring the invitation of the peace
conference to send delegate to Paris
TO discuss Belgium's demand for re-
vision of the treaty Of 1889, fixing the
boundaries between Holland and Bel
GUM. Holland was asked two weeks
ago to send a representative to Paris,
but has not yet replied.
The peace conference has decided
that it would be improper to attempt
any revision of the rights of Holland
in relation to rectification of the from
tier that Belgium seeks without for
mally hearing Dutch representatives.
Holland was represented here in
formally fortnight ago, and her fail
ure to come before the conference for
a discussion of an actual revision Of
the treaty is causing much comment.
Wilson Speeds Action.
President Wilson's order that the
transport George Washington proceed
Immediately to a French port have
caused much comment and are con-
strued by some as preliminary to a
determined move to force an early
agreement by the peace conference,
One report was current that the
president had delivered an ultimatum
to the effect that he would withdraw
from the conference unless an agree
ment was reached within 4S hours.
Those close to the president say
lhe did not contemplate any such ac-
ton. but add that the president has
made his position plain on the question
at issue.
The summoning of the George Wash
lngton will place the president in such
position that he cannot be embarrass-
cd by having to wait for the
transport should the time come when
he might wish to withdraw from the
discussions.
Germans to Pay $45,ooo 900, 900.
The council on Monday heard the
report of the reparations committee
and accepted a proposition which pro
yides for the formulation of the cate
gories of damages which Germany will
be required to pay and the method Of
estimating them, but will leave to 8
, commission sitting after the peace
, treaty is signed the determination Of
: 1.-THE fun bill and the amount which