New-York tribune., 1919-10-30
Delegations From 30 Ma
tions Convene in Capital
and First Question Is
of Admitting Teutons
Trade Unions Also
Begin Conference
Formal Call Is Issued for
a Meeting Dec. Ia Of
U. S. s'Triple Alliance
By Chester M. Wright
Now YorI Tribune

washington bureau
WASHINGTON, Oct. 29.-With the
unofficial benedicton of Uncle Sam,
expressed through Secretary of Labor
Wilson, the league of nations began
to function at noon to-day. Though
America is not counted among the
members Of the league-only half
dozen nations have that distinction
thus far-the first branch of the league
to get into action began its work un-
der the Stars and Stripes when the
international Labor Conference of the
league of nations began it's sessions.
Convening of the conference sig
nalized such consolidation of labor
under these three heads: First, the
opening of the international Labor
Conference of the league of nations,
IN which governments, labor and en-
ployers are represented; second, open
ing tonight of the convention of the
International Federation of Trade
Unions, in which only authorized rep
resentatives of organized labor may
sIts third, issuance Of the formal call
to-day for tho triple alliance confer
ence of railroad brotherhoods, farm
tion Of Labor representatives to be
held December ID
No Americans or Teutons
Sessions began in the Pan American
Union Building this noon. Delegates
from more than thirty countries
brought to the conference table all of
the worlds major nationalities and
most of the races. Tables for the dele
gates were ranged in horseshoe forma-
ton. Back of each delegation space
was reserved for the official advisers.
On the table of each delegation is a
placard showing the nationality. and
on each chair is number by which
to Identify the occupant. Tiny flags
also mark the places of each delegation,
BY striking coincidence both Ameri-
can and Teutonic delegations were ab-
sent.
The report of the organizing cont
mittce, read to the conference by
Arthur Fontainc, Of France, placed
upon the conference itself the task Of
deciding the question of admitting
German and Austrian representatives
This decision was reached by the Su-
preme Council of the league of nations.
1t is the belief here that the confer
ence Will decide to allow German and
Austrian representatives to take seats.
The principal powers opened the way
to such action not only by placing re-
sponsibility for the decision in the
hands of the conference, but by placing
no obstacle In the way of delegates
from the Teutonic countries in the
matter Of passports.
Americans Are Invited
AS to American representation the
situation is more clouded. The con-
ference to-day, by motion, requested
the organizing committee to issue in
yitations to American labor and Ameri-
can employers to send delegates. Such
invitations were issued post haste. Sec
retary Wilson gave it as his opinion
that it might require some days for the
employers to act. The United States
Chamber Of Commerce will select the
employers delegate, if one is chosen
The American I ederation of Labor will
select the labor delegates, if one is
selected.
Despite the fact that the United
States is not yet entitled to place
in the organization brought together
to-day, and regardless of whether la
Dor and employers accept the invita-
ton. extended to select delegates.
America played a part in the confer
ence from the beginning. Secretary
of LABOR Wilson called the conference
to order. He is empowered, by act
of Congress, to preside over the con-
ference during the period of organiza-
ton.
1t was indicated by the Secretary
that the period of organization was
one Of indefinite duration--that or
ganizatioa was continuing process
that might go on for a nSmbel- of
days.
Another cloud on tho conference
sky as it began it's work was the
financial situation. The United States.
as nation, is host to the conference.
The functions of host involve .expen-
ditures. The United States has not
made any money available for the con-
ference. A bill carrying an appropri-
alton of about $4,000 has got to the
committee stage in Congress. The cost
Of the conference, it is estimated, will
be at least 100000. Perhaps, even
tually. the cost will come from the
league of nations exchequer. "But
there is yet no league, and therefore
no league treasury was Secretary
Wilson's comment tonight.
Up to this point the conference has
been financed mainly by the British
and there is strong reason to believe
that one person has heen compelled
to make the advances. in reality lend
ing money to the world. There is hope
that the situation will be altered be-
fore the conference has proceeded
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