The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1919-01-21
Translator's Work Hard.

ALNA 49,
Again the translator arises, this time
to reproduce the speech into French.
AT 3:45 o'clock Lloyd George arises to
second the nomination OF Clemenceau.
He, too. speaks in highest compliment
referring to the grand young man Of
France. As he speaks the British dele
gates behind him murmur their, GUS
tomary hear, hear" At $50 O'Clock
Clemenceau gets up to respond. He
wears gray gloves, and evening clothes.
His style of speaking Is oratorical, his
voice clear, forceful almost Ro%oseveltian
edges compliments given him by re-
marking that President Wilson and
Premier Lloyd George have apparently
caught the French habit OF courtesy
and politeness in speaking.
He modestly says he has been chosen
chairman because Of the International
tradition to choose the head Of such
a conference from the nation where the
meeting ia held, He is talking Of moral
r~eparation now and declares 1t will en-
brace new institutions whereby the
world may escape riotous wars. terror
izing the populace and preventing them
from going freely about their work for
fear enemies may rise up at any time.
His bronze-colored complexion, his gray
mustache dropping on either side Of his
courage during the dark hours Of re-
cent history, his determined gestures
and voice of appealing tones make 1t
seem that he has earned the nickname
through his public life. His 70 years have
not deprived him Of his utmost vigor.
He seems stronger looking physically
and as robust as Lloyd George. Pres
ident Wilson alongside of them seems
like a student or philosopher whose
power issues not from spoken, but from
written words, Clemenceau shows that
his power in speaking comes from his
political contacts and debates which are
characteristic Of the European systems
be able to defend himself against oppo-
sition and all manner OF controversy
during sessions Of parliaments.
At I o'clock Clemenceau turns to-
ward Mr.. Wilson as he utters the sig
n~ificant sentences: THE program OF
this conference has been laid down by
President Wilson. 1t Is nc longer a
peace of a more or less vast territory;
no longer a peace Of populace; it is the
peace Of nations that is to be made,
This program is sufficient In itself.
There is no superflous word. Let us try
to act swiftly and we'll"
At AIS o'clock the conference has
really opened at last, 1t is m~ethodical
and devoid Of passionate outbursts Of
any kind, nor has there been any pro-
nounced benediction or religious word.
Premier Clemenceau proceeds to the
business of the day in a simple way.
First comes the responsibility for this
war. The chair invites that memoranda
on this point be submitted. Clemenceau
mentions the pamphlet drawn up by
the French, referring to the penal re-
sponsibility of the Emperor William"
He remarks that doubtless In America
and England other works have been
written on the subject, | could not help
wondering whether the conference room
would hold the editorials, newspapers,
magazines and books that have been
written d~enouncing the kaiser.
Punishment Of Crimes.
The French premier asked for memo
randa on the punishment for the crimes
of the wal and on international legisla.
ton on the labor question. Evidently
labor in European countries has to be
assured that its interests will be cared
for.
At 5 o'clock secretaries are appointed
to organize details and the appoint
ments are approved. There has not
been a dissenting voice heard to any
thing. The chairman asks for remarks,
but none are made. At $40 O'Clock he
announces the subject for the next
meeting will be the league of nations
and declares the gathering adjourned.
Less than two hours have been con-
sumed since the session opened. The