Perth Amboy evening news., 1919-01-18
PEACE CONGRESS OPENS FIRST FORMAL SESSION TODAY;
Will HAVE SOME SECRET NEE T|NGS;; OTHERS PUBLIC
=AL TIL BOARD TO AID RED NV SURVEY HERR
Press Limited as Delegates
Get Ready to Make History
AT Peace Table i'm Paris

splendid rooms in Europe, has been
placed in readiness for the delegation
of the various nations as they enter
to inaugurate the sittings of the full
congress, the entire chamber having
been r~e-arranged for the special pur-
pose to which it is now being put.
In front Of a statue of peace was
spread the council table covered with
the traditional green baiZe of diplo-
macy. This table is In the form of q
huge horseshoe. Across the upper
end were nine seats OF honor for the
presiding officers, the vice president
and premiers. on each side OF the
two arms of the horseshoe were If
teen seats, making sixty seats, beside
the nine at the head of the table.
Each delegates chair was uphol-
stored In light red leather and before
each place was complete equipment
of writing material. The fittings OF
the room were in white and gold, with
q ceiling decorated by dancing cupids.
Four great chandeliers hung from the
ceiling while five large windows, ook
ing out over the Seine river, cast a
food of light over the sumptuous
apartment.
Leading from the council room was
another large chamber overlooking
the garden. To this room the dele
gates can retire for consultation. h
large table at one end suggested that
refreshments would be served there
to the delegates.
Further was a gorgeous state din
ingroom, where luncheon and dinner
may be served to the delegates In case
no separate sessions are held. The
whole suite OF rooms was suggestive
of elegance and beauty and the artis-
tic taste of the French.
All the peace delegations held final
meeting this morning before the as
sembly of the Peace Congress this az
ternoon, The American delegates met
at 10 o'clock, but President Wilson
t,AAaet ate remaining at the MI
rat mansfJn the moraAns
to rest. ~
While there has cen some expecta
tion that President Wilson might ad
dress the opening session on behali
of the response to President Poincair'i
address OF welcome. it was finally de-
termined that there would be no
speeches except those President Pom
caIr and by Premier Clemenceau
when the premier takes the chan as
the presiding officer OF the congress.
II is understood that when the su
preme world council adjourned yef-
terday there was pending a plan Tor
one open and five secret sessions per
week. American press representatives
decided at a meeting to continue their
efforts to have the publicity features
Of the peace congress absolutely re-
stricted. Another cali was issued Tor
a meeting today for all press repre-
sentatives including the French.
1t now seems that the concession
made by the supreme council today
constitutes what might be called hall
a loaf"
II is understood that these conces-
sions were made after a vigorous dis
cussion made by President wilson
who was supported by British dele
gates. Mr.. Wilson has received many
cablegrams from the United States, all
of which have urged him to contend
for the fullest publicity consistent
with the success Of the congress.