New-York tribune., 1919-01-18

"'This would be serious enough if
it were confined to controversy be-
tween parties within each state Is
might be extremely dangerous if, as
would often be inevitable, it result
ed in controversy between nations.
Moreover, such public declara-
tions would render the give and take
on the part of the delegates them
selves, which is essential to sue
cessful negotiation, matter of in
finitely great difficulty. 1t is also
extremely important that these all
should be not only just, but speedy.
Livery belligerent power is anx-
ious for the early conclusion of
peace in order that it's armies may
be demobilized.
Fears Premature Publicity
"If premature publicity is given
to the negotiations, the proceedings
of the peace conference would be in
terminably protracted and the dele
gates would be forced to speak not
only of the business before the con-
ference, but to concern themselves
with the controversies which had
been raised by the account of their
proceedings outside.
"sFinally, there will often be very
strong reasons against announcing
the conclusions of the conversations
as they are arrived at. The repre-
sentatves of nation may be willing
to give their assent on one point,
provided only that they receive a
another nnint " rh
has not yet been discussed. 1t will
not be possible to judge of the wis
dom and justice of the peace settle
ment until it can be viewed as q
whole, and premature announcements
might lead to misapprehensions and
anxiety as to the ultimate results
for which there was no real founda-
ton.
Recognizes Public Opinion
"In calling attention, however, to
these necessary limitations of pub
licity, these representatives of the
Powers do not underrate the import
ance of carrying public opinion with
them in the vast task by which they
are confronted. They recognize that
unless public opinion approves of the
results of their labors they will be
nugatory.
"tThis reasoning applies with con-
elusive force to the present converse
tions bewteen the representatives of
the great Powers.
"'With regard to the full confer
ances, the following rule was adopt
ed
Representatives of the press
shall beadmitted to the meetings of
the full conference, but upon neces-
sary occasions the deliberations of
the conference may be held in
camera"
The secretariat of the congress thi;
evening completed the official list O.
the delegates. 1t includes distin
guished array Of leading public figures
from every section of the civilized
world, and in personnel and in the in
terests represented it embraces prob
ably one of the most notable gather
ings of statesmen the world evr has
seen.
Green Table Is Ready
The final preparations were con
cluded to-day in the beautiful Hall de
la Paix at the Foreign Office where
titC NOklB 1903 Will lliCtl, anu Cilt 3 Sti
table now awaits it's guests. The open
ing tomorrow of the congress will b
ceremonial function, the leader:
making their first bows, the delegate;
exchanging salutations and the Repub
lican Guard, in gorgeous uniforms
lending color to the scene
When the delegates are installed
around the great horseshoe conference
table Raymond Poincare. President o
France, will enter the hall with al
escort of premiers and take his plac,
in the presiding officers chair at tn,
head of the table.
The opening address of NJ. Poincar
in welcoming the congress to Pari
will sound the glories of the war jus
won and tell of the momentous work o
reconstruction intrusted to the con
gress.
There was a full attendance to-day a
to-Gay's meeting OF the Supreme Coun
ell Joseph Noulens, the French Am
bassador to Russia, entered the Foreigl
ONCE just before the meeting, and i
developed later that he was invited b,
the council to meet with it and expires
HIS views on the Russian situation.
The council was presented with
statement of the action taken by tn
&c. ..resentatives Of the various countrie
regarding restrictions Oh the news 0
the conference proceedings The state
ment sets forth that the American
British, Italian, Serbian and Belgia,
correspondents asked the admission o
t2e press to the sittings Of the coun
cil. The French press delegation. OF
the other hand, was unanimous in tax
ing the contrary position.
Americans Offer Resolution
In addition to this, resolution
acopted by the press of America. Grea
britain, Italy and the smaller nation
acsing with them was presented.
Inc council resumed its sitting a
three O'Clock. President Wilson arrive
early and, finding his colleagues not We
assembled, took walk around the In
Falldes quarter.
The resolution adopted unanimousl,
ty the representatives of the Allie.
and American press at their meetino q,
Thursday follows:
"First-It is essential to insure
iuli publicity for the peace negotia
tions.
"Second-The official communicates
snaIi be as complete as possible.
"Ihird--ln addition to the com
muniques full summaries of the DAVIS
proceedings shall be issued, not nee
essariiy Cor textual publication, but
Tor the guidance Of the press.
"Fourth-There should be no in
fefferencc with free intercourse be-