Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1919-01-19
CLEMFNCFAU CONFERENCE
"France's Grand Young Man Heads Deliberation of Worlds Plenipoten tiaries

Paris, Jan. 18.-(By The Associated Press. )-The peace congress destined to be historic, and on which the eyes of the world are now centered, was opened this afternoon in the great Salle De La Parix. The proceedings which were confined to the election of Georges Clemenceau, the French pre- mier as permanent chairman of the conference, an address of welcome by the President of the French republic, Raymond Poincare, and speeches by President Wilson, Premier Lloyd George and Baton Sonnino, were characterized by expressions of last ing friendship and the apparent de- termination of the representatives of various nations to come to an amicable understanding with respect to the problems to be decided by the confer ence. When President Poincare spoke, the entire assembly, stood, and the fact that, according to custom no applause greeted his utterances gave greater solemnity to the scene.
 M. Clemenceau's acceptance of the Presidency of the congress was both a feeling expression of personal grati- tude and definite outline of the great questions immediately ahead. Three of these larger subjects he de- fined as responsibility for the war, responsibility for crimes and inter- national labor legislation. The League of Nations, he declared, was at the head of the program for the next full session.
 Our ambition is great and noble one, said M. Clemenceau.
 "We wish to avoid repetition of the catastrophe which bathed the world in blood. If the League of Ma !tions is to be practicable we must all remain united. Let us carry out our program quickly and in an effective manner"
 Referring to the authors of the war, he said he had consulted two eminent jurists on the penal responsibility of the former German emperor and that each delegate would receive copy of that report
 In all seventy two seats were pro- vided for the opening session congress. On the outer side of the great horse- shoe were arranged the Japanese, the British and the Colonial Delegates
 
 gate. A chair for the fifth American diately to the right of the table of honor.
 The Italian, Belgian, Brazilian, Gu Serbian, Czecho- -Slovakian and Uru- guayan delegates sat in the order named. Across at the left wing of the %o1 D01s Lberian, Hedjaz, Guatemalan, Ecuad- brian, Chinese and Bolivian delega- tion.
 arrived they were met ny Fanfares of trumpets and accorded military hon ! OTIS. The Japanese were among tho earlier arrivals and were followed by the Siamese and Fest Indians in ] Picturesque turbans.
 President Wilson's arrival at ten minutes Of three was inc signal for | demonstration for the crowds. The ] president passed into the ante-cham- l ber, where M. Pichon, the French Foreign minister, awaited and con- ducted him to the council room. Already, the Chamber was crowd- ed with delegates, who greeted President Wilson warmly as he pass- 1 ed toward the table of honor. Here, he was joined by Secretary Lansing. l MT. White, and General Bliss, and exchanged greetings with the Brit ish and many other delegates. Just at 3 o'clock a ruffle of drums | and blare of trumpets announced the approach of M. Poincare. The French president was escorted by the group of Premiers to the head of the table. while hush fell upon the assem- blaze as the moment arrived for the opening of the congress.
 It was exactly three minutes past o'clock when M. Poincare began his address and the peace congress /, came into being. The entire assem- blaze stood as the president spoke.
 President Wilson stood immediately ! at his right and listened attentively. M. Poincare spoke in an earnest, easy manner without dramaIory effect and following usage there was no ap>
 plause or interruption.
 M Poincare spoke in French and
 when he had concluded an interpret or read the discourse in English. As M Poincara closed, he turned
 to receive the congratulations of
 President Wilson and Premier Lloyd
 George, and then withdrew, greeting each delegation as he retired.
 Wilson NOminates Clemenceau. I President Wilson rose as M. Poin-
 care made his exit Tt gives me
 great pleasure" he said. "to purpose
 as permanent chairman of the confer ence. MT. }ClemMceau." Prsident Wilson spoke in converse tional voice which. however. car ried throughout the church as he
 (Continued on page five)