The Washington herald., 1919-02-18

Paris Feb. 1.-THE biggest develop
ment OF the Peace Conference today,
one which overshadows discussions of
the big Five" is the intention OF
France to begn Immediately the work
of reconstruction of her devastated
districts.
This will mean, it is believed, re-
moval Of the import bars which have
been up since the armistlce went into
effect last November and consequent
" will mean a necessity for millions
of dollars worth OF raw materials,
steel. machinery and agricultural inn
plements.
The meat Of the matter to business
men in the United States, is that
America is the only nation in a favor
able position to bid for this gigantic
market.
With economic assistance of this
nature Frances problem of rehabili-
tGtiun will largely disappear.
ReparatIon Discussed.
Principles on which are based the
right of reparation." again were dis
Cussed by the reparation commission
at its session this morning. presided
over by the French finance minister,
VI. klOtz.
Signor Chiesa. for Italy; NJ. Louch-
eur, for France; Mr.. Van den Heuvel,
for Belgium. and NJ. Protchitch, for
Serbia. were heard by the commission,
which will meet again Wednesday
morning
Rumaniau territorial claims were dis
Cussed at a session of the committee
appointed for consideration of this sub
jet this morning. NJ. Tardieu presid-
Ing.
Renewed pressure was being exerted
or the supreme war council today for
armed intervention in Russia, it was
learned from an authoritative source.
The French were said to have urged
again that military action be taken
against the BOIsheviki on a large
scale. while War Minister Churchilrs
proposal was understood today to con-
template proclamation of n state OF
war. II necessary. The American posi-
tiOn in opposition to a military policy
Anained unchanged
Labor and Women Loom.
wo subjects. heretofore unrepre-
hted in international affairs. are
essuminS an increasingly important
place in the peace work. These are
labor and women.
Gates. having gained President VIII
sons approval Of a plan for COM
missions dealing with matters af-
+, citing women to confer with wom-
en- advisors, are now endeaVOring
L. put the leaders of other cOun-
tries similarly on record They al
ready have won the backing OF
President POincare, Jules CambOn
anu of Paul Hymans, of Belgium.
Canbon pointed out that a wOman's
rummi SsiUu would BE- particularly
valuable in presenting the confer
t.nce with details regarding depor-
t1tiOn Of women from France, Bel
.-Ium. Serbia, Greece. Poland and
Armenia. He said that reports Of
Serbian women being sold at public
auction in COnstantinOple and
Grcrk girls being advertised at
reasonable prices" i'm Asia Minor
called for Investigation and prompt
steps to rescue them.
President Wilson's Statcme mt that
the conference represents 100000
UuU people. and his emphasis that
the lowest workers in the most
ISOLATED sections Of the world hg
urativcIv have been brought to the
pcare tabIr. has established labor
aS ON" Of the strongest elements
To b" considered in the peace set
tIcmcut The work of the special
committee on labor legislation has
been held in allegiance until Samuel
tiUmpers and other members return
from Belgium.
France to Accept League.
France will abide by the decision
OF the Peace Conference regarding
the league Of nations. whether that
decision is for or against the league,