The Washington times., 1919-01-19
Supreme Conference In
History of World, Says
President At OPENING

ended. which seemed about to bring
a universal cataclysm. The danger
is passed. \ victory has been won
for mankind. and it is delightful that
we should be able 10 record these
great results in this place. But it
is the more delightful to honor France
because we can honor her in the per-
son of so distinguished a servant.
I'VE have all felt in our participa-
tion in the struggles Of this war the
fine steadfastness which characterized
the leadership of the French in the
hands OF NJ. Clemenceau. We have
learned to admire him, and those of
us who have been associated with him
have acquired a genuine affection for
him. Moreover those of US who have
been in these recent days in constant
consultation with him know how
warmly his purposes are set toward
the goal of achievement to which all
our faces are turned. He feels as we
feel, anil / have no doubt everybody
in this room feels that we are trusted
to do a great thing. to do il in the
highest spirit of friendship and ac-
commodation. and to do it as promptly
as possible in order that the hearts
OF men may have the fear lifted from
them and that they may return to
those purposes of life which will
bring them happiness and content
ment and prosperity.
knowing his brotherhood OF heart
in these great matters, it affords me
a personal pleasure to propose that
Mr.. Clemenceau shall be the perma-
nent chairman of the conference"
Seconds Nomination.
In seconding the nomination Pre-
mier Lloyd George OF Great Britain
said:
"I count 1t not merely a pleasure
but a great privilege that I should be
expected on behalf of the British en-
pire delegates to support the motion
OF President Wilson. 4 do so for the
reason which he has so eloquentIy
given expression to as a tribute to
the man.
when / was a schooiboy NJ Glenn
enceau was A compelling and con
scious figure in the politics of his ra-
tive land. and his fame had EXTENDED
far beyond the bounds OF France.
Were it not for that undoubted fact.
Mr.. President. | should have treated
as a legend the common report of your
years. l have attended many confer
cnces with N. Clemcnceau, and in
them all the most vigorous, the most
enduring, and the most youthful figure
there has been that of NJ Clemcnceau
"He has had the youthfulness. me
has had the hopefulness and the fear
lessness of youth. he IS. indeed. thc
grand young man of France, and
am proud to stand here to propose.
that he should take the chair in this
great conference that is to settle the
peace of the world.
Il know of no one better qualified
or as well qualified to occupy this
chair as NJ. Clemenceau. And speak
from my experience in this claim. IL
and / have not always agreed. w
have very often agreed: We HAY.
sometimes disagreed, and we have al
ways expressed our disaCreements
very cmphatically. But aIthougn
there will be delays and inevitable de-
lays in the signing of peace. due to
the inherent difficulties of what We
have to settle, will guarantee from
my knowledge of ". Clemenceau thai
there will be no waste of time. And
that is important.
HunEcrinG for Peace.
The world is thirstng and hunger
ing for peace. There are millions Of
people who want TO get back 10 The
world work of peace. And the fa.t
that NJ Clemcnceau is in the chai,.
will be proof that they will get there
without any delays which are due t.
anything except the difficulties whicy
are essential in what we have TO per
form He is one of the great speak
ers of the world. But no one know
better than he that the best spcakire
is that which does not impede bcncIi.
cent action.
II have another reason. During thu
dark days We have passed through
his courage, his unfailng, his untr.
ing energy. his spirit, helped til,
allies through TO triumph. And
know OF no one to whom victory IS
more attributable than to the man
Who sits in this chair
"In his own person more than any
living man he represents the heroisTn.
he represents the genius Of the in
domitable people of his land. And
for these reasons ! count it a privi-
lege that I should be expected to
second the motion" -