Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1919-01-03
COMING PEACE TABLE MURDER TRIAL TODAY

iEliIi isSlljl4iEil3 iiIlEii'tIi{5i
delegates Of 29 Nations will Partici-
pate in Observation-Disclosures for
Open Discussion-Want Newspaper
Men Present.
Paris, January 3.--It was possible
last night to present the first compre-
hensive forecast of the methods of
the executive policies at the worlds
peace conference with reasonable ac-
euracy.
Only the unwritten pledge of Amer
lean correspondents now in this capi-
tai prevents fixing the stamp of au-
thority upon the following state
ments:
NO official agreement upon the
methods C procedure has been reach
eG because, formally, the commission
ers of the various powers have not yet
met. However, the general outline
of plans to be followed have been dis
cussed between the American, British
French and Italian states ENJOYS, and
broad agreement has been reached,
subject to modification when the first
informal meetings of the commission
crs is held, which will be about Janc-
arv Is. Col. Edward NJ. House IS
handing this end of the work for the
American delegation.
The colonel has conferred with Pre-
r,iers Orlando and Clemenceau and
with Foreign Ministers Pichon and
Balfour, and he is as thoroughly ac-
cuainted with their views as they are
with his.
Second-It is advisable that Amer
leans should not deceive themselves
with a mental picture of the peace
table" with the delegates of twenty
nine nations putting their knees be-
neauh.
There may be final ta1leaux at
Versailles, including this mythical
peace table, and there may then be
tlashlight pictures Of this assembly,
the crowded galleries, and all attend
ant pomp and ceremonies OF such
great spectacle.
But when this occurs all the real
work will be completed, and only the
formal necessity of ratification VIII
remain. As matter of fact, there
will be more than a score Of peace
tables.
The nearest approach to the theo-
retical picture of the worlds weighty
statesmen assembling to make new
heaven on earth" will be at the Qual
D'Orsay. which is the popular term Tor
the French foreign office. Here, IN a
re ON hung with priceless paintings
snd furnished with massive mahogany
III full meetings prior to the 'er-
sailles conference proper, will be held.
The American commission will
battle for the principle of an open
conference, not secret agreements,
wherever possible.
This does not mean that there will
be a public convention with croWas
scran1hlinp for admittance, but 1t does
mean that the Americans will insiSt'
TO the very limit of their powers
either upon access of the press or
unon the understanding that fuli
statements shall be given to the press
on all important conference reports
and decisions.
Four-ffths of the world is involved
in the decisions of the coming con-
florence. and the destinies of score
Of neoples hang in the balance. Each
bio nation is bringing staff OF ex-
| norts TO consider the vexed problems
of limitations of national boundaries
and the asplrations of the small peo-
oles. The only possible solution hes
in committee of umpires CHOSEN
among the delegates who Will listen
70 the various claims and report BACK
their recommendations as to the de-
cizion of these claims.
Speaking of the methods and pro-
cedure of the conference, one OF ne
highest authorities here SAID tonlg"s'
i az do not expect the conference 10
he brief. No man is able to predict
Tits length ;,
The German delegates will play d
very minor part at the conference
Doubtless they will be admitted ohiS
70 the final ta'bleaux at Versailies
when everything will have been at
ranged.
They may sign or accept further
Invasion of their country.