Evening star., 1919-02-24
Still Plans Returning March 5.

The President still plans to return
to France on the George Washington
sailing from Hoboken about March
5, unless something unforeseen oc-
ours. The condition of the French
premier, NJ. Clemenceau, may prove
to be a large factor. The possibility
OF a change in the French governmen,
should the premier not respond tc
treatment for. his wound. and the
further possibility of a delay in the
peace conference, or even a change
in the delegat of France. compli-
cate the situation.
Although the President held several
conferences during the return voyage
he did not give any expressions on
the work or prospects of the peace
conference further than to indicate
he feels a certain justification of his
position in insisting that the making
of peace and the creation of league
of nations are inseparable PROPOSE
tions, not to be dissociated.
Mr.. Wilson has told friends and ad-
visers that with the draft of the
league constitution on the table be-
fore the conference he considers the
drst great step an accomplished fact.
end he is not disturbed by the pos
sthiIitv that 1t undoubtedly will be
worked over. changed IN many re-
spects, and probably in the end be
quite a different document. Despite
feel that in the end the underlying
principles he has proposed will be ac-
cepted in the conference. The ratifi-
cation of the document in other coun-
tries. and In the United States the
President considers as another step.
to be dealt with when the league of ma
tions plan is perfected
Believes He Can Tonvince Congress
While he has been following keenly
the opposition and adverse criticism
Of the plan in Congress, the President
told Representatives Helvering, Nor
ton and White, who made the return
trip with him, that he was sure he
could convince Congress leaders that
there were no fundamental objec-
tfons.
After an explanation OF the plan at
some length to The three representa-
tives they expI essed the opinion that
the President could gain much sup
port for his plan by close conferences
with few leaders, who in turn could
give an intimate view of the Pres
dents explanations to mem bers genef-
ally.
This is probably one of the methods
which will be adopted by the Presi-
dent when he geta back TO Washing
ton, besides undoubtedly making
some sort OF address to Joint ses-
sion and conferences with the mem
bers Of the foreign affairs commit
tee OF each house.
QUESTION Of Extra Session.
The question of an extra session of
Congress. the President feels. depends
wholly upon in what condition the
present Congress leaves public busi-
ness. II the Presidents hope is real
lied that the principal business of
the peace conference will be finished
by midsummer and that he is able to
return to the United States some time
in June or July. the probabilities are
that at least an extra SESSION of the
Senate or possibly the whole new
Congress might be called in the early
fall to get q start on reconstruction
legislation and take UP the ratifca-
tion of the peace treaty.
President Wilson had a much rough
er trip coming home than he did
going over. Some of the days half the
party were conned to cabins, but the
President proved himself an excellent
sailor and surrend sfed only once.
when the waves and spray were dash
ing over the bridge and he got a
wetting while watching the destroy
er escort bury itself plunging about
in the heavy seas.
There was a lively epidemic OF grip
and Spanish influenza on the ship.
many OF the attaches of the party
being confined TO their staterooms or
the ships hospital for the entire yoy-
age. None of the principals, how
ever, was affected.