The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1920-11-15
u. S. NOT IN II
First League of Nations As
sembly Opens at Geneva.
Belgian Is Elected as First
President.
READS CALL BY WILSON
Desire That America Join at
Once Expressed.
Over Half Worlds Population Is
Represented at Meet.

Geneva, Nov 15-M. Paul Hymans,
former premier of Belgium, was elect
ed president of the League of Nations
assembly today. He received IS of
the AZ votes.
delegates went into session in the
leagues new home at II o'clock.
Representing forty-two states and
over half the worlds population, the
delegates gathered in their spacious
hall for the first formalities of the
session.
Flags~of almost every nation were
displayed. The Liberian flag made its
first appearance here and was mis-
taken frequently for that of the
United States.
Belgian Opens Session.
NJ. Paul Hymans, Belgian premier.
opened the session by reading Presi-
dent Wilson's convocation.
Premier Motta of Switzerland re-
piled, welcoming the delegates and
commenting on the hopes anirnat-
ing the League of Nations.
The credentials committee was ap-
pointed thereafter and with a few
brief formalities the first session ad-
journed.
Interest in todays formalities CEN
tered largely in the credentials of
Lord Robert Cecil. He was appointed
as delegate from South Africa.
There was some question as to
whether a member nation can prop
erly send any other than a citizen as
its delegate.
Because of the rules of assembly
procedure, the question of racial
equality cannot be considered. 1t is
required that any matter to be taken
up shall be submitted to member ma
tions at least three months in advance.
The Japanese did not submit data on
the matter of racial equality.
All Want q. S. In.
Hymans, in an address, Immediately
following his election, declared there
was a possibility that the amendment
would be amended.
1--WE do not pretend that the cove
nant is perfect or that it can't be i'm
proved he declared.
The Swiss premier in his address,
declared ''he wished most ardently
that the United States will not longer
delay occupation of her legitimate
seat in this assembly"
- t.AItho there are plainly evident
chasms and inevitable irnperfections in
the covenant" he said, t'the founda-
ton will stand even if the first work
collapses."
| U. S. Has No Voice.
Washington, Nov. 15.-The United
States will be without any representa-
sembly of the League of Nations now
in session at Geneva it was said def
| initely at the state department.
Previously. Secretary Colby had let
| it be known the matter was under con-
sideration by President Wilson.
Fear For Americans.
The fate of these refugees is caus-
| ing great anxiety as the American re-
lief organization also has left the
Crimea. The majority of the refugees
have been dependent upon the Ameri-
can relief workers for their sustenance,
and the hope was expressed that
means be devised by which that or
ganization would continue its work.
French officials were 1oath to concede
that Wrangel would cease to be a
they voiced the hope that he might
reorganize the remnants of his army
in Constantinop1e.
| WrangeI Has Failed
| They did not appear at all opti-
mistic however over the outlook, and
it seemed to be their real belief that
i General Wrangel had failed as did
General Denikine Yudenitche and Ad-
miraI Kolchak. Because of the Cri-
mean developments and the junction
effected recently by the Turkish ma
| tionalists and Bolsheviki, and the oc-
cupation of Batum, the position of the
soviet regime in the Black sea terri
| tory was pointed to as stronger than
/ it ever had been.
The reports indicated that only a
few members of General WrangeFs S
staff had managed to escape. The
staff as a whole, it was said had been
virtually wiped out, it's members either
being killed or taken prisoner.