The daily Gate City and constitution-Democrat. (Keokuk, Iowa) 1916-1922, 1920-11-15
Assembly in Session in It's New
Home in Geneva With
Many Delegates
There.
MANY JAPs PRESENT
Forty-two States, Representing More
Than Half Worlds Population,
are Taking
Part.
by Henry Wood, United Press Staff
Correspondent

by Henry Wood, United Press Staff
Correspondent
GENEVA, Nov. 15.---The league OF
nations assembly met here today
Amid ringing of bells, more than
one hundred delegates went into ses-
sion 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
displayed. The Liberian flag made
mistaken frequently for that of the
United States.
M. Paul Hyman, 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 animating
the league of nations.
The credentials committee was ap.
pointed thereafter and, with a few
brief formalities, the first session ad-
journed.
Interest in today's 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 properly send any
other than citizen as it's delegate.
Because of the rules of assembly
procedure, the question Of racial
Nv hn nnrcidorod IT iS
required that any matter to be taken
up shall be submitted to member ma
tions at least three months in ad-
vance. The Japanese did not submit
data on the matter of racial equality.
While the Japanese delegation con-
tinued as secretive as at Versailles,
there was general impression that
it intended to sound other represen-
tatives at the present session, then
decide whether the question will be
brought up in the 1921 meeting. The
Japanese have the largest delegation
here, with the exception Of the
Rritish. Each has seventy represen-
tatives.
Belgian is President. ...
GENEVA, Nov. 15.-M. Paul Hy-
mans. former premier of Belgium, was
elected president Of the league of ma
tions assembly today. He received
thirty-fve Of the fortytwo votes.
Prolonged applause greeted first
mention of the United States at the
opening session of the league of ma
tions assembly today.
Washington is the home of lib
erty and the United States cannot
long remain out of the league Pre-
mier Motta, of Switzerland. declared:
More than one hundred delegates
and the crowd of spectators filed the
great "hall of reformation" with hand
clapping and cheers.
President Wilson and King Albert
drew a hearty tribute of applause
when their names were mentioned.
Motta declared the world hoped for
reconstruction to grow out
of the assembly's debate. He suggest
ed the breaking up of monopolies on
raw materials as a necessary step.
M. Paul Hymans, Belgium, presided
over the opening session. He called
the gathering to order by reading
President Wilson's convocation. He
declared that the league, starting with
forty-two member was certain Of its
future. He declared it would be most
effective as the agent for new era
of international cooperation and har-
mony.
The session today was occupied
with routine arairs.
Hymans, in an address Immediately
following his election, declared there
was a possibility that the covenant
would be amended.
1--WE do not pretend the covenant
is perfect or that it can't be i'm
proved" he declared
Motta declared sthe world would
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