The Wheeling intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1903-1961, 1921-01-08
Murderer Takes to Hills;
IsFonowed By Big Posse
Unique Situation In
Armenian Mediation
In Hands Of Wilson
BY pAvIn LAWRENCE
(Copyrtght BY the rntslhgencer)

wasnlntSton. Jan. President VIII
m plans 70 go ahead with his work OF
ned !at;on as between Armenia and the
turkish nat!onaltstS. So Ear as the IN
snrmattcn in official quarters here IS
.pncerned. there is no basis for the re-
,ort that the British and French gov
-nmcntS are trying - discourage MT
Wilson from proceeding with the task
-ince he IS 20 leave the presidency with
l the next SIX weeks. The suggestion
vas made by Prime Minister LLOYD
,:eorge that Mr.. WtlS"n designate tho
american hiGh commissioner at Con-
rantinople to act for him and this has
:ivcn rise 10 the belief that the British
government wanted 20 get the task OF
mediation into official channels since
he American high commissioner Is an
,Ticcr Of the department OF state and as
,lch would continue IN office Beyond
Tarch 1 and his acts would be those or
he United states government
From this exchange OF messages. o.
Aclals here are proceeding on the theory
hat all is smooth and that the govern
lents OF Europe fully understand the
unique position in whicn President VIII
,on Is placed by reason OF hts retire
,nent- from office on March I by which
me Of course hardly beginning could
ne made in the task of mediation. II
$ understood that for the time being
Il least Mr. Morgenthau who Will repre-
sent the president in the negotiations
hctwscn the Armea.aus and Turkish na-
,ionalistS. will pay mis- own expenses
hough no doubt the league OF nations
viii subsequently reimburse him.
Generally Opposed
TS gt,,n ho 10
nay ask the next administration 10 con-
niue the work Of mediation II the mat
,rr requires governmental machinery
md cannot be handled as a personal
uNdia;ion though this is not expected.
There have been many instances in
vnich distinguished statesmen and judi
sts have been requested TO aCt'as medi-
tors in international disputes ami their
governments have been n no way in
.olvcd. 1t IS the reliance OF both sides
n the fairness UC the individual rather
nan the physical help of his govern
uent which is most desired In mcdlatinS
disputes.
The presidents decision TO become
Mediator was appraved pretty generally
~ the American press Irrespective Of
,Irty on the ground that anything that
might be done TO help the cause OF the
armenian people who have suffered so
much would be a step toward solving
he Near Eastern problems where Amer
can missionaries have labored so Ions
- stimulate the processes OF ciyiliza-
ion.
But II Is now officially explained that
he prime minister's suggestion was
.Hade on December IN a note to the
'nucil OF the league and thus delayed.
.vord reached the otner side that Mr..
wilson had decided TO appoint former
ambassador Henry Morgenthau. The
rote reached here only few days ago
EayipS been forwarded through tnc
p,uncil Oft heleague and thus delayed.
':ritiSh officials here say the suggestion
as made as a supplementary rather
nan an alternative proposal and that
here VS. no desire on the part OF tho
rhine minister 70 change the spirit Of
ne decision OF the league council to
,ccept Mr.. Wilson as mediator.
HIS Action Personal.
II is pointed out at the state depart
nent that the league council formally
'cknowledged Mr.. Wilson's message In
yntch ne said he could not act for the
government OF the United States but
My as a private individual and could
ot of course furnish troops or any
'ther power TO back up the decision he
night make Mr.. Wilson moreover asked
or the moral support OF all the gov
'rnments on the council OF the league
% that his decisions would be backed
-. The league IN acknowledging Mr..
Wilson's message replied that II would
re glad TO have him serve.