~geommitment and there will not be Kail --------------. SAARI 12 PAGES | YEAR 85: NO. 301 RETAIN BRITAIN'S POWER ON SEAS President Wilson is Said to Have 2 Plan to Offer. NO CENTRAL NAVAL FORCE BIAOCKADES WOULD REQUIRE INTERNATIONAL SANCTION, ra The American President Wants to Expedite Matters in Connection With the Peace Conference. Paris, Dee. 27. There ig a grow ing feeling of dissatisfaction over the delay faced by the peace confer- ence in [getting down to business PAGES 1-8 ra ---- I D IBER 27; LAST 4£DiTION NTARIO, FRIDAY, ES EBERT MAY RETIRE | FROM GERMAN CABINET | = And Leave the Independents in Full Control of the Government. (Canadian J spatch) Berlin. Dec, 2 i the result of to-day's deliberations, it is be- ieved in some quarters in Berlin that' the majority Socialists will re- tire from German cabinet and leave the independems in full con- trol of the government. The cabinet "was in eret mn the greater part of the day. Lead- ing indepeadenty in the government were in conference, and © this gave rise to the rumor that Hugo Hasse, leader of the independent Socialists, 'would be called on to organize a new government The erigis Is likely Lo 'continue for a day or twa, and may meet wiitk an un- foreseen solution To-day passed quiet! The 'majority Socialist Premier Ebert, sheidemann Landsberg. The indepcudents Haase, Dittman and Barth. Spartacus group of Dr, Karl Lieh- i +4 fe alo y in Berlin members are ind are The _ President Wilson shares this un dest, and he purposes making his visit to England the occasion of an effort to expedite matters. Be cause of the uncertainty of the con ference "programme, he thas declin- ed to make engagements binding him too far in advance, so that he fean 'be free for motion when the tin'e {for it comes. | The ditatory tactics in relation to the 'conference were inade the sub- ject for critical comments in seve- ral French papers yesterday, some ascribing the delay to natural caus- es, «while others 'insist thai it was due to the fact that there was no definite policy. "Those holding the latter view are found among ths reactionaries who are not suppoii- ing the league of nations principles. Beflind the President's visit 'o 'Britain dies gnother and deeper pur- pose. Fe will Juse it as an oppor- tanity. to make a special statement on his meaning of the freedom of the seas. [Already lhe has indicated his acceptance of the belief that Britain has a world maritime posi- tion which requires peculiar treat ment. bs aby \ It is expected [by thosd in the President's confidence that he will interpret his attffude in a manner which will assure full British sup- port, 'Which gi Tact already seems to he his, : i It 1s understood that President 'Wilson has « plan to offer whereby Britain's individual maval suprem- acy will ot be affected by the clause on the freedom of the seas. In other words, 'there Is to be no central forée to which all the nav- les must contribute thein full strength. Britain's sea power re- mains [British Bf the plan is carried through, but the srations in such matters of international conse 4 knecht, formerly wa allied with the independents, Liebknecht's fol- lowers are opposed to both the ma- jority and dndependent Socialists DECLARES THE EX-CZAR AND FAMILY ALIVE Asserted That 'Former Russian Emperor is Living in a Neutral Country. for (Canadian Press Despatch) Warsaw, Dec, 27.--' "There is no doubt that the Czar and his entive family are alive. I am positive of this," was the declaration made to a United Press correspondent today by Michael de Tchihatechey, a nephew of General Skoropadski, who has just escaped from Ukraine after a recent trip to Petrograd, Dvinsk, Vilna and Rovno. "'feannot reveal where the (za: bacause he does not wish it," he add ed. "He does not care to be bother- ed and he wants to he left alone, His whereabouts is known to an allied government. It jsiin a neutral coun try. Accounts of his murder at Bkat erinburg were manufactured by Trot- zky and Lenine for propaganda pur- poses." in COST OF EPIDEMIC Substantial 1 ciple or in (Qanadian London, Dec Results in Insurance Claims for $50,000,000, Montreal, Dee. 27.--"With the en- ormous elaims the Hfe companies in every part of the United States are reporting, it begins to appear that early figures under-estimated the probable cotit of the epidemic of in- fuenza woull®us to Trance," says the Insurance Pross. Viee-President Lunger, of the Kquitable, in a re- cont address, gave it as his opinion that $50,000,000 in claims due to the disease had already Been incurred, and that the losses of industrial com- panies alone would be nearly $30,- 000,600. This estimate seems to be borne out hy individual experiences. "Flu" Hankey, secreta on imperial defe ingham dent Wilson! the Premier There were a the quence as blockades must be caus. ed upon the sanction bf the league of nations, By this process, policies will be made by the league and their exe-: cution 'ingrusted to the individual! members." M 48 known that this systenk finds favor in both the Am erfcan and British services, and 'the Prospects are excellent for their final submission and approval, but there has been mo definite official until the wonversations have been held, ' These conversations will be be- &un 'by {President Wilson while he is in England, TOOK HIS OWN LIFE, rr Cresswell Man Hanged Himself + From ree. Ottawa, Dee. 27.--Hector Me- Donald, aged 152, a bachelor of Cresswell, Ontario, 'committed sui- cide Tuesday morning. Securing a ladder, he carried it from the will- Age acrogs two fields, placed it against an orchard tree. mounted, and securing himself firmly jump- ed into space. |He lived with his sister. Inquest deemed unneces- sary. i GERMANS GIVE UP LOOT. Returned Fresch Stocks Value at Francs, Six 3 Paris, Dec. 27.-- The Germans have returned stocks taken from the tks In Northern France amdunting ¥ approkithatoly to six billion francs. 3 Several safes, weighing from five to seven tons each, which the Ger- , and are now in mans did not open, ; " will be brought back short- ly to Valenciennes. i ------------ * British: View of Conference, ester, Dec. 27, "When we of eliminating secrecy, we do Of course, mean that reporters the, Peace Conference, though the discussions are ate, the results should Be publish- and that not at the close of the fous, but throughout them." view was expressed vesterda 8eatt, oditor of ¥ the Man. nardlan, od Pros ches in a talk with the sociate on the question of Becrecy at the Poago | ren callers and Palace before Premier. THE CANADIAN SIBERIAN FORCE Not io Stay Longer Thaw Men on the Western Force. NO CHANGE VET KNOWN ALLIED PLANS REGARD- ING STATUS. 7 the President, to be 'held toda George's and present servative, lihera IN THE luncheon Of the Force in Siberian--The Com.|!0 the plixities of the Russian -Siuation Are Emphasized. Ottawa, Dec. 27.---So far as official advices are concerned, the Dominion Government is without intimation of any change in allied plans which will affect the status of the Canadian fore- es in Siberia. It is expected, however that the stay of the force in Siberia will not exceed in time demobiliza- tion of the Canadian Corps now on the Rhine. Announcement has al- ready been made that it is not in- tended to retain the Siberian force in the Far East longer than twelve months following the signing of the armistice. 'But any early return of the men will dgpend on allied policy, although there js every likelthood, should the sitnation warrant, that the men will be hack in the course of the coming summer, and perhaps earlier. The complexities of the Russian situation are such that it is impos- sible to determine whether any changes in Canadian plans are like- ly to be made in the immediate fu- ture, and while no official advices are to hand, considerable interest is taken in the news ich from Paris that the allied Governments Lave decided against farther inter. vention in Russia. Comment is for the y of any . on the ; already in office. Viscount gle. in retirement si inet. vocates of a lea Ik guest, is London, Dx Wilson's confer very spent more t fore (Premier phrase Palace at morning for a conference with Presi- The day was dark and rainy but a big'crowd arrived before made Mr, Wilson was astir early this morn ing and was busy with his secretary American State for foreign affairs, from the foreign office to attend the gave ibe tirst visit by forn or Premier's since the liberal leader resigned his those invited, has been satisfactogh. Nothing Developed to difference Press 27 Pre ry to the nee, his umber o show in Fundamentals. Despatch) mier On' the way out to meet the German fleet crews were all at action station' ane ections of these to remain on deck to witness men of a lower deck gun crew in their flash masks. TALKING OVER PEACE MATTERS President Wilson, Lioyd George And Bal- four Meel at Buckingham Paiace. 2% GREAT DEAL OF PROGRESS WN IN MAKING CLEAR SOME OF WILSON'S POINTS. Any Prin- Lloyd George, accompanied by Sir Maurice committe 10.30 o'clock arrived at Buck this appearance f Duke of Connaught he at Pre y residence coniprised government 1 and official 8 arrival of mier a and and Sir Richard Herschell visited the the A. J. Ballour, Sccretary of walked over conference hetween Lloyd George and The company invited to meet Presi- dent Wilson Jor luncheon arranged Lloyd small gathering of the elder statesmen per | left. sonnel, including leaders in the last heads of three of the political parties, con- labor, occasion for the Premier Asquith The residence Morley, another of nee he le gue of =a a MC. ences Lo The n three George's: cheon in most intimate discussion 'with the Premier and Foreign Sec. retary Balfour at Budkingham Pal- ace going over the general aspects of the fourieen points of his peach programme. No ons particular ase Was taken up, but the whole diseussion was a general ome. No oft | Conferences Satisfactory. (Canadian Press Despatch) 271. ~TPresident -day ag having the party, retired from the Asquith cabinet at the beginning of the war on account of 'his opposition to Great Britain's participation in the strug- Yiscount Grey, still another of living almost the cabh- He is one of the strongest ad- nations. thur Henderson, labor leader, also a supporter the idea of a league of nations, Ar- of with British statesmen are described mn American quarto hean President hours be- Tan ~ ] 1 arrangements were made the glorious occasion of the surrender. Photograph shows ra, BRITAIN'S HEALT CRAVE. PROBLEM Establishment of Ministry of Health a Step in Right Direction. 10 PREVENT INFECTION COMPULSION WOULD PREVENT COMMUNICATION the "a President Wilson, nister 'and Foreign me of dhe rooms itlite before a 304 of the cheerful secretaries or for HH wa conference, in most intimal The Pre talkin ne lend' any air {isoussion mal elon the of tended to a ¢ siden situation al afterward t oi show mn to rece niais exs THRILLING EXPLOIT OF A SUBMARINE Story of the British Crew's Achievement in the Dardanelles. And Gain Information--The Hous= ing Problem is in the Foreground of All Health Problems. Dec With _ the secure peace, England her house in establishment of a health is undoubtedly a movement in the right - érection. Health is a far greater asset thus mere wealth, and in the buildingeup that are undoubtedly coming full strength and vigor of the whole nation will be required. The old question, "Ani I my brother's keeper?" is true in an af- 275-The finest of the achievements of British submar ines in war time. 8 now completed by the famous story of the sinking of the famous submarive E-14 off the Dardanelles carly in 1918, with the ioss new commander, Lieut. Commander While cand all except seven ofthe crew. The K-14 loft Mpdrag on the even- ing of January apf and' proceeded up the Dardanelles to sdurch for the Goeben. After diving under submar- ine nets, she found that the Goeben, which they enemy had moved a few hours previously, had gone, 80 Commandér White turned back, keeping a sharp lookout for enemy London, Dec; 27 London, jprospect of beginning and 'the to sot jorder, of her ministry of days the tfirmative sense from many points of . Our neighbor's health in a very real sense is our own health. A person suffering from some form infectious disease is a danger lo whole community, ' James craft A torpedo which, it ir explosion, submarines fired at tthe shipjview. earried a heavy which extimguished the lights and sprang the foredrateh Leaking badly, the sub marine rose to within 15 feet of thefihe surface. Forts immediately opened Recently Sir heavy , but did ndt hit hor. She inhmerged to a hundred feet and continued on her course, but hecame ady and kept diving, so she was brought to the sifrface she could fne longer be relied upon under water and only three bottles of air were A heavy fire immediately was tion opened from both sides of the straits and a shell hit the hull, destroying the upper steering gear. : An E-14 sarvivor says: 'Orders were given to steer from below, and we ran the gauntlet for half ap hour only a few shells hitting us. The captain, seeing it was hope- less to escape, ran toward the share. His | words were: 'We are in God's hands." Only a few seconds later 1-ldoked for him, and saw his itis. no: uncommon thing. to tind body mangled by shell fire, roll Intofs berculons milk dealers, butchers, the water and go under. The last{yaions srocers, hairdressers, bus ghell hit the starboard saddle tank: : and factory hands, all killing all. 1 believe." : of whom are in a state to infect The submarine soon afterwards great numbers of the community, ran into a sandbank close in shores [and the fact of whose illness is of- and the Turks picked up the surviy |i. unknown to any health au- ors. | thority," Periodic was nepived, of Galloway, medical service in ministry. has figures with the na- 2 commissioner of the national given some reference tion during During "the service appalling the health of {he past few years. last twelve months, he states that the two and a half mil- men who have heen subjected nedical examipation revealed an affairs, and an menace to public nn io of state © Spread of Infection. Sir James says that 'at present there are vast numbers of sick per- sons, many of them infectious, who are carrying on their daily work, often in crowded rooms or factories. conductors oo pe examination is medical ' ; : bsolutely necessary if health 'is to R. D. McCulloch of Galt announced 2 ¥ ) f on bebalf of his sister Miss Jessie DO safeguarded and kept: up to the izh wate afety, but out- Shearer," Toronto, and himself, their [15h water mark of safety. but o side the ministry of national sbg- readiness to give a new Nurses' Home {°° a . th to the Galt Hospital Board, in mem-'ice, mo authority possesses ie gry of thelr father, the late Hugh Mc- power braposed, therofore, that the in i ministry of health shall in the fut- British Colnmbia's honey crop this pF id ceirusied vith thil power. year amounts to nearly 225 tons, the [, ° 1 aver of fact its administra biggest yield yet. tion could not he effective i this power 'was withheld. One result of these compulsory examinations would be to prevent infectious persons endangering the Health of ihogse with whom they ome inte personal contact. Effect of Industries on. Health. On the question of mpulsory examination, Sir James Galloway says: "Not only would we disover they actual infeciors, we would as- certain the effect of certain indus- trios upon ihe physique of the ipeople, and obtain a pieture, as it were of the damaze being done by unhygeienic conditions of life, but in particular. Housing rded in fhe widest ---grounds, , fresh air and sd bt, in manufacturing wis working class i obviously difficult course exceedingly lot it, opens out an and delicdte pro: lem But if the power is not granted then as Sir James puts: it, you are confronted with the fact that "you have thousands of people net re- garding themselves as sick, able to go about their work, vet 'at the same time a danger to themselves and the community, and developing ill-health which means eventually an cnormous loss to the state. If thése people do not realize that they are ill, and therefore neither sick nor accept medical advice, the ministry of health nfust have pow- er to provide medical attendance for them, in order to preserve and maintain their health." Such o Whe Will Pay Bill? This compulsory scheme opens up the bir problem as to the pay- ment of the bill. If the state com- pels medical treatment, would the onus fall on the state meet the expense, which would no small matter? Doctors everywhere testify to the fact that the war has placed a strain on the whole of the com- munity, which will sooner or later show itself in a t¥™usand ways, and ultimately develop into some form of specific disease Never in the higtdry of the world was medical guidances more needed than it is to- day. Undoubtedly the old saying, "a stitch In time saves nine' is never more true than 'when it is applied to matters of health. Dis- ease grappled within its incipient stages is more than half cured. One effect of the new law will be the immediate removal of the nation's heaith from poor law.con- trol, whieh will be something to be { thankful for. | Housing Problem in Front, The housing problem of London stands in the very foreground of all Wealth problems. 'There Is a great thortage of homes in London, and now that the war is over there will be a great danger of "speculative" buiiders rushing up "houses with a tary fitness, upon which the au- thorities will have to keep a strin- gent check. There is a great need for small tenements, and the need for these residences will best be met by the conversion of large homes into flats and maisohettes, a course which 'was being very widely adopted before the war. It is the opening of new sites which presents the greatest danger. The health of the community must bé the first consideration, and M is essential that no land at present used fort recreation purposes should be built over. GERMANY'S STAPLE IS ROAST GOOSE Can be Purchased-Wholesale or Retail Without a Car to be ---- Dee. 27.=~Outward _evi- dences of a revolution are few in Germany, The red, black and white tri-color, or the imperial standard is floating from almost every house in honor of the returning troops, but the red banner of the new republic is seldom seen. In Cassel I was In- formed that one reason was that the council had been obliged to 'tear the red strip from the old flags to make their official revolutionary ban- ner, In Paris, hotels everywhere the staple dish was roast goose... We ate goose at five meals in three days The chief reason for this epidemic of goose ls that it can be purchased wholesale or retail without a card The charge per portion runs from $2 restaurant. Volunteer Army Holding Odessa. Odessa, Pec. 27. --The vounteer army which is holding Odessa, under French command, is to be increased by detachments from the Crimea. The main force of the Republican army, which is now ten miles from Odessa, is reported today to have received reinforcements from Kiev, who came in an armored train, More than 200 persons were killed in the street battles here on Dec. 18, a* revised count shows. One third of these were civillans. Several school children were wounded. Bernstorff's View. Geneva, Dec. 27.--Count von Bernstorff, former German Am- bassador to the United States, is re- ported to be opposed to the Berlin investigation of war responsibility being extended to occurrences which followed the actual com- mencement of hostilities. After the Fatherland was at war he claims it was the duty of all to serve [ts ends regardless of consequences, Commutes Sentences, Washington, Dec. 27.--Death sen- tences imposed by court-martial for desertion upon Reeruit F. C. Lamb and Private George O. Jacobs, 150th Infantry, were commuted by Presi. dent Wilson to dishonorable dis- ¢harge and twenty years' {mprison- ment at hard labor. Lamb was con- victed at Camp Dodge, Jowa, and Ja- cobs at Camp Shelby, Miss. Paderewski fo Form Government. Copenhagen, "Dec. 27.~Ignace Jan Paderwski the famous Polish pian- ist, and prominent in the work of Polish rehabilitation, ' has arrived here on board a British cruiser. The Berlingske Tidende expresses belief that Paderweki mission is to found a new Polish government un- der entente auspices. . tet 2 " Bark From Germany, Paris, Dee, 27. Two hundred and seventy-five and French PEACE PARLE YET AFR OFF The Tests For Participating Coveraments Are Not Yet Fixed. THREE STAGES EXPECTED THE CHIEF ALLIES ARE TO CON- FER FIRST. Neutrals and Central Powers Come Last--Wilson Has Discussed Re- presentation With Clemenceau, Paris, Dee, 27.---More than three weeks probably will elapse before the general Peace Conference assembles. It is unlikely that any official state- ment will be issued in the meantime concerning the number of govern ments to be represented, or the tests to be applied to determine the right of applicants to participate. Technical experts attached to the delegation of the principal Powers already have given much study to this subject. If negotiations to reach an agreement on this point have not been undertaken already, it is certain they will be immediately after Presi- dent Wilson's return from London. Notwithstanding the indisposition of the British Government to infect business into Mr. Wilson's visit, it is possible that in his conferences with Premier Lloyd George and Foreign Minister Balfour, the foundation may be laid for set'lement of the question of representaticu which Mr. Wilson has discussed wh Premier lemen- ceau, Conditions which witl confront the Peace Conference when it opens will not be unlike those marking the op- ening of a néw Congress in the Un- ited States, or a national convention. In the first, the House clerk deter- mines the tentative membership, and in the second the committee on cred- entials prepares a tentative list of de- legates, At the Peace Conference, de- legates must be prepared to present adequate credentials from their le- gishature, king, president or other ex- ecutive guthority. It is considered probable that sev- eral countries 'on the tentative list will be closely restricted at the be- ginning, when broad questions of policy will be outlined. But addi tions to the list of delegates may be made later when the Conference gets down to details' and ¢ prin. ciples. Still later another class of nations may be admitted, including the Central Powers, to lay the foun- dations for the formal signing of peace treaties, Theoretically these questions sre subject to mutual examination and challenge in case of doubt, but ae- tually, in the forthcoming Confer- ence, the United States, Great Brit. ain, France, Italy and later, perhaps, Belgium, by reason of sentimental considerations, probably will reach an understanding as to the admission of delegates, GERMANY PINS FAITH ON FOURTEEN POINTS "We Wash Our Hands of Rus~ sia," Says Bernstorff in Interview. Paris, Dec. 27.--"All the belliger- ents have accepted President Wilson's fourteen points, and the only ques- tion to be discussed is their fnterpre- tation," said Count von Bernstorff, 'former German ambassador to the (United States, in giving his opin- lon of what Germany's attitude would { be at the peace conference, accord- ing to the Geneva correspondent of The Matin. . "Germany," declared the count, "will keep to the president's pro- gram, which grants each peopls of an ethuical group whe right to dis- pose of itself." Asked if he thought the presi. dent's program would furnish the basis for a lasting peace, Count von Bernstorff shrugged his shoulders. "This is the only one which can bs proposed at present," he added, "and the attempt must be made to apply it. At any rate, we shall it" When the was asked by the cor- respondent what attitude Germany would adopt foward the east, he re- plied 4 the "All the questions new states which have spru on the Russian frontier te the aftalr of the allies, Let them disentangle things as best they can. We wash our hands of Russia, We are con. tant to safeguard as far as possible the integrity of our tefritory, con- sulting at the same time tie will of the populations. 5 : "I do not favor handing over the kaiser to the allies. A sow is not responsible for the policy of his government." + Se -- T-------------. To Abolish Afl Munich, Dec. 27 new Wart- emberg government says a Stuttgart to all no- despateh, proposes £0 abolish bility, tiftes and power, I |