A NOTABLE AMERICAN

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 116, 2 February 1918, Page 7

A NOTABLE AMERICAN

—.—«_ THE POWER BEHIND THE PRESIDENT. Although the name of Colonel Edward Mandell House as the special representative to Europe of President Wilson, in 1915 and 1916, and again only recently, has figured a good deal in the cablegrams, little is known of him in Now Zealand except that he is playing tho part of an American envoy. An American <papor says of this notable, although unobtrusive, figure:— "Colonel House has occupied an unusual position in American affairs. Confidential adviser of the President since he was first nominated, he lias acted as special envoy on several missions to Europe, and as collector of data for the guidance-of American commission's in the final peace conference. Until accepting the commission in connection with the war, Colonel Houso nover has held a public office. lie constantly avoided the limelight, and has often been called 'the power behind the throne.' He is believed to have more influence with President Wilson than any other man. The following quotation from a speech made by President Wilson was taken at the time to refer to Colonel House:—

" '1 can point out to you a few men —of course I am not going to name them now—whom eVory man ought to be afraid of because nothing but tiw truth resides in them. I have one in particular in mind whom I have never caught thinking about himself. I would not dare to make a pretence in tho presence of that man even if 1 wanted to. His eyes contain the penetrating light of truth before which all disguises fall away.'" Colonel _ House and his associates, were authorised to discuss with ■'•he representatives of the other Allied Powers not only the naval and military operations of the nations, but also the economic, financial, and commercial phases of the war. His commission comprehends a consideration not only of American participation in the war, but'of the part henceforth to be played by all the Allies. In fact, the big subject likely to be decided is whether the "Supreme War Council" nominated by_ Mr. Lloyd George, to'act in an advisory capacity, shall not bo clothed with executive, poweds, a step leading to the appointment of p, war dictator. It is believed Colonel House may urge such a course, the Washington Administration being known to favour a more radical controlling war board than offered by Mr. Lloyd George.