Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1918-11-16
EVENTS OF A WEEK

EVENTS OF A WEEK.
While the world was waiting with bated breath FOR
news from Field Marshal Foch's headquarters. sensa-
tional and far-reaching events took place in Germany
where the emperor, finally recognizing the fact that he
was no longer wanted. abdicated and fled into Holland.
At the same time a revolt was, organized>in Berlip and
numerous other large German cities, with the result that
Socialists almost everywhere took over the reins Of ma
tional and individual state governments. Judging from
all accounts, the revolution has been relatively bloodless,
and there are many things which indicate the success Of
ESPECIALLY when comparison is made with the revolu-
tionary situation in Russia.
Before dawn on Monday morning the entire nation
was thrilled with the news that Germany had signed the
armistice articles prepared by the Allied war council and
Field Marshal Foch. The day was given over to celebra-
tons everywhere, and along all, the battle fronts the final
volleys were fired, the Americans closing their campaign
by taking stenay and the British theirs by entering, Mons.
At noon President Wilson informed the United States
congress and public of the terms of the armistice, and
it Wis realized at once that what Germany had agreed
to was in a very literal sense that unconditional surren-
der which had been demanded by the American and all
The Allied peoples.
The terms, supplemented as they were a couple of
days later by even stricter conditions than at first an
nounced, provided for immediate cessation of hostilites;
tor evacuation of all invaded territory; the occupation
BY Allies and Americans of important strategic German
points; the, establishment of a neutral zone on the right
bank Of the Rhine; the surrender Of vast quantities of
war material and rolling stock as we'll as Of important
units of the German navy, and all the submarines oper-
ating under the flag of the double eagle. Thus Ger
many's defeat was a thoroughly accomplished fact, and
the provisions made were Of such a nature as to preclude
the possibility of renewed German hostilities.
=
While the German nation appears to have acquiesced
In the armistice terms because there was nothing else
to do, some parts OF the press and a few individuals have
been complaining of what was considered unjust hard
( ess in the terms imposed. DR.. Solt, apparently still
German foreign secretary, directed an appeal for Ameri-
can aid to President Wilson, at the same time suggesting
the organization of a preliminary peace congress for the
purpose of having settlements made which would work
for the sterilization Of conditions in the interior of Ger
many. German women pleaded by wireless with Mrs.
Woodrow Wilson and Miss Jane Adams for efforts in be-
half Of obtaining notifications Of certain Of the armi-
stice terms so that the starving Germans might be re-
lived at once. It was pointed out, however, that the
Allied war council already had taken steps to alleviate
the hardship and suffering existing among the Germans.
- = .
The immediate effect Of the armistice in the United
States was a relaxation Of military activities. Orders
were instantly issued to the effect that mobilization was
to be stopped until further notice, and at the same time
= number of industrial restrictions were modified. Plans
Tor the demobilization Of the American expeditionary
forces abroad were discussed, but no decisions were ar
rived at 1t was realized everywhere that the period
OF readjustment had come and while conditions were not
expected tP return Immediately to the pre-war stage,
efforts were made to gradually arrange for regulations
which in time will mean that the old standards Of living
and working will be re-estabushed.
During the week German armies were marching
back to Germany, not only to the Rhine, but beyond that
river: all Of northern France was evacuated as was the
larger part of Belgium, and triumphant entry Of the AL
lied armies was planned for cities in Alsace-Lorraine
and for Brussels whore the Belgian government is to be
reinstated after having spent more than four years IN
exile at Havre, France. Rumors that Rumania had de-
clared war on Germany were interpreted to mean that
vigorous efforts would be made to disarm and drive out
the German soldiers still remaining on Rumanian soil.
Emperor Charles Of Austria-Hunsary was oncially re-
ported to have abdicated. and important events, details
Of which are unknown in the United States, are appar-
sntly taking place in the former dual monarchy.
.
The final period OF the war has been 30 crowded
with extremely eventful weeks that it was found almost
Impossible to follow the development of what was hap
peningA There is a pretty unanimous agreement that nc
week in the history Of the war. indeed. no week in the
history Of the civilized world, has been q significant
~ the one Just past It marked the downfal Of. Cor
many as . military power OF first rank: the abdicaton
s0f two emperors and q number Of minor reisnins princes:
SECOND CHAMBER OF .=ss,.,..tt; a.n:n.
DUTCH PARLIAMENT sene..I strae. Il