The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1918-12-17

'course, IL did NOT leave until 4 couple
OF hours later Then II went winding
cautiously down the valley OF TIT
Mcselle toward the Rhine. The Mo-
lseile merges with the Rhine at Cob
ienx. That's why they call Il Cob
lenx 1t means confluence"
All correspondents and most OF the
OUT of tho car windows to see the
sights, The road drifts along the
edge OF the river between TOWERING
hills, all OF which bristlc with vine
yards, now spiders tanslcs and dry
of vines, past quaint little white Ger
man towns. which arc SO close to-
gethcr that they stumble into each
other.
With a Baerdecker, in hand with
a pair Of auto goggies- over his eyes
Herbert Bailey, English member OF
The press platoon. hung precariously
from a window earnestly endeavoring
10 locate The ruined castles for the
benefit of interested soldiers, but the
train got past them before Herb
could get set Bad to relate. on this
historic occasion a poker game start
cd In another car man, was pte-
ouaiy rafting pair OF African goi'
balls. appealing for action.
People in The little towns were
going to SUNDAY school or church
Many a German soldier haircut was
concealed under Fedora hats. The
congregations halted at the church
doors 70 watch the train go past. Al
every sta tion small crowds were col
Iected The people knew the train
was coming. IN the station crowds,
and all along the risht of way. were
hundreds OF little children. They
waved and shrieked At the soldiers.
Now and then a civilian piodding
along the road would stare at the
train and then feebiy waggle his
hand.
Almost Warm Reception.
Compared TO Trier. it was almost
a warm reception. Certainly the kids
were enthusiastic. Coblenz was reach
train was stopped in the railroad
yards. where il was met by American
officers from general headquarters
and by German officers respferdent in
uniforms, iron crosses and other deco
rauons on their chests. They were
there TO turn matters over to the
Americans.
Colonel I.ocket,. formed the bat
talon beside the train and then
marched it into the street and up the
street a few blocks to the German
barracks. mere was no ceremony
about the matter I.ockett had no
band 4 small crowd of German
civilians was gathered to watch the
detrainfng. They remained perfectly
silent as tee soldiers went past Win
dows few open and heads dropped
out along the short line OF march,
but the people made no comment
The only sounds were the sharp com
rnands of the officers and the tramp
OF feet. The men were fresh and
marched briskly under their packs
AS in the entry into Trier, they
scarcely turned their eyes. 1t was
strictly business.
AT the gates 10 the barracks a
bunch of German officers, including
one colonel, with impressive whiskers
stood at attention as they entered.
In another hour the American sol
diers were looking after affairs around
town German soldiers still patro
the streets, with rifles on their shout
ders. but they are getting ready t.
depart. Meantime Americans arr
finding Coblenz a good sized and YER,
| beautiful city. which seems to hav'
plenty to eat if a person has tn
price. and plenty 70 wear.
Meantime, too. Mr.. Bailey is MAX
ing a further study Of the RUNE,
castles that presently he will have al
ut his fingers ends. go he can con
duct parties of doughboys up an,
down the Rhine.