Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-11-18
AMERICANS START

With the American army in
France, Nov. 1,.-(By The Associated
Press) Gen. Pershing's forces NOV
ed forward early today in territory
just abandoned by the German
troops. On the old line between Mou-
zon and Thiaucourt. lying from the
region Of Sedan to the south Of Metz,
the troops had been stationed to
await orders for the advance and at
5 o'clock this morning the patrols
marched out not in line of battle, but
in columns along the high roads.
which were only slightly impaired,
The first steps of the Americans into
regions so lately controlled by Ger
many were not spectacular. The men
were keyed up and keen for the new
adventure, but as if they We're OIL
the day Of the signing Of the armis-
tice there were comparatively no
demonstratiotivc manifestations of
their enthusiasts SIN.
Many of the men had been newly
uniformed, and all of them were
polished as though for inspection.
The men appeared eager for the
word to go FORWARD.
The relatively small units that are
moving forward as advance guards
were sent to the line before daylight.
The night had been cold and the mud
that vet marks the roads. notwith-
standing there have been two or
three days without rain, was Slightly
frozen. The men shivered as they
rested by the roadside.
When the command finally was
given for the advance the elements
who were to push forward in some
cases miles apart on the long line
between the extreme left and right
moved off into the mists that appear
always to shroud this part of the
country and disappeared. For the
first time since the Americans had
held territory there was assurance
that they would encounter no hos
tility. The intelligence department.
which has never ceased to function,
had accurately reported that the
Germans were carrying out their
agreement of evacuation and there
was evidently .he belief both by Off
GERS and men that no trap was await
ing them.
No chances were taken, however.
The engineers were the second units
to press forward and they carefully
began their work of looking out for
mines and tainted water. Every OBJ
stacle was tested before it was
moved, in order to find out if it mask =
ed explosives. For some time the
Germans have shown q spirit of CO.
operation in informing the Americans
where mines were located and in
themselves destroying them. IT was
some time after the engineers moved
forward before the heavier columns
took the road. The entire army final
ly was moving and moving along the
lines of peace days. But it was in
such order that it might quickly be
transformed into battle areas. Every
brigade was covered by regiment
Of IT'S. the heavier artillery follow
ing close behind. The tanks of the
advancing column We're well pro-
tected.
it has been impressed on officers
and men alike that this is an opera =
ton under an armistice: that war
still exists and that the possibility
remains that at any time it may be
necessary for them to play their part
with the same grimness Of the past.
Fraternization not only with the Ger
man soldiers who may be found
either as stragslers or voluntary
prisoners but with the civilian pop
ulation has been sterniy forbidden.
Looting and even souvenir hunting
have been forbidden the Americans.
1t has been plainly impressed upon
the men that the property is invio-
late and that those with whom they
come in contact must be regarded as
enemies.