Iron County record. [volume] (Cedar City, Utah) 1893-1982, 1918-07-05
Estate Department Archives at
Washington Record the
Story of Sissonne.
COMMUNE UNABLE TO PAY
We. BueIow, on That Account, Threat.
~ ened to Destroy Home Of Prince
Of Monaco, Who Appealed to
President Wilson.


man system of ertorting money from
captured communities is shown by
the following documents published
by the committee on public informd-
ton:
A striking illustration Of the fierce
brutality of German methods Is con-
tanned In the archives of the state de-
partment, because the prince OF Mon
AGO appealed to President Wilson
against the injustice Of fine imposed
upon small and impoverished viii
lage. The following documents from
the state department archives tel the
story. They need no comments.
"Paris, Oct. 81. 1914.
Secretary Of State, Washington.
'Prince of Monaco called this morn
ing and asked that the following case
be submitted to the president:
"Prince states that General Won
Buelow for weeks has been inhabiting
princes ancestral chateau near
Reims, historical monument, contain
ing works Of art and family heir
looms; that Won B1elow has imposed
fine Of 100000 francs on village Of
Sissonne some miles distant from chat
eau, because of broken glass found on
road near village. Sissonne being I'M
able alone to pay has raised with a
number of other neighboring villages
125O0O francs, but Won Buelow has
sent two messengers from Sssonne to
prince that unless latter pays fine for
Sissonne the chateau and adjoining vii
lage, as well as Sissonne, will he de-
stroyed on November list. Prince
has answered refusing to pay sum now
but willing to give his word to Ger
man emperor that amount would be
paid after removal of danger of fresh
war incidents. Prince now fearful
lest returning messengers. as well as
male employees on his estate, be shot
because of refusal to pay.
81 have arranged meeting this after
noon between Spanish ambassador and
prince, to whom have suggested that
matter be presented to German gov
eminent through Spanish ambassador
at Berlin inasmuch as princes threat
ened property Is in France.
"HERRICK."
Won Buelow's Threat.
''To the Mayor of the Commune Of
Sissonne.
at has been conclusively proven
that the road between Sissonne and the
railway station of Montaigu was. on
September 18th, strewn with broken
glass along ii distance of one kllome-
ter and at intervals Of 30 meters, for
the purpose. no doubt, of impeding
automobile traffic.
81 hold the commune of Sissonne
responsible for this act of hostility
on the part of its inhabitants, and l
punish the said community by levying
upon 1t n contribution of 100000
francs give hundred thousand
francs).
"This sum must be entirely paid
into the treasury Of the Etape by DC
tober 18th.
"The inspection of the Etape now
Mt Montcornet has been directed to
enforce execution of this order
"The General Commander In Chief OF
the Army,
"VON BUELOW."
Protest Of Prince of Monaco.
Monaco, Oct, 22nd, 1914.
"Sire:
az forward to your majesty several
documents relating to a very grave
and urgent matter
"The General Won Buelow has caused
to be occupied since one month and
n half nv residence of Marchais, sit
uated at five kilometers from the vii
lnge of Sssonne. The general has lev
led upon the 1900 inhabitants of this
poor ruined village war contributor
of 100000 francs, of which they are
unable to pay more than one-quar
ter. Moreover, he has sent to me TWO
cmissaries beuring document II
which he threatens to destroy my
property and the village of Marchais
over and above that of Sissonne, In th'
event of my not disburslng myself th'
sum In question before the end or th'
month of October.
"That Is how Prussian genera
treats reigning prince who Tor 81
wears has been a friend to Germany
and who In all the countries OF TN
world is surrounded with respect ah'
gratitude for his work.
"In reply to the summons OF TN
General Won Buelow | have given IN.
- ord Of honor to complete the abov'
~ ,pntrlhution In order to avert nor
rlble action accomplished In coli
hlood. bu' adding that as sovereign
prince | submit this matter to I'M
Judgment of the emperor by declar
ing that the said sum shall be pai'
when the Chateau de Marchais VIII
le free from the danger of intentiona
4, 'Struction.
i am, With great respect your ma
ty'S devoted servant and cousin,
GILBERT. Prince of Monaco"
Letter ADDRESSED to Won Buelow.
NMOnncO Oct d. 1914.