The Chattanooga news. [volume] (Chattanooga, Tenn.) 1891-1939, 1918-12-06
GEN. PERSHINC
QUELLS FEARS
People of Occupied Germany
Realize Americans Plans
of Strict Control.
OBEDIENCE DEMAN DED
Honest Submission to Be Rec
ognized-violence to Be
Sternly Punished.

With the American Army Of Oc.
cupation,t Dec. GA. P)-Studieo
indifference again characterized the
German reception of American troops
on their way to the Rhine today.
Cen. Dickman's army renewed hs
advance at daylight and by tonignt
had reached the line approximately
twelve miles to the eastward. scores
of additional villages and small towns
were brought under the domination
of the American army, but none OF
them are of great Importance.
At American headquarters at
Treyes, Gen. Brown. as military gov
ernor, and Gen. Smith, who is IN
charge of civil affairs, have begun
the work of administration. Local
authorities in virtually every COM
munity have agreed to retain their
posts and keep in the maintenance OF
order. Gen. Pershing has issued a
proclamation calling upon the people
to return to their normal pursuits
and assuring them that If the con-
duct of military affairs is not
molested and If good order Is kept
they will not be interfered with. -
Children Enthusiastic.
Il20 JOWHS tHTouSh WhiSh Wv
troops passed today presented an ap-
.pearance similar to those entered
Sunday. Blinds were drawn In many
cases and most Of the inhabitants
remained indoors rather than coun-
tenance the invasion by witnessine
II. The children In the towns oc-
cupied on the first day OF the ad-
vance and today failed to restrain
their childish enthusiasm, but the
attitude of the grown-ups was un-
altered. At Treves 130 airplanes
were found ready for delivery. to the
allies. A small quantity of supplies
was also left there by the Germans.
Reports made to Gen. Smith indi-
cate that, while foodstnffs are
limited as to variety, there Is ap-
parcntly enough to meet the needs OF
the people. Prices, however, are
high.
AlIeviating Anxiety.
Gen. Pershing's reinsurance mas
gone far. to alleviate anxiety when
even the phlegmatic inhabitants
| failed to conceal. 1t Is known the
Americans will rule sternly. but Gen
Persht,g, in his proclamation. said
mo law abiding person need nave
any fear" Continuing, the proclama
tion reads:
| "The American army Is not come
to make war on a civilian popula'
ton. All persons. who, with homes
| submission, act peacefully and obey
the rules laid down by the military
| authorities, will be protected in thel
persons, homes, religion and property
| All others will be brought within TN
| rule with firmness, vigor and prompt
ness. The American army will gov
ern in strict accordance with inter
| national law and the rules and Gus
toms of war sanctioned by the civil
lied world. Inhabitants on their par
| must absolutely abstain In word AM
deed from every act of hostility o
impediment of any kind toward tn
| American forces. 1t Is your duty nov
to devote yourselves to the orderl
and obedient conduct of your privat
lives and affairs, the re- e-establishmen
of normal conditions in schools
churches, hospitals and charitable In
stitutions and resumption of you
civil life.
Local Courts Continued.
"You will be .unobstructed. but o
the contrary, will be encouraged an
protected in those pursuits. SO fa
as your attitude and conduct max
it possible, local courts, governin
T bodies and institutions will be con
tinued in operation under supervis
ion of American authorities. ExceI
where they affect the rights an
! security of the American army, yor
present laws and regulations will rf
main undisturbed and in force. f,
ery violation of the laws of war, e'
ery act offering hostility or violent
! and every disobedience of the rule
| laid down by military authority WI
be punished with the utmost vigor