New-York tribune., 1918-11-19
Continued from Page 1

last two years. but for the first two
years they had different stories to tell
of the brutalities they suffered.
Smoke streaming from the chimneys
of many mines greeted the advancing
Americans early this morning, for a
number of the mines were in actual op-
GRAFTON, and there were fires under the
boilers in other mines, so as to keep the
pumps going. Several mines had been
flooded by seepage, having been idle
for two or three years. The Germans
had removed the machinery for other
purposes.
Most of the mines had been operated
until last week, when the Germans be-
gan to release the Russians and others
who had been employed III this work.
One part of the American army of
occupation moved forward into Bel
gium day while the balance of the
line swung steadily forward toward the
German frontier.
Great Stores Found
rapidly as possible. In tie towns now
occupied by the Americans great stores,
including machine guns, cannon and
ammunition, have been found. In
Tcllancourt~ here is big airdrome,
but most of the planes left were in a
damaged condition, some Of them ap-
parently Intentionally so. The hood
Of one machine had been pierced by a
dozen pistol shots, probably in an en-
deavor to injure the engine.
Business at Virton. northeast OF
Montmedy, was proceeding steadily an
hour after the Americans entered, and
restaurants afforded a great surprise
by serving food to the hungry "delivcr-
ers." Meat was scarce, but there was
some, and sugar was plentiful. Coffee
and tobacco were brought forth in
abundance.
Soup Kitchens Opened
After the departure of the Germans
the Mayor of Virton called a conference
of the mayors of the neighborlng viii
lagos for the purpose of outlining a
plan of procedure under the new mill
tary supervision. The townspeople
opened soup kitchens for the repatri
ated, who continued to stream back
throughout the day, and the wounded
prisoners in hospital were cared for by
a local committee.
1t was Americas day in Belgium. The
residents had decorated their shops and
homes with thousands of flags of the
Allies, almost all of which seemed to
have been made from scraps of silk and
other material which lay hidden for
months awaiting the great day. The
civilian guards also appeared in brand
new uniforms, which they had been saw
ing.
Ready to Give Battle
Throughout the night the army
rested on it's line of approximately
fifty miles in such tactical position
as to be able to meet any eventuaIity.
.Flanking forces we're ready for i'm
mediate action, the supports were in
their proper intervals, the artillery
was moved into position and even ma
chine gun emplacements were made
The instructions are that similar care
and preparedness must be exercised
throughout the movement.
Advance Is Unimpeded
Yesterdays advance went without a
hitch. The roads over which the
Americans marched were frozen dur
ing the greater part of the day. This
made the walking bad but not nearly
so difficult as it was in the recent past,
When VI mud and wire had to negotiated.
The troops have moved out of shell
torn area where the roads have been
hastily and temporarily repaired. 1t
is relief to the men, because behind
the German lines the roads are in eX-
celent condition.
Villages and towns along the route
looked peaceful, except for some here
and there which had been SCARED by
explosions of aerial bombs. These were
the only physical traces of warfare
A deep silence broods over this area,
for the people were nearly all moved
out by the Germans. In some cases
less than fifty persons remain in
village.
The people generally were quite
timid when the Americans made their
appearance. They remained in their
houses until assured that the Amer
leans were not another form of enemy
The Germans had told them that this
would be the case. Once assured that
the Americans we're friends, the vel
come given by the villages was some
times hysterical in it's earnestness.
March in Cold Weather
The start of the Americans across
the lines at $3.50 o'clock Sunday morn
ing was made in the face Of the coldest
weather Of the season. the troops
shivering as they awaited their coffee
before daylight. The sky was cloudy.
making the day gloomy one, but all
along the front the Americans were
astir bright and early, so that they
might be sure of being in place when
the historic march was begun.
The vanguard Of the First Division
reached the American outposts near
Abaucourt. on the road running north