The daily Gate City and constitution-Democrat. (Keokuk, Iowa) 1916-1922, 1918-12-09
YANKEES NOW
OCCUPY CoBLENz
Continued from. page ~

mans frankly admit they believe
Americas Intervention snatched vic
tory away from them. Several rea-
sons are assigned. One is that the
people are so weary they are glad the
war is over, even if 1t means defeat.
Another is that the people are so ac-
customed to military discipline that
they submit tamely to any form of 1t.
Still another is that the people have
not yet had time to grasp the light
ning-like change Of events. or are sub
hitting through fear OF the conse-
quences of any outbreak
Some officials hold the theory that
the Germans are playing shrewd
propaganda game, thus trying to gain
the sympathy of Americans, which
they would turn to their account after
peace Is signed. The latter is not re-
garded as likely, however, as the ma
jority of the people make not attempt
to fraternize and do not conceal the
fact they are not glad about the
Americans presence. On the other
hand the American rule SO far has
been extremely mild. With the C<cep-
ton of requisition of public buildings,
some coal and forage, part use of the
railways and telephones and the bill
letting of officers with civilian families,
it has not affected the private life of
the Germans in the slightest degree.
The policy of the Americans in
charge of civil affairs has been to i'm
pose restrictions only as it is shown
they are needed, but they are prepared
to impose and enforce, the most
stringent and drastic laws, If neces-
isary.
When the army completes It's
marches and takes the positions des-
ignated in the armistice, it is probable
that a number of restrictions will be
promulgated which are now held in
allowance because OF difficulty Of en-
forcement while the army is on the
move.
The occupation of Treves and other
large towns in the Rhineland is pre-
senting strange situations for both
Americans and Germans. The Ameri-
cans are unable to get accustomed to
seeing grey-clad men-the sight OF
whom only a few weeks ago meant to
kill or be killed-walking about or
standing on the street corners, or
blowing fields beside the roads.
Sometimes groups of German sol
diers are encountered marching home
ward alongside the American col
unsns They keep TO their own side
of the road, however.
Military police are guarding bridges
and railways and patrolling the streets
of the occupied cities and villages.
The hotel Hobbies, restaurants and
movies are thrcnged with American
officers.
The people never seem to get &C
customed to the sight of the Khaki
clad columns flowing through their
villages, day after day. They appear
to retain the bewtlderment caused by
the quick turn Of events. Only few
months ago the reserve troops march
ed westward through these same VII
lagos to the front. then far away.
Adults stare, but covertly, at the
doughboys as the latter go quietly
about their business. Only the chill
dren are unable to conceal their senti-
ments which mostly are some form OF
curiosity. They follow each column
that marches by, some clinging to the
hands of good natured doughboys. de-
spite the admonitions Of their elders.
General Pershina's Report.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 9.-"Units of
the Third american army north of
Boms advanced today, reaching the
line of ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. South
OF Kempenich our lines remain I'M
changed" stated General Pershing's
communique for December 8 made
public today.
Transfer of Alsace-Lorraine.
METZ. Dec, s tdelayed).- General
Petsin received the baton of mar
shall of France here today on the
occasion of the opening ceremonies