Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-12-07
GERMANS INDIFFERENT
TO AMERICAN INVASION

patton, Monday. Dec 2-@fBy The As
ISOLATED PressJE Studied Indifference
again characterized the German re-
ception Of American troops on their
way to the t1.hine today. General
EHckman's ATM Renewed its adj
vancve at day light and by tonight
had reached the 'fiffe approximately
l2 miles to the eastward. Scores vi
additional villages and small towns
were brought under the domination
of the American army. but none CT
them is of great Importance. --
4 At American headquarters In Trc-
res, General Brown as military gov
ernon and General Smith who is N
charge OF civil affairs, have begun
the work of administration. Local
authorities in virtually every COM
rnunity have agreed TO retain their
posts and cooperate in assistance
of order. General Pership has is
sued a proclama ton calling upon the
people to return 10 their normal pur-
suits and assuring them that IL the
conduct of military affairs is not
molested and if good order is kept
they will not be interfered with. The
PROCLAMATION gives information OF
the places American forces viii oc-
cupy under the terms of the arnis-
tice, and explains i'll detail whic.l
towns will be garrisoned and whic,
will be merely included in occupied
territory. This proclamation, posted
on walls in different places, has
been read carefully BY crowds. bit
there has been no sign of emotion
The towns through which the
troops passed presented an appear
ance similar 10 those entered on
Sunday. Blinds were drawn in many
cases and most of the inhabitants re-
manned indoors rather than counten-
ance the invasion Of witnessing it.
The children in the town occupied on
the first day Of the advance and TO-
day. failed to restrain their childish
enthusiasm, but the attitude of he
grown-ups was unaltered. At Treves
100 airplanes were found ready for
delivery to the allies. A small guam
tity Of supplies was also left there
by the Germans.
Reports made to General Smith indi-
cate that while foodstuffs are limited as
to variety. there is apparently enough
10 meet the needs Of the people. Prices,
however, are very high.
General Pershing's assurance has
gone far to alleviate anxiety that even
the phlegmatc Inhabitants fail to con-
ceal 1t is understood the Americans
will rule sternly. but General Perish
ing's proclamation says. Law-abiding
pei need have no fear
Continuing, the proclamation reads;
The American army will not come TO
make war on civilian population. All
persons who, with honest submission.
act peacefully and obey the rules bald
down by the military authorities will
be protected ia their persons, home re-
ligion and property. All others Will be
brought within the rule with frmness.
vigor and promptness. The American
army will govern in strict accordance
with international law and the rules
and custon,s; Of war sanctioned by the
civilized world. Inhabitants, on their
part, must absolutely abstain in word
and deed from every act Of hostility Or
mpediment of any kind toward the
American forces.
1T is your duty now 10, devote your
selves to the orderly and obedent cou-
duct Of your. private. lives and affairs
the reesta blsllment Of normal condi-
tons in schcoIs. clutches, hospitals and'
charitable. institutions and the resump-
lion OF your local civil life.
"You will be unobstructnd, but on the
contrary. will he encouraged and pro
tected in, those pursuits 80 far as your
attitude and conduct make it possible,
local courts, governing, bodies, and in
stitutions will be continued in operatio
under supervision Of American auihori-
ties. Except where they affect the
rights and security Of the American
army, your present laws and regulations
will remain undisturbed and in force.
Ever violation Of the laws or war, ev-
cry act offering hostility or violence,
and every disobedience Of the rules laid
down by military uthority. VIII be pun
,,frAr