The daily star-mirror. (Moscow, Idaho) 1911-1939, 1918-11-08
UNITED PRESS SENT
). FALSE REPORTS
DISPATCH SAYING ARMISTICE
HAD BEEN SIGNED SET ALL
AMERICA WILD

| NEY YORK, Nov. False reports
that Germany had accepted the terms
of the armistice and that fighting had
ended threw the country into de-
| lirium today and turned out to be the
greatest hoax of recent years.
Official assurances that the report
was false failed to check the almost
riotous demonstrations which swept
over many American cities and mil
lions of Americans will not know how
they were fooled until they read the
morning papers.
A dispatch cabled from France to
i the United Press and picked up and
circulated through the county by an
other news agency declared the armis-
tice signed at II o'clock this morning
and fighting ended at 2 o'clock this
afternoon.
None of these unfounded reports, of
course, was received or distributed by
the Associated Press which, on the
contrary, was able by investigation
conducted through official channels,
to. establish that the story was hoax.
Official dispatches from France to
the state department at Washington
testify that the German commission
Foch until 5 o'clock this afternoon,
and dispatches received tonight from
the American army on the Sedan
front show that at $50. p. m. the
troops were still advancing.
After cabling to France and receiv-
ing an official reply, Secretary Lam
sing from the state department in
Washington issued this statement:
'sThe report that the armistice with
Germany had been signed is not true.
When 1T reached the. department of
state this morning an inquiry was at
oncez dispatched to Paris. At 2:04
o'clock this afternoon, telegram in
reply to that Of the department was
received from Paris. 1t stated that
the armistice had not yet been signed
and that the German representative
would not meet Marshal Foch until 5
p Mp Paris time, or IL noon, Wash
ington time"
The false report was not easily
overtaken by the truth and as it
spread through the country it gathered
momentum until demonstrations ap-
preaching hysteria ruled in many
cities. Business was suspended,
schools were closed, bells were rung,
whistles shrieked, prayers were Of
fered in churches, parading citizens
jammed the streets and the scenes
usually attendant on New Years eve
and election night were intensified.
The New York stock exchange, as
well as the curb market, were closed
at 2:30 p. M, after hurried meet
ing of the governors. A market
which at first appeared to be unre-
sponsive suddenly developed actively
which shot up some of the so-called
peace stocks from two to IL, points.
Exchanges in other cities were SINH
larly affected.
The excitement which seized the
citys millions at the word "peace"
was picturesque and ear-splitting but
as realization grew that it was pre-
mature, its tragic side came forward.
Not all the celebrators had joined in
the hilarious flag waving, horn blow
ing impormptu parades. Thousands
of fathers, mothers, wives and sisters
went into every church with open
doors to offer prayers of gratitude be-
cause they thought fighting had
ceased. -
Fifth avenue was filled with auto
mobiles from Central Park to Wash
ington Square and multitudes Of peo-
pie packed the sidewalks. The most
impressive scene in the length Of the
street was inside ST. Patrick's cathe-
dral In the semi-dark end nave hun
dreds of reverent men and women
knelt in thanksgiving In hundreds of
other churches were similar gather
ings.
While thousands went to pray other
thousands gave vent to their joy in
more convivial surroundings. The pro-
hibition gloom which has shrouded
cafes and saloons was dispelled and
they were filled with jewellers. The
Star Spangled Banner with variations
and without accompaniment was the