The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-12-09
AMERICANS NOW
Continued from Page one)

Continued from Page One.)
them the same as they have with the
burgomasters. At Treves. the burgo-
master was working in harmony with
the workmenss and soldiers council.
The occupation of German territory
thus far has been remarkably pacific.
Altho facilities have been given for
complaints to the commands of both
armies, not single complaint or ar
rest was made either by the Americans
or Germans. The Americans are hold
ing hundreds OF square miles Of enemy
territory, and ruling hundreds Of thou
sands of enemy people. yet there has
not been single overt act of hostility
ported.
Bitterness Is Lacking.
The military officials, experienced
in occupation of enemy countries, con-
slider this a remarkable record. They
are puzzled to account for the lack of
bitterness. considering that the Ger
mans 1. frankly admit they believe
Americas Intervention snatched VIC
tory away from them. Several reasons
are assigned. One is that the people
are so weary they are glad the war is
over, even If 1t means defeat. Another
to military discipline that they sub
NIT tamely to any form Of it. Still
another is that the people have not
yet had time to grasp the lightning
like change OF events, or are submit
ting thru fear of the consequences of
an outbreak.
Maybe 1t Is Propaganda,
Some officials hold the theory that
the Germans are playing a shrewd
the sympathy of Americans which
they would turn to their account after
peace is signed.
The latter is not regarded as likely,
however, as the majority of the ,peo-
| pie make no attempt to fraternize and
do not conceal the. fact that they are
| not glad about the Americans pres
ence. On the other hand, the Ameri-
can rule SO far has been extremely
mild. With the exception Of the re-
QUESTION of public buildings, some coal
and forage, part use of the railways
and telephones and the billeting of
! officers with civilian families. it has
mot 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
to impose and enforce the most
stringent and drastic laws. If neces-
| sary.
When the army completes its
marches and takes the positions desig-
| mated in the armistice. it is probable
promulgated
| Not Used to 1t.
| 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 gray-clad men-the sight OF
| whom only a few weeks ago meant to
kill or be killed-wallking about or
standing on the street corners, OF
blowing fields beside the roads.
| Sometimes groups of German SOL
| diers are encountered marching home
ward alongside the American columns
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 viii
| lagos. The hotel lobbfes, restaurants
and movies are thronged with Ameri-
can officers.
The people never seem to get &C.
customed to the hit of the khaki
clad columns flowing thru their vii
lagos. day after day. They appear tc
retain the bewilderment caused by the
quick turn of events.