The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1918-03-14
State Department Archives at
Washington Record the
Story Of Sissonne.
COMMUNE UNABLE TO PAY
Won Bue'ow. on That Account, Threat
ened to Destroy Home OF Prince
Of Monaco, Who Appealed to
President Wilson.

man system Of ertorting money from
captured communities IS shown By
the following documents published
BY the committee on public informa-
ton:
A striking illustration Of the fierce
brutality Of German methods is con-
tanned In the archives OF the state de-
partment because the prince Of Mon
AGO appealed 10 President Wilson
against the injustice Of a fine imposed
upon small and impoverished VII
lsge. The following documents from
the state department archives tell the
story. They need no comments.
"Parls. Oct. 81, 1914.
Secretary Of State. Washington.
"Prince OF Monaco called this morn
ing and asked that the following case
be submitted TO the president:
"Prince states that General Won
Buelow for weeks has been inhabiting
princes ancestral chateau near
Reims. historical monument, contain
ing works Of art and family heir
NlbN NNu iuflNN nus iilINN'h
fine Of 100000 francs on village Of
Sissonne some miles distant from chat
eau. because Of broken glass found on
road near village. Sissonne being I'M
able alone 10 pay has raised with n
number 81 other nelghboring villages
$4,000 francs, but Won Buelow has
sent two messengers from Slssonne 10
prince that unless latter pays fine for
Sissonne the chateau and adjoining viii
lage. as well ms Slssonne. Will be de-
stroyed on November 1st Prince
has answered refusing 90 pay sum now
hut willing TO give his word 10 Ger
man emperor that amount would be
paid after removal Of danger Of fresh
war Incidents. Prince now fearful
lest returning messengers, as well as
male employees on his estate, be shot
because OF refusal 20 pay.
81 have arranged meeting this after
noon between Spanish ambassador and
prince. TO whom have suggested that
mntter be presented 10 German gov
eminent through Spanish ambassador
at Berlin inasmuch AS princes threat
ened property Is In France.
'HERRICK."
Won Buelow's Threat
ITO the Mayor of the Commune OF
Sissonne.
ut has been conclusively proven
that the road between Sissonne and the
railway station of Montaigu was, on
September 18th. strewn with broken
glass along a distance of one kilome-
ter and Mt Intervals of 80 meters, for
the purpose. no doubt, OF impeding
automobile traffic.
81 hold the commune OF Sissonne
responsible for this act OF hostility
on the part Of Its inhabitants, and
punish the said community by levying
upon Il contribution Of 100000
francs (nve hundred thousand
francs).
This sum must be entirely paid
into the treasury of the Etape by Dc
tober 18th.
"The inspection Of the Etape now
nj Montcornet has been directed to
enforce execution of this order.
..The General Commander In Chief OF
the Army.
"vON BUELOw."
Protest OF Prince OF Monaco.
Monaco. Oct. 22nd, 1914.
"Sire:
81 forward TO your majesty several
documents relating to a very grave
and urgent matter.
'sThe General Won Buelow has caused
.. 20 be occupied since one month and
(ks half my residence OF Marchais. sit
uated at Ave kilometers from the VII
iage of Sissonne. The general has lev
led upon the 1900 inhabitants OF this
poor ruined village n war contribution
of 100000 francs. Of which they are
unable to pay more than one-quar-
ter. Moreover, he has sent 10 me two
emissaries bearing a document Ia
which he threatens to destroy my
property and the village Of Marchais,
over and above that Of Sissonne, In the
event of my not disbursing myself the
sum In question before the end or the
month OF October.
"That Is how a Prussian general
treats a reigning prince who Tor 10
years has been a friend TO Germany
and who In all the countries OF the
world is surrounded with respect and
gratitude for his work.
'In reply to the summons OF the
General Won Buelow l have given my
word. OF honor TO complete the above
contribution In order to avert nor
rible action accomplished In cold
blood. but adding that as sovereign
prince l submit this matter TO the
Judgment Of the emperor by deciar-
ing that the said sum shall be paid
when the Chateau de Marchais will
be free from the danger Of intentional
destruction.
81 am, with great respect. your ma
1esty's devoted servant and cousin,
ALBERT. Prince OF Monaco"
Letter Addressed TO Won eueIo~.
Monaco, Oct ~. 1914
-Te avert from the commune Of