Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1919-06-29
DELEGATES PLACE 1
THEIR SIGNATURES
TO HISTORIC PAPER
Clemenceau Says Treaty's
Contamination Formally
Concludes Strife.
CHINA ONLY BELLIGERENT
REFUSING TO PARTICIPATE
General SHUTS, Representing
Union of South Africa, Acqui-,
esces Under Protest.
ANNIVERSARY or SARAJEVO
Killing of Austrian Heir Apparent,
Wars Moving Factor, Occurred Il
June %, 1911.
CHINA ONLY BELLIGERENT
REFUSING TO PARTICIPATE
ANNIVERSARY or sARAJEvo
Killing of Austrian Heir Apparent,
Wars Moving Factor, Occurred 4,
June %, 1914.

PARIS. June oS-ln the Hall of Mir
rors in the Palace of Versailles where
the German empire was born, forty
eight years ago, DIR. Hermann Mueller
ana DR.. johannes Bell, as plenipoten.
tiaries OF the German reich, today ar
hNed their signatures to the treaty OF
peace which puts an end forever 10
German dreams OF world power
Ihe ceremony which marked the end
OF war and tho dawn of peace con-
sumed exactly thirty-ninc minutes.
It's conclusion WAS announced by Pre-
mier Clemenceau. in the terse state
ment:
The conditions of peace are now an
accomplished fact; the proceedings are
closed"
Ends World Conhngrntion.
r mus was n,o, ended the world conila
the Austrian Crown Prince at sara
leVo. and which cntailed the downfall
OF Q lonr empires and score of minor
kingdoms and principalities.
TWO years and two days ago. on
June Is. 1917. the first OF The American
9Tx oni.ht force arrived in France.
or the United States. having affixed his
signature to the document which seals
the peace made possible by the laid
OF American arms. left Paris for Brest,
on his way back to Washington, and
received the most enthusiastic ovation
ne has been accorded since his ar
ing tribute to the man who showed
the world the way to peace.
s, Inc charter of world peace was
conference. with the exception of the
Chinese, who absented themselves from
me ceremony because they had been
refused permission to make certain
reservations regarding the Japanese
occupation of Shantung. -
smuts Signs Under Protest.
General Jan Christian SHUTS, Of the
delegation risa from the Union Of South
ing objections TO certain territorial
settlements and the proposal for trial
81 Gi Inc Kaiser and others held responsf.
that the ndemnities levied on Der
many were excessive and shouId1 h.
moderated in order to facilitate the
revival OF industry in Europe
The Germans were the first to sign
ana were followed by the Americans,
British. French; Italians and Japas
sma ss 0 nasons The Then
who had entered the hall with down.
cast mien and who were extremely
were the th rs 81 the
accordance with the program.
There was no demonstration what
eser curing the ceremony. but at Its
conclusion, salvos Of guns doomed the Z;
news that Mars had been deposed and
peace enthroned.
Sun Shines on Ceremony.
Throughout the morning and
early afternoon the sky had been over
sound OF the first gun, the sun. breaks
ing through the curtain OF clouds.
"s nsaSe f.S snanr in tp
waters Of the great fountains, now
turned on for their first time in five
years. with all the colors of the rain
bow.
Although the. ceremony in the beautl-
tul and historic hall OF mirrors, was,
the delegates betrayed evidence OF
deep emotion and were vssibly rellev-
ed rr wssn It W Wilson oyer sat ,urn,ns -.
gold pencil between his fingers while
the delegates stepped forward to sign.
m nils face assn,y vas ,;n possibly winter and
Clemenceau. the Tiger" with bushy
eyebrows, sweeping mustache and
s Ss 9ac sanses and half Scpw upon
gloved hands the table. Lloyd
George, nor!d of complexion. with
great shock of white hair. nervousIy
whirled his eyeglasses suspended from
Il broad black ribbon.
Itniians Plainly Nervous.
Baron Sonnino and others of the
Italian trio were plainly nervous, but
OF the occasion. and placidly
the beauties of the great
room. sfJ
Outside the palace the presence. OF
troops OF the allied nations. CARRIED
In field attire. lent a touch of color to
the scene. Most picturesque OF these
were the Republican Guards drawn
UP as guard OF honor on the steps
OF the marble stairway by which the
delegates entered. They stood with
drawn swords. with silver and gold
plumes red and black tunics. white
buckskin breaches and patent leather
boots.
In the front row of benches provided
for the distinguished guests Invited to
the ceremony. sat Mrs Wilson,
attended by Admiral Grayson and.
others of the Presidents encourage
PRESIDENT Poincare and the presiding
officers OF the French Senate and
Chamber and their guests also had
places on these benches.
Clemencenu Opens Sexxion. $50
AS soon as the German delegates had
taken their seats. Clemenceau with his
1rst show OF nervousness that has been
noticeable since the opening OF the
peace conference, began his address
delegates by the official interpreter. y,
saying: - 49,
The session is open. The allied ana
associated powers on one eide. aud q.