The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1919-06-24
LONG TENSION
WAS RELIEVED
When Word Came to Paris
That Germany Would
Sign
INSTEAD OF INVITING
FURTHER INVASION
Final Day of the Strain Was
One of Great Ex-
citement

Paris, Monday, June % (By the Asso-
ciated Press Long months of strain
during the peace negotiations and weeks
of doubt whether Germany would ac-
cept the conditions offered or would in
vite by her refusal of them a further in
vasion OF her country ended late to-day
when note announcing Germany's I'M
conditional acceptance was delivered to
the supreme council of the conference.
The announcement during the early
morning of the councils decision to re-
fuse further extension OF time in which
Germany might answer inaugrated a
day Of extreme tension. 1t was gen
orally known to the public and confer
ence diplomats that only few hours
separated them from the portentous de-
cision. The first light came in a press
dispatch from Weimar about noon stat
ing that Germany had decided to yield,
but nothing was heard from Versailles
until shortly after 3 p. m. A telephone
message from Versailles then announced
the arrival OF the German reply, which,
it was known to few of the initiated,
was favorable The first definite an
nouncement, however, was made to Amer
lean correspondents, at the French press
headquarters at the Quay dorsey at
4 o'clock, it being stated that an sffirma
tive reply had been delivered to Colonel
Henri, liaison officer between the Ger.
mans and the peace eonferenc, who was
bringing il to Paris by automobile.
1t was not long after the reply had
been received and opened before the su-
preme council that guns began to boom
from the forts around Paris and rejoic.
ing crowds began to stream through the
streets, having been apprised by the
sound Of the cannon that the Germans
had accepted the allied terms. Allied
flags were flung out from windows. Au-
tomobiles loaded with cheering dough
boys and excited Poilus passed through
thoroughfares. Bells throughout the city
were pealing everywhere and cheering
animated throngs gave evidence of the
Joy with which the Partisan crowds wei.
coined the end OF the long years OF agony
and tension
The celebration soon assumed a more
tumutuous character and by o'clock in
the evening Paris seemed bent ON indulg-
ing in an excited demonstration Of Joy
Bands Of students had taken possession
Of the German trophy cannons, ranged on
either side Of Champs Elysees from the
Arch of Triumph to Place de La Con-
corde, and were dragging them in a pro-
cession through the city, each cannon
carrying its burden Of cheering youths
Special editions of newspapers, with
huge captions Peace has come" were
snatched from news sellers by excited
Parisians going home from work.
Plans for the ceremony attending the
signature of the treaty were considered
by the supreme council to-day II is
known that President Wilson favors
making it as simple as is consistent
with the nature Of the event, and the
original plans for the conclusion Of "the
second peace of Versailles have been
materially modified at his suggestion.
The plenipotentiaries viii be seated
on raised dais in the center Of the vast
Hall of Mirrors in the chateau Of Yer
sailles, upon which will be installed the
table upon which the treaty will be
signed. The program does not eontem-
plate any set addresses, but IL is believed
that both Premier Clemenceau and the
leading German delegate may make short
speeches. The delegations will come TO
the table when called upon by Secretary
Paul Dutasta TO aifix their signatures
opposite the seals which will, prior to
the event, be fixed TO the instrument.
The announcement of Germany's ae-
eeptance Of the treaty has thrown the
Hotel De Crillion, American headquar-
ters, into wild confusion, Because rs 10
the uncertainty as to the date on which
the treaty will be signed experts, off.
GERS and clerks who will return on the
George Washington with President Will
son have been ordered TO be ready to
leave on Tuesday night Consequently
trunks, bookcases and military bags were
to-day tumbled into the corridors in
great disorder and American soldiers
rushed about in an effort to get baggage
to stations as quickly as possible so that
the personnel of the mission might be
ready to leave at once should the treaty
be signed on Tuesday
High carnival reigned in the boue-
wards until late at night and scenes en-.
acted at the time of the armstice were
repeated and, indeed, intensified. Dense
throngs swayed back and forth shout.
ing, singing and waving flags Auto
trucks loaded with American soldiers
armed with noise. producing element
threaded their way through the masses.
From the windows Of packed cafes float
ed patriotic strains, the orcbestras play.
ing tirelessly, urged on by the jewellers.
Women in mourning, to whom the Off
cial end of the war brought remem
brances Of those to whom the Struggle
had brought but wooden crosses, were
observed here and there in the noisy