The Lake County times. [volume] (Hammond, Ind.) 1906-1933, 1919-06-28


lanes Of humanity the delegations pass
ed, one by one. their motors Haunting
the flags of practically all nations ex-
cept those which made UP the central
powers. and the few reutrals not repre-
sented. The arrival Of each delegation
was heralded by a trumPeter. After
being saluted the member were taken
in charge by attendants and conducted
TO the places assigned for them.
Shortly before 8 o'clock motors left
the palace in charge Of the French MILF
tary mission and went to the Hotel
Reservoir. Here the German delegates
were taken in charge and driven back
TO the palace where they waited in an
ante-room until the stroke of three
when NJ. Martin, the master of cere-
monies, directed that they be conducted
to the hall Of mirrors.
The German delegates we're last 10
enter the hall. Following their entrance
came the German journalists who were
assigned TO seats in the rear OF the
press sections.
NJ Clemenceau opened the ceremonies.
The pen used TO sign the documents
was OF SoAu, the biIt OF AiSaCe LpI-
raine. 1t was made BY an Alsatian sol
der.
on the holder was engraved the
images Of an Alsatian church tower. a
hewhiskered poilu and a dying arrow,
inscribed June 2Sth. 1919"
Included in the distinguished guests
section were the four war premiers OF
France who preceded Clemenceau-vi-
viani. Ribbott. BRAND and .Painleev.
President Poincare abscntsd himself
for constitutions reasons. sending the
seats reserved for himself to his form
or associates.
Immediately after the first signature
was attached, the wireless on Eiffel
tower flung the news to the world. 1t
was picked up by every wireless station
in Europe and saluted by salvos of ar
tillery at every allied fertilization.
There was little of world wide joy
and e~xuberance evidenced by the men
who sat around the peace table. In the
past II has been customary to exchange
fluctuations with the enemy delega-
tions. Nothing OF the sort was appar-
ent today.
1t is generally accepted that the Ger
man national assembly will ratify the
treaty at once in order that the nation
may get back 70 a peace basis and en-
deavor to build up It's economic life.
The weather which for the past few
days has been cold and raw. moderated
somewhat today but was overcast at
noon and ACCOMPANIED by a cold wind.
DR.. Mueller was the first TO attach his
signature 10 the treaty. signing az 3.12.
DR.. Bell signed next.
President Wilson was the first TO
sign followin gthe Germans. The rest
Of the American delegation affixed their
signatures below the presidents.
Premier Lloyd-George was the merit
to sign the momentous document The
remainder of the British delegation fol-
lowed him.
The Tiger" OF France Premier Gle
menceau. signed his name TO the treaty
al exactly 1928 ?. m.
The signing Of the treaty was COM
pleted at $50 p. m, II having taken ap-
proximately forty minutes for the pro-
ceedings.
The German delegates Immediately
left.
The scene during the signing Of the
treaty was most impressive. The major
ity of those present were plainly nerv-
Gus.
President Wilson and Premiere Lloyd
George and Clemenceau plainly showed
the great strain they had been under.
The presidents face was heavily lined
and ne was whittier and more aesthetic
looking than usual.
D LLOYD Georges shock OF white hair
out-shone that OF everyone except Pade-
rewski. AS usual the British premier
$500 .L - -f----- A.--T-r-
from<a broad. black ribbon. President
Wilson kept turning over a small, gold
pencil, as he watch the exchanges.
That Premier Clemenceau sat deep in
his chair, half Sowing as he swept the
bushy eyebrows. If anything he seemed
timer than ever. His hands were encascd
IN the invisible white gloves.
The Italians were plainly nervous
The japanese on the other hand were
unperturbed and placidly gazed at the
beauties of the room. outwardly uncon-
cerned over the momentous happenings.
There were troops everywhere. lending
a picturesque touch of color TO the
scene.
Mrs. Wilson. wife Of the president, oc-
cupied a prominent seat in the front row
Of spectators. She was attended by
Admiral Grayson. the presidents physi-
clan.
The German delegates presented 3
contrast in appearance. DR.. Mueller
plainly showed that he had been labor
ing under a great strain and had a drawn
appearance. DIR. Bell. on the other HAND.
was plainly pleased that he had been
selected as one OF the German dele
gates 10 sign the treaty. He took q
keen interest in all that went on.
The skies. which had been overcast.
stared to clear as the proceedings
opened. The strains of music could he
family heard as DR.. Mueller signed the
treaty. Bands were massed in the dis
lance and the strains came through the
open windows.
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