The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-05-15

\ notable feature Of the reception was the absence of Germans, who had re- quested permission to greet the Aus trans, but had been denied this privi- k lege. The prefect of the department, M. 7 Nhaleil, met the Austrians courteously, l md although there was no official hand making, many members of the party were Ereeted by unofficial handshakes from Old acquantances they were being tsLhown to the waiting automobiles. Y The delegates then proceeded under military escort to the villas set aside for them overlooking the valley of the Seine and Paris and lacking the high fences and sentries so much in evidence at Versailles. Chancellor Renner was ap- parently in excellent spirits. He smiled engagingly and his eyes shone as he greeted the representatives of the allied countries In the course of his remarks he said, among other things:
 q hope I may go away with as joy ful heart as l bring"
 NO HOSTILITY SHOWN
 St. Germain was at it's loveliest this afternoon when the Austrian delegation was received Although strict military regulations were enforced and the crowds of villagers held back by sentres from the railway station and the shady ave- nues through which the delegates were hurried to their abiding place, such pre- cautions were unnecessary, for the croWds displayed mild curiosity, rather than hos tlity The brilliant, warm day en- hanced the beauty of the historic town, whose villas were embowered in bloom ing lilac hedges, with chestnut groves In full flower.
 ee;. t1,n and others were conducted tremendously to the station through streets from which other traffic had been barred. IL seemed like fete day, unconnected witn war and the good spirits Of the crowd awaiting the Austrians appeared to De shared by them, for they emerged sfii- ing from their special train.
 If was a cosmopolitan crowd which awaited the delegation and the french, English, Italian, Japanese and American journalists and officers.
 Some of the Austrians gazed lnquirhs ly from the windows as the tram ehteleu the station uncertain of their reception, but Chancellor Renner was sure ot ms eround and welcomed the friendly spirit displayed with heartiness, which was re- ciprocated in a measure by those assem- bled.
 Professor Lamasch was accompanied by his wife and daughter, and there were several women secretaries, who were shown the greatest courtesy. The Austrian newspaper men and Subordl- rates were quartered in one of the re- quiSitioned hotels.
 After their arrival at the villas the Austrian delegates again thanked the es- corting officers for their courteous re- ception and chatted for a time, contrast ing the sunshine and warmth Of France with the snows and bleakness Of Aus tria and Switzerland on the Journey hither.
 The Austrian chancellor, in his speech on arrival and later in conversation. smoke German, but excused himself as being unable to speak French.
 GERMAN NOTE ANSWERED ,
 By Associated Press
 Paris May 14.-The answer or the council of four to the German notes on prisoners of war and labor, subjects De- fore it, were delivered this afternoon.
 One of the later German notes dealing with the economic clauses Of the troits' declares they mean the ruin of Germany if they are enforced.
 note on territorial questions protests particularly against the Sarre Valley ar rangement and the transfer of the Nal medy, Moresnet and Euphen districts 10 Belgium, as well as the forced eNacuallon of part Of Schleswig. A note on reparations does not protes' against the payment py befhidhs i'i VT devastation wrought in Belgium anu northern France. which it says. Germany is ready 10 do willingly. It is added. however, that Germany will not pay re- paration for this damage on the principle that she was responsible for the war
 TEXT OF NOTE
 The note on the question of prisoners says: "The German peace delegation notes with satisfaction that the project recognizes the principle of the return ot prisoners of war and civilians With the least possible dehy. The delegation deems that all the details of the execu- ton of this measure ought to be sub mitted to q special commission
 .Directoral discussions between the commission and nearly all the belligerents concerning prisoners of war have beer. considered. even during hostilities, as the s;uresf means of solving the difficulties. If ought today to be all the easier to reconcile the different viewpoints and clear up certain obscurties still existing on certain details of the problem
 For instance, as result of the diver sity of the viewpoint of the law in the different countries interested, the Ger man delegation considers 1t indispensable
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