The Covington leader. (Covington, Tenn.) 18??-current, 1919-07-03
GERMAN DELEGATES
SIGN PEACE TREATY
Military Pomp Attends Proceedings,
which Are Presided Over by NJ.
Glemeneeau Event Is Over in A.
Minutes.

&4GI W us SANNN - t4S A@est@ - $500
rors, in which, III the glorious year ct
NJ the German empire was resurrect-
ed ii all its former splend0rl Lest we
forget Iii restless labor the German
people will again strive to attain
that place among the nations Of the
world to which it is entitled. The
vengeance for the disgrace Of 1887
The Tageblatt says:
aThe German people reject the
treaty which its delegates are sign
ing today, and il does not believe for
4 single moment that it will endure.
Despite the fact that it is written
on parchment, it remains scrap Of
paper, because IL is q mockery Of all
the laws Of reason and morals and
the most disgraceful exhibit in the
museum Of civilization"
-
Versailles. June 28.-Germany and
The allied and associated powers
signed the treaty of peace today,
bringing to formal end the might
lest war of all time.
The signatures were affixed to the
great document in the Hall Of MIR
rors, within few yards of the spot IN
Tie hail where William had himself
crowned emperor Of Germany and
where the German empire was pro-
claimed.
The hall was crowded when the
German delegates, Foreign Minister
Muelled and Colonial Minister Bell en-
tered and took their seats ait 3:08 pm.
Mueller and Colonial Minister Bell en-
gas next, two minutes later. Entire
delegations then signed in this order:
United States, Great Britain,
France, italy, Japan and the smaller
powers.
Chinese delegates absented them-
selves, refusing to participate on ac-
count of the Shantung settlement,
and il was reported they had cabled
Picking for instructions.
Gen. SHUTS, signing for South At
RIGA, did So under protest, and issued
statement setting forth his rea-
sons.
Clemenceau came forward at the
head Of the French delegates, in a
sprightly manner, despite his great
age, and with apparent enthusiasm
affixed his signature TO the document
at 1926.
The protocol establishing the fate
Of the Rhineland was also signed as
well as an agreement between the
United States, Great Britain and
France under which the United
States and Britain will aid France
III case Of an unprovoked assault BY
Germany. This was in treaty form
and must be submitted to the legisla-
tive bodies of the interested nations
fol ratification.
Hours before the time of the sign
ing vast crowds assembled in the
streets and open spaces about the
palace at Versailles. Ranks of troops
were drawn DID in the courtyard where
the allied representatives left their
vehicles. Flags DC the allied and as
sociate powers waved In the sunlight,
Seats for distinguished visitors and
for the press, in salons adjoining the
Hall DC Mirrors filled early. AT times
the throngs almost stormed the gates.
Wealthy Frenchmen were reported
offering $4,000 for tickets Of admis-
sion.
AIT 300 PM, one minute after the
Germans entered, ClemenceaI declar-
ed the historic meeting open. He
assured the enemy delegates the text
was identical with copies already sub
mitted,
Clemenceau said:
The session is open, The allied
and associated powers On one side
and the German reich on the other
side have come to an agreement on
the conditions of peace.
s.The text has been completed,
drafted, and the president Of the con-
ference has stated in writing that
the text that is about to be signed
now Is Identical with the 200 copies
that have been delivered to the Ger
man delegation.
1.-THE signatures viii be given now.
And they amount to solemn UNDER
taking faithfully and loyalty 10 exc
cute The conditions embodied by this
treaty of peace,
III now invite the delegates Of the
German reich to sign the treaty"
Ill signing the representatives
stepped ID on dais on which the
horseshoe table was elevated. IA the
middle Of the u formed for the horse
shoe was small table on which the
treaty Law. Snow white quill and am
Der handled gold pens were used,
Clemenceau's pen was presented BY
the peopHe of Alsace Lorraine. a
brown tapestry carpet, very old and
valuable, covered the floor, and the
table was covered with brown tap
estry.
Forty-one minutes after the cere-
fnonv began Clemenceau announced:
aThe conditions of peace are now
IN accomplished fact; the proceedings
are closed"
ii was over. The Germans left I'M
slaaa silence at 1852. AS the allied
representatives stepped out Oh the
terrace there was d booming Of guns.
and the famous fountains Of YER
sailles sent sparkling streams high
ig,fo the air, while the tremendous
crowds burst into wild cheering.
surging against The police lines, the
multitude swarned around the com
ynissioners, bombarding them with
flowers. President Wilson and others
80 nuShed the full length Of the