Richmond Palladium (Daily), Volume 43, Number 306, 6 November 1918 — Page 1

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BERLIN ANNOUNCES DEPARTURE

OF COUUISSION FOR WESTERN FRONT TO GET ALLIED TERMS Gruenell and Von Hintz Included in Commission to Open Peace Negotiations With Foch Anxiety for Peace Expressed by OfficialsArmistice Terms Will Require Enormous Indemnity for Atrocities Committed by Huns Lansing Sends Note to Germany Stating Allies Requirements for Peace Conference. ALLIES PLEASED BY ACCORD AT CONFERENCE (By Associated Press) BERLIN, via London, Nov. 6 An official statement issued here today says : "A German delegation to conclude an armistice and take up peace negotiations has left for the western front." ; General E. G. W. Von Gruenell, Germany's military delegate to the Hague peace conferences, General H. K. A. Von Winterfield, Admiral Meures and Admiral Paul Von Hintze, former secretary of foreign affairs, are members of the commission to deal with the allied powers on armistice negotiations.

WASHINGTON. Nov. 6. Germany can have peace on the terms and principles enunciated by President Wilson, tut it must pay an enormous indemnity for the wanton destruction wrought by its forces on land, on sea and in the air. The German government is so informed in a note from Secretary Lansing; now on its way to Berlin, and which also announces that Marshal Foch has been authorized by the governments of the United States and the allies "to receive properly accredited representatives of Germany and to communicate to them the terms of the armistice" under which hostilities can be brought to an end. Secretary Lansing's note quotes a "memorandum of observations" by the allied governments on the president's correspondence with the German authorities in which these governments "declared their willingness to make peace with the government ofOernany" in accordance with the presilent'8 program, subject to these qualifications:, - j . Terms Withheld. "Reservation to themselves in complete freedom of action in the peace conference on the question of the freeiom of the seas, and "The specific articles that by restoration of invaded territories is meant that; 'compensation will be made by Germany for all damages done to the civilian populations of the allies and their property by the aggression of Germany by land, by sea and from the air.' The president, Germany is informed, concurs in this last stipulation, which means payment by Germany for cities, towns and countrysides laid waste or damaged ; for ships sunk by submarines and raiders and of indemnities to the families and dependents killed or carried off in violation of the recognized rules of warfare. Terms of the armistice may not be made public until their acceptance or rejection by Germany, but it can be stated authoritatively that they are" no less drastic than those imposed upon Austria, which have been interpreted by military men here both American and allied, as nothing short of abject surrender. Already Agree to Terms. Germany's spokesmen already have acquliced in the terms and principles laid down by President Wilson. By accepting the armistice they agree In advance to the qualifications made by the allies and, consequently, much of the real work of the peace conference will have been completed in advance. There w'll remain the application of the, president's program and decision as to the freedom of the seas, but the terms of the armistice will leave no room for doubt of the ability of the allied and American governments to imoose their terms. Wh'lo awaiting the approach of the German emissaries, Marshal Foch, military men here believe hai opened the decisive rattle of the war. His immediate objective Is the rout or destruction of the German armies holding a stretch of more than 200 miles of battle line In the very center of the front in France. It Is from this menace that the Germans are seeking to escape in the great retreat reported last night from London. WAITING ANXIOUSLY BASEL. Nov. 6 An official statement from Berlin, in announcing the terms of the armistice for Germany had not arrived at the German capital up to today, adds: "Whatever it may be, the message is awaited in Germany with calmness in conformity with our dignity. Truly there exists the right to ask how the de!aying tactics of our adversaries can be reconciled with the speeches of the entente leaders who recently reiterated that it would be a crime to prolong the bloodshed one hour longer than was absolutely indispensable. HOUSE PRAISED BY ALLIES PARIS, Nov. 6 Col. E. M. House has been the recipient of numerous congratulations over the agreement hreached by the inter-allled conference at Versailles on the Important ques-! tions before it, notably the armistice terms for Germany and the peace conditions. Col. House himself has indicated his satisfaction at the results of the deliberations of the conference.

The accord reached on all other

points appears to have been attained without much difficulty with the exception t)f the second dealing with the freedom of the sas. On this there appeared to be a substantial agreement upon the general principal, although the terms are subject to further discussion and revision, with a view to avoiding misunderstandings and making them conform with the general desire tf all concerned. The completeness of the accord reached upon most points by the conferees caused gratification and even some surprise among the participants. Unofficial comment tended to give rise to the belief that the third and fifth points of President. Wilson's peace problem might lead to discussion, but it developed that these were included among those upon which an agreement was . reached, leaving, only the second point subject to some revision. All the nations having cdldnial interests including M. Matsui, the Japanese ambassador, were represented during discussions of the fifth point, dealing with the adjustment of colonial claims, upon which an accord likewise a unnn U'nin on appnrn ivoutica r " " , reached. There was a similar ; was representation when agreement was arrived at upon the third point, declaring for the removal, so far as possible, of all economic barriers. SMALL NATIONS ASK AID. WASHINGTON, Nov. 6. The United States government today promised to exert Its influence in behalf of Roumania In its effort to obtain Just political and territoriol right at the final peace conference. The American note to Germany sent by Secretary Lansing yesterday showed that the allied government in declaring their willingness to make peace with Germany on the basis of President Wilson's terms reserved freedom of action upon clause 2 of the I

president s program, dealing with thefB1sns tan, umo has elected a Demo-

freedom of the seas. AMSTERDAM, Nov. 5. Count Michael Karolyi, with several members of the national council and that Workmen's and Soldier's councils will leave shortly for Padua for the purpose of opening peace negotiations with Geh. Diaz, the Italian commander in chief. This announcement is made In a 3udapest dispatch received here. CARRY OUT CONDITIONS. ROME, Nov. 6. The conditions of the armistice between the entente nations and Austria are being carried outwithout delay. Italian troops have begun to occupy the territory which will be held as a guarantee that the clauses of the agreement will be observed. A Jugo-Slav commission arrived at Venice today, accompanied by Admiral Marzole of the Italian army. It proceeded straight to Padua, where it was received by General Diaz, commander in chief of the Italian armies. The ministry of marine announced that Italian naval units occupied the ports of Duloigne and Antivari, Montenegro, on Monday. The Weather For Indiana by United States Weather Bureau Fair tonight and probably Thursday. Cooler Thursday In west portion. Today's Temperature. Noon 59 Yesterday. Maximum 53 Minimum ..........30 For Wayne County by W. E. Moore Fair tonight and Thursday, followed by Increasing cloudiness. Gerferal Conditions The Western storms are moving slowly eastward with two centers, one over Minnesota and other over Rockies. Warm weather in the middle west and a cold wave is appearing over western Canada, with snow over Montana, eastern Idaho and Wyoming.

I ELECTION RESULTS

SECRETARY OF STATE ' Conter (D) .. 3346 Roach (R) 5081 Roach'a plurality 1735 REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS Strickland (D) 3432 Elliott (R) . ..... 6056 Nlop (Soc) 92 Elliott's plurality 1624 PROSECUTING ATTORNEY Freeman (R) 5075 JOINT SENATOR (Wayne and Payette) James A. Clifton (D) . Walter McConaha (Rep) . . . McConaha's majority REPRESENTATIVE (Wayne County) Benj. F. Wissler (D) ...... James M, Knapp (R) 3249 5024 1775 3323 4869 Knapp's plurality 1546 ... JOINT REPRESENTATIVE (Wayne and Union -Counties) Elmer E. Post (D) . . 3287 Oliver P. Lafuze (R) 4925 Fred Huckery (Soc) 92 Lafuze's plurality 163S COUNTY CLERK Henry E. Long (D) 3292 Linus P. Meredith (R) 4960 Orlando Marshall (Prohl) ...... 108 Meredith's plurality 1668 AUDITOR John F. Pickett (D) 3189 W. Howard Brooks (Rep) ..... 5076 David Mulllns (Prohl) 85 Brooks' plurality 1887 COUNTY TREASURER Jack Harper (D) 3356 E. J. Weidner (R) 4952 B. F. Hansen (Prohi) 89 Weldner's plurality 1606 COUNTY SHERIFF Isaac F. Burris (D) 3275 Clem V. Can- (R) 5009 Wayne Matthews (Prohi) 90 Carr's plurality 1734 CORONER Frederick Buche (D) 3203 D. Edgar Bond (R) 4997 Bond's plurality 1794 COUNTY SURVEYOR Howard H. Horton (R) 5085 FOR ASSESSOR W. A. Hatfield (D) 3195 Wm. Matthews (R) 4937 Edward Beeson (Prohl).....,.! 88 Mathews' plurality s 1792 COMMISSIONER Eastern Dist. W. O. Seaney (D) 3619 Homer Farlow (R) .. 46 45 W. B. Hogan (Prohi) Farlow's plurality 1026 i UUMMISSIONER Western Dist. Andrew J. Simpson (R) 5001 COUNTY COUNCILMEN-AT-LARGE Frank A. Brown (D) 3193 Wesley W. Daffler (D), '. 3167 Richard A. Davenport (R) '939 Dave Hoover (R) 4g7o Lee B. Nusbaum iR) jqoq COUNTY COUNCILMEN BY DISTRICT For First District,, Composed of wayne Township H. Shuman Jones (R) .... 2612 For Second District, Composed of Dalton, Franklin, Greene. Jeffersnn. & i n . ' , new uaraen and Perry Townships. Louls N. Hampton (R) 97 Hampton (R) 977 For Third District, Composed of Wash ington and Jackson Townships Chas. H. Kerlln (D) 57s Ossian L. Calloway, (R) 579 Calloway's plurality For Fourth District, Composed of Abngion, Boston, center, Clay, Harrison and Webster Townships. Garfield Jackson (R) 770 DRY AMENDMENT IS LOST IN OHIO; COX RE-ELECTED COLUMBUS, O., Nov. 6. Unless all cratlc governor, a ReDublica sentatlon In the halls of congress and a Democratic legislature. Whether it has changed from the wet to the dry column of states, remains In doubt today, with the wet3 leading by more than 10,472 votes, with more than three fifths of the precincts having been tabulated. With the exception, however, of a few pre-

cincts, all of the wet strongholds have I gains, Dunbar, Republican, is pressing been heard from, and dry leaders still i hard for the seat in congress of Repcontend that returns from the rural I resentative Cox of the Third district.

districts will wipe out what they claim ' is a temporary majority James M. Cox has been returned governor of Ohio for the third time. He -.vas opposed for the third time by Frank B. Willis, who defeated him four years ago and whom he -defeateo two years ago. With a few more than 1,500 out of the 5,706 to be heard from he has a majority over the republican nominee of more than 30,000 votes, and ihe complexion of the remaining precincts to be heard from indicate that there is little or no chance of Willis overcoming this lead. Republicans made a net gain of five congressmen in Ohio at yesterday's election, according to returns compiled today. As a result, the Ohio delegation In the next congress will be republican instead of democratic. In the present congress there were 13 democrats and 19 republicans from Ohio. There will be 14 republicans and 9 democrats from the Buckeye state in the next congress. Former Senator Charles Dick, Republican, was defeated for congress in the fourteenth district by Martin L. Davey, democrat, who was elected to succeed the late Congressman Batherick, democrat, who died In office. Germany Orders Release of All Belgian Prisoners . f By Associated Press) AMSTERDAM. Tuesday. Nov. 5. In accordance with its amnesty proclamation, the German government has relaesed all Belgium civilian prisoners held in Germany, according to a telegram received from Germany. Special rules under which Belgium prisoners have been held, are said to have been abolished.

REPUBLICANS TAKE EVERY CONTEST IN LOCAL RACE

Vote Based on Light Registration Shows Good Plurality All G .0. P. County Candidates Are Winners. ELLIOTT WINS DISTRICT Official returns of yesterday's election In Wayne county, which were completed by the county canvassing board shortly before noon today, show that the Republicans cleaned the platter, taking every contest on the bill and though suffering from a light vote, as based on the registration, piled up a very respectable plurality. Wayne county's registration totalled 10,900, but the vote polled was only a little more than 8,300, a shrinkage that has not been altogether accounted for by either Republicans or Democrats, though it is apparent that the "absent vote" which had the opportunity to vote under the absent voters' law, failed to exercise the privilege. Republicans were jubilant last night when early returns pointed to a sweeping victory for the county and in the district. Richard N. Elliott took the county over by a plurality of 1,624 over Strickland, and with his big vote in other counties of the district, it appeared today that he would win by a total of more than 2,500. McConaha Easy Winner. Walter McConaha had an easy victory over James A. Clifton, Democrat for joint senator from Fayette and Wayne counties, while Oliver P. Lafuse defeated Elmer E. Post, for Joint representative in similar fashion James Knapp, of Hagerstown, for representative from Wayne county, defeated B. F. Wissler. The Republican candidates for the various county offices turned over pluralities ranging from 1,887,' which wowarq tsrooKa receivea .in the au--Jdltor's racerdown to 1,026. the-plural-ity by which Homer Farlow bested Will Seaney. Many leading Democrats today were endeavoring to explain the cause of the defeat along all lines yesterday, and some of them were very free to say that they believed that President Wilson's now famous appeal to elect a Democratic congress, had reacted and helped, rather than handicapped the Republicans. Lewis S. Bowman, Republican coun1 1 ty chairman, said that he was particu larly gratified by the results in Wayne county, as it demonstrated very forcefully that the Republicans are united and that efforts of Democratic candidates to break the lines have been unavailing. BELIEVE INDIANA 6.0. P. BY 50,000 (By Associated Press) INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., Nov. 6. Belated reports filtering In early today from yesterday's election failed to show decisive results in three congressional districts of Indiana that presented quickly changing situations during the late hours of the night. Coming to the front on late night 'n tne fourth congressional district. Benham, on the face of late returns had made an unexpected showing against Dixon in normally strong Democratic precincts, thus presenting a situation similar to that in the Third. In the First -district, Luhring continued making Inroads on the Den- ! ton total aid Democrats conceded his election. Republican leaders were quick to predict that a solid Republican delegation in the house from Indiana was not Improbable. Although returns for state representatives and esnators were slow, and for the most part, extremely indecisive Republican leaders were optimlstice because of the apparent victory of the Republican state ticket. Latest returns for secretary of state list 1,308 precincts out of the 3,142 in Indiana and give: Conter (D) 109,971 Roach (R) 137,318 Grisso (Prohl) 831 Kelly (Soc.) 192 "Indiana for the Republicans by more than 50,000," was the optimistic estimate early today of Edmund M. Wasmuth, Republican state chairman. Returns from 1,824 precincts out of 3,142 in the state give for secretary of state, Conter (D) 148,271; Roach, (R) 182,247; Grisso (P) 2,227; Kelly (S) 863. STANLEY LEADS IN KENTUCKY. LOUISVILLE, Ky., Nov. 6. It became apparent today that Gov. A. O. Stanley, Democrat, had defeated his Republican opponent, Ben L. Bruner for the United States senatorship from Kentucky to succeed the late Ollie M. James by a majority of about 8,000. Unofficial returns from every county in the state, practically complete, showed Stanley leading by more than 8,200 votes. .

CONTROL LEFT UNDECIDED BY CLOSENESS OF RACE FIGURES

Close Contests Reported in Many Sections of Country Cannon Returned for Twenty-second Term. 6. 0. P. CLAIMS LEAD (By Associated Press) NEW YORK, Nov. 6 The next house of representatives will be Republican on the face of the latest returns. The political complexion of the senate is still in doubt. To the house, 223 Republicans apparently had been elected and, 191 Democrats, together with one socialist and one Independent. Definite returns from 31 districts were missing or In doubt. The latest senate figures were so close as to make it certain that probably not until all the returns were received from seven doubtful states, could It be determined whether the Republicans or the Democrats were in control. The Democrats this afternon had 49 seats and the Republicans 44 on available returns with several states still in doubt. WASHINGTON, Nov. 6. Homer S. Cummings, acting chairman of the democratic national committee, this afternoon issued the following statement: "Reports received up to 2 p. m. indicate that the democrats will control both the house and senate." NEW YORK, Nov. 6. Early today, more than 24 hours after yesterday's balloting began, it was not apparent whether the Democrats or Republicans would control the next congress. Party managers on both sides predicted they would have substantial working majorities, but the returns showed between 50 and 75 congressional districts sitll unreported and the lineup so close that the scales might easily be turned in favor of either party. ' The governorship of New York, too, was surrounded with the same uncertainty. The contest between Gov. Whitman and his Democratic opponent, Alfred E. Smith, was so close that It appeared the soldier vote would settle it. Some well known figures in public life will be retired or at least have close shaves by yesterday's voting. Prominent among them are Speaker Clark of the house of representatives, who last night was reported beaten by 400 votes, but today was running very close to his opponent, Senator Weeks, the junior Republican senator from Massachusetts, defeated Gov. Walsh, Democrat; Senator Lewis of Illinois, the Democratic whip, defeated by Medill McCormick of Chicago; Senator Saulzbury, of Delaware, president pro tem of the Senate, defeated by former Senator Ball, Republican and Representative Sherley, Democrat of Kentucky, chairman of the appropriations committee.Joseph W. Folk, former governor of, Missouri and former chief counsel for the interstate commerce commission, running for senator to succeed the late Senator Stone, was defeated by Judge Spencer, the Republican nominee. . J Out of 40 senators being elected, 28 had been accounted for early today. They were: Alabama, Bankhead, Democrat; Arkansas, Robinson, Democrat; Delaware, Ball, Republican; Georgia, Harris, Democrat; Idaho, Borah, Republican; Illinois, McCormick, Republican; Iowa, Kenyon, Republican; Kansas, Capper, Republican; Louisiana, Ransdell and Gay, Democrats; Maine, Fernald, Republican (elected last September); Massachusetts, Walsh. Democrat; Minnesota, Nelson, Republican; Mississippi, Harrison, Democrat; Missouri, Spencer, Republican; Nebraska, Norris, Republican; New Hampshire, Keyes and Moses, Republicans; New Jersey, Edge (long term) and Bayard (short term) Republicans; North Car olina,. Simmons, Democrat; Oregon, Aulkey (short term) Republican: Rhode Island, Colt, Republican; South Carolina, Dial (long term),, Pollack (short term), Democrats; South Dakota, Sterling, Republican; Tennessee, Shields, Democrat; .Virginia, Martin, Democrat. In the election for the house, former speaker Cannon was returned to his seat from Illinois for what will be his twenty-second term; Meyer London, the only socialist in the house, was defeated by former Representative Henry M. Goldfogle, a democrat, running with republican endorsement. The loss of the socialist seat, however, was offset by the election of another socialist, Victor Berger, of Milwaukee, who defeated representative Stafford, a republican. Berger previously served in the house and at present Is under indictment charged with having violated the espionage law. All of the socialist candidates In New York were beaten, among them Morris Hillquit, candidate for mayor a year ago. Women Vote in New York. - To what extent the women of New York, exercising their suffrage for the first time had been responsible for the close result in the state contest, was not apparent early today. There were several women candidates for congress but all were defeated. In Delaware beddes electing a republican senator, a republican concontinued on Page Ten)

Emperor Charles Is Not Going to Retire Yet, Says Last Report (By Associated Press) BASEL, Switzerland, , Nov. 6. Reports to the effect that Emperor Charles intends to abdicate are denied by an official dispatch, from Vienna. Another message from the capital of the dual monarchy says that the emperor and empress drove 4n the public parks on Sunday and received cordial salutations from the populace.

ABDICATION OF KAISER IS STILL MOOTQUESTION Military Clique Makes Desperate Effort to Save Dynasty Socialists Demand Downfall. (By Associated Press) WASHINGTON, Nov. 6. Abdication of the Kaiser still is a moot question in Germany, according to reports reaching Washington through official channels. The military cliques and pan-Germans are making desperate efforts to save the Hohenzollerns, while socialist leaders and others demand their fall. Officials expect that events of the near future will reveal full extent of the numerous intrigues. On the day that the German emperor addressed his transcript to the chancelor saying that the "kaiser's office is one of service to the people," the semi-official Wolff agency sent to Switzerland and Germany a telegram which officials say may explain why the rescript was dated Oct. 23, was not published until November 3. The telegram said: - "Discussing the question of the emperor, the LokaL.Anzeiger notes that the Reichstag parties have deliberated these last few days, and the result of these deliberations is that the emperor has neither and reason nor necessity to abdicate and the members of the center have already made known that they are adverse to this eventuality. The national liberals are unanimously of the opinion that the Hohenzollern dynasty must remain on the Imperial throne. The radicals in general are also of this opinion. The women of the Christian social party have already manifested their attachment to the monarchy. The socialists of southern Germany are also favorable now to the monarchy." It was pointed out today that the Lokal Anzelger did not mention the attitude of the Prussian socialist democrats, who are said to favor abdication. It also was regarded here as certain that the Lokal Anzeiger was incorrect in saying that nearly all the socialists of southern Germany wish the kaiser to remain in charge, for the Munich Post, the Mannheim Volksfreund and the Chemnitz Volks Zeitung have demanded his abdication. DISCUSSED OPENLY. . PARIS, Nov. 6 Newspapers here are studying references made in the German and Swiss press in regard to the probable abdication of Emperor William. There seems to be a general opinion that abdication is being discussed openly by the press because of Its probable effect upon the situation. "It is with the hope of swaying the allies or even disillusioning them," says the Temps, "That the Germans , may sacrifice William II. They may offer this abdicate to the United States and people of Europe as a great sacrifice and as a definite victory for the allies, although the effacement of the man principally responsible for the war will only relieve Germany from embarrassment. With its terri tory and economical riches intact, the ; empire is safeguarded, with or with-j out the Hohenzollerns. With the ac-j cession of more or less of the Austria- j Germans, the German empire would J remain for its neighbors and for: Europe, a capital danger. We ought' not to be dazzled by abdication, no! matter how beautifully staged. Germany could only gain by the disappearance of William. "Her threat would remain and her I force would increase. The problem of security will remain whether the em peror of tomorrow will be at Munich J or whether there is a republic at! Berlin." Reference to Munich in the Temps editorial, quoted above is an allusion to the claim made by the Royal family of Bavaria to the German throne, should Emperor William abdicate. PROMISES CHANGES BASEL, Nov. 6. The Berlin government has issued a manifesto signed by the imperial chancellor, Prince Maximillan, the vice chancellor, Von Fried-; erlck Payer, and the secretaries of state, appealing to the people to bear their hardships and assuring them that resolute work is being done for the transformation of Germany into a popular state, which will be behind no state in the world in liberty and social progress. "The government and chiefs of the army and navy desire an early peace," continues the manifesto. "Until thai is attained, we must protect our frontiers from invasion. "Men ond women of Germany! The state and empire are our common future. Your confidence, which Is indispensable to us in the hour of danger is really but the confidence of the Ger-' man people in its future a future of safety for Germany. . That aim we have before our eyes. We must already begin to work for happier times. (Continued on Page Ten)

FORMIDABLE FOE DEFENSE LINE SMASHED BY AMERICANS Part of New German Defenses From Stenay North to Sedan Penetrated by Advance of U. S. Troops. :

FOE III GENERAL ROUT (By Associated Press) WITH AMERICAN ARMY ON THE SEDAN FRONT Another formidable enemy defense line, on which the Germans planned to make a stand, was smashed by the Americans late Tuesday, when they captured the town of Letanne, in the bend of the Meuse, south of Mouzon. From Letanne, the line extends along the Meuse through Pouilly and Inor and eastward. This line was part of the new defenses along the Meuse from Stenay northward to Sedan. An elaborate trench system recently had been completed along with numerous wire entanglements, concrete dugouts and miles of concrete emplacements for heavy machine guns. Retreat Over 65-Mile Line. Forced to a realization of impending defeat by the progress of the British southeast of Valenciennes and the French and Americans south of Sedan, Germany's shattered armies are in rapid retreat from the Belgian frontier to the Aisne river. So rapid is the retirement that it Is very difficult to determine the exact location of the contending forces along this 65 miles of front. British forces have cleared the ba--rier of Mormal, and threaten to drive a wedge between Mons and Maubeug;. To the south, the French have launched an attack that has forced the enemy back from three to four miles while along the Meuse the Americans, In close co-operation with the French Just to the westward, have overcome a stubborn resistance by the enemy and moved still nearer the Se-dan-Longuyon railroad. There is evidence that the Germans are not carrying out the orderly retreat that marked their retirement from the Marne and Somme salients. Batteries of field guns, with horses attached, have been captured and a vast quantity of munitions which could be moved quickly under ordinary conditions has fallen into . the hands of the allies. ' -fi Ghent Invested by Allies.' To the north. Ghent Is closely invested by the French, Belgian and British troops. The fighting there is apparently between German : rear guards and the allied forces, for civilians are said to be close behind the lines, and the Queen Elizabeth of Belgium watched the beginning of the assault against the city. The line of the Scheldt is no longer any protection to the enemy in Belglum. It has been crossed everywhere from Ghent to Valenciennes and it is probable that allied troops have been flung across the canal. north of Ghent. Between Ghent and Brussels, there Is no great natural obstacle except the Dendre. river, which will aid the Germans In conducting defensive operations and it seems probable that the enemy will not turn at bay until he reached the Namur-Brussels-Antwerp lines, which are said to have been prepared for a grim struggle. , ' Americans Cross Meuse. American forces north of Verdun have crossed the Meuse at three places and have gained ground on the east side of the river. This advance Is most important, for it threatens the Sedan-Longuyon line at a new point and removes from the Germans the ad vantage of having a position on the flank of the American forces advancing northward on the western side of the stream. Sedan must be, under artillery fire from the medium - caliber American guns. . Emperor Charles of Austria is said to have refused to sign the armistice agreement with; the allied powers and turned over his authority of commander in chief of the army to Field Marshal Straussenburg. - It is rumored that the emperor has abdicated and has started for Switzerland, where King Constantine took refuge after being compelled to relinquish the Grecian throne. '..-. The inter-allied conference at Versailles has agreed on the terms of an armistice. This decision was sent to President Wilson In answer to his communication, turning over to . the conference the request that he notify the allies of the desire of Germany to end the war. . President . Wilson has in turn notified the German government that it may apply to Marshal Foch. commander in chief of the allied forces, who Is authorized to receive duly accredited representatives and submit to them th Urrni rnH

upon by the associated nation.