Evening Star Newspaper, October 8, 1898, Page 18

THE EVENING STAR, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1898-94 PAGES. —_—_——S—_—_— Ms see Psi DVO SMOLIN, NDAD WOE EON THE LOST PROVINCES, —————————— ; How Vansittart Came Back to France WA WRITTEN FOR THE EVENING STAR BY LOUIS TRACY. ; , (Copyright, 1898, by Louis Tracy.) Eee ONC OOO MONO NONe EWM RONEN 2 Wy US MOWOWOWOWE, CHAPTER XXVHI The March of the Motor Cars. When Meus the German emp2ror crossed the Domvilliers, he headed a su- £ 100,000 veteran infantr mounted on hardy and power- un horses, and 300 guns. equipment and stamina, in quality to endure and to ac- it would be difficult, if not im- rpass throughout the world ry force. art, even if he were restored to as hop’ blockaded to the uznach and the army attempted to fail back to- laid bare his extended flank march to disastrous attack. If athward he would be hard . and could do nothing to vast by K If h ad to Paris lay op>n, ce- of Chalo’ the rison Im could swallow during rdinary day’s routine. to bz traversed was 130 ind the emperor told his troops that seted them to bivouac in the forest on the outskirts of Paris, at the th day. atement, this task, to the train- almost impossible army numbering 159,- t army of com- and other subsidiary the rate of nearly twenty-two Jay, has never yet been effected tance sta acy of the Ger- self with telling upendous under- | | ance at coup that the G vil man at M em- Jerome had s 7 of nearly 1 fore he sailed in this vast sum had iate pure and rapid y by ndous dev, nternal_ tr ption of motor | witted American man- horse woul thing whi Here wi arriage, a y in this direc. to readily and multitude of motors secure the agents of the road states and t public notice in cx to be plates of tough and it was by were isola prac ne drew two cars, similarly ar- on running bogie y effective of s lion and fairly comfortable re- the whole turnout, even when ery rapidly. Each of these cars squeeze, thirty men, or ing rations and while one in every set of ten was fitted for the conveyance of two guns with- | limbers, the recoil being absorbed on the quick-firing principle. At the very moment when Vansit‘art re- d assurance from the Lyons ities that motor-car carriage men was lable for immedi- he received the news of the ’s march on Paris. astomed rapid and sittart ordered the car army at Vit- being South of nd consequent- ine of march ble to sud > ordered the general to throw h commanding at whole force in the way of the emperor and to delay him as account even but or tear on no up roads, to it | m scouting they would th ybable scene of confi between himself nd the kaiser, an a matter of fact, the subsequent centered round Verzy, a village oni: s to the southeas plan of ac mi . he threw | hir into th: ma tails necessary for the mobilization at Vitry, at twenty- four hours’ of the 100,000 treops selected for the enterprise Teans of locomotion whi the first time in warfare Chalons garrison had driven hilly country in bor- two villages. 1 and rmejon, situate midway be- and Chalons. at the map of this part of ‘ws that the hamlet of Verzy miles due west of Littl Mour- n the s of the famous cham- countr rman bivouae and Paris. into the night did Vansittart and his principal officers >xamine every topo- f the locality, falling ersonal knowledge of re: where the excellent maps i Seemed in any d>gree ing. pressing immediate difficulty mtrive to hold back the exp- rman assault upon Chalons whil ing matters so serfously as to comp:) Kaiser's main body to turn from its ute next morning. . and in direct line between th obvious re Vansittart intrusted this task to the en- ginee! Before midnight he received the assurance that fieidworks were in course of construction to an extent that w: easily enable the Chalons garrison to be off thelr assailants un late next day, by which time the millionaire promised them active help. The motor car army was divided into ten strong brigades of 100 trains each, :hus constituting 6,000 men per brigade. | With these there were no field pieces and but few Maxims. It was purely an infantry force, and each brigad? had its line of | crest of th operations strictly marked out, whic h it was not to deviate a yard. The artillery was massed in two divisions, which, with motor car infantry escort and a cons ® force of cavairy, were in- beyond tended to be used principally ‘along ths crests of two small ridges that ran north and south through the position which, it was pected, the Kaiser's army would occupy about 10 o'clock. on after dawn some intermittent fir- ing to the north announced that the Uh- lan scouts were endeavoring to drive in the French cavalry outposts. pahey did not accomplish their object, put the French horsemen were handled so carefully that they gav> no ign of the presence of an army in their rear. on, too, these minor conflicts were drowned in the sustained roar of the ex- pected ault on the outskirts of halons, toward the northeast. lefinive 2 leek the French pickets brought sepnite news of the German advance guard ion of the heights heyone y to the west. © oka vevond At 8 o'clock Montsaloy lec 1 a cavalry re- connaissance in that direction, and dis- tirctl Germans, in ‘denso coi- umns, filing down the slopes leading to the village. But the alert German staff noted the un- wonted assiGuity of the French mounted patrols, and the appearance of Mo: 0} d his troops led to a counter reconnale, SP aey & field battery and two regimenis This compact little body rode forward so gallantly that it was necessary to stop them by some display of force. They would not retire entil several guns opened fire on them. and a French cavalry brigaie gal- loped out in the hope of cutting tnem cff. The kaiser would not believe that any notable opposition could be ted from this quarter, but the sympt igerous that unwilingi general halt. while two bri fantry, stpported four batteries and 00) sabers, marched south to dispel the nystery that hung dings the took a of the novenian and maneuy sd the the Marne. an left good batt infantry, ting with this opening itself. The utifully handle taultless efi ‘At up te th not _retir superior Fr: S troops. ing up position yond the Marne, ig through the air € a body of infantry covered by the Ger- ami ction whe or cavalry could be man guards. The ‘em2 moment of action rived. Vansittart simy to Le Breton, who comt brigade. dr up in mall hamlet to Le Breton ne driver of oved slow! eit a had ar- his hand 1 the leading et of the leafy hol- iy gettin over th t across a bridg coming to grief i 2 dri to turn a corner. e other brigades stationed acrpss the Marne, but near to Chalous, arted al- most simultaneously, a ten min- utes from time rt's quiet signal 600 ors, 65,000) wer rushing columns pace ¢€ 4 a Similarly could possibly get an hour. large for over t The more rd sen to the German ari > the momen w pe Fr two attact d an by the new commi sort of a military ste it is full of sol e gun Vansittart’s ing comment eh the dodges, drew Another re conclud. em- If it is one of Vansittart’s dodges, gen- en, it will need all our skill to coun- ete sile tle ter In © the distinguished officers ‘pres- ent steadily watched the progress of the mote With even keener interest Vansittart and those near him also watched it, for they alone knew what w and terribt s expected of this new wgine of warfare 1ot Was fired at it the motor was within 200 yards of the advanced firing line. The officer in command of a scattered company, secing this strange ob- ject darting rapidly toward him from the French position, realized that, whatever Its powers, it must have hostile intent. So he ordered his men to fire a volley at it. eral bullets struck the motor and the cars with resounding clang, but the angle of impact was so acute that the missiles glanced off harmlessly. And now the Frenchmen commenced fir- ing in return, wildly, it 1s true, owing to the impossibility of taking accurate aim, but several Germans dropped. It was different when, with tremendous clatter and amidst clouds of whirling dust, the motor swept through the fighting line and supports, to come within short range of a couple of battalions drawn up in close order. Here the French fire began to tell with awful effect. The machine gun, mounted on the left front of the leading ‘cai ed a torrent of projectiles into the G ranks, and as it passed them on the flank had a destructive influence which could never be obtained under ordinary condi- tions. The leaden shower beat upon the masses of soldiers with the directness of a rain storm on a field of corn. Whole sections of pmpanies were crushed to the ground—a battalion was demoralized in a few seconds Ascompany of infantry vay f. ‘The rman stood on the road- men bravely emptied their at the steel-clad monster rush- ing toward them with the speed of a train. Then they realized that In another instant the thundering, crashing motor would be upon them. Human nature could not with- nd this modern car of juggernaut. Of- ficers and men rushed dismayed to the makes 4nd sought to save their lives by One str spitt after another of tur came panting up the slope, each 1 Bre and smoke and deadly bullets, cach crammed with frantic, cheering, in: toxicated French soldiers, ‘half frenzied with the consciousness of irresistible force given to them by the motor, and barely able to obey the impassioned appeals of their officers to steady themselves and fire with anything like self-control into the ranks of their opponents. The first man to apprehend the full scope of the motors in such a battle as that they were now engaged In was Vansittart. He turned to his staff and sai “Go, some of you, and warn the reserves 2 in immediate readiness. Also send the 7th and Duh motor brigades to the as- sistance of Chalons. T! e uae ‘he rest ig mere The second to grasp the situatiot the German emperor. With a cry of flores rage he drove his spurs into his porse and wheeled the startled animal into a gallop toward bo nearest batteries. * “Stop them,” he roared to the artillery officers. “Stop them, or the army Will Ge ecme @ mob,” With the utmost Tapidity, half a dozen guns were swung round to the new front, and fired at the line of motors, for, al- though the ircidents deseribed took little more than two minutes in transaction, al- ready some forty of Le Breton’s moving forts were inside the German position. But it is not an easy thing to train a field piece and fire it with precision at even these fearsome a large object traveling along a road at a high rate of speed. Some dozen rounds were fired before one of the cars was struck. Even then the shell only succeeded in tearing away a por- tion of the upper screen and killing a. few of the occupants. The car swerved badly frem the shock, but did not overturn, and its forward progress was in no way af- fected. “Idiots!” shrieked the kaiser. ‘Select a definite point, aim low, and fire salvos by werd of command.” The artillerists quickly grasped his mean- ing. The first volley was not successful be- cause the officer in charge of the operations gave the word too soon. But, at the sec- ond attempt, four shells hit’ one of the motors vitally, smashing it bodily from the begey truck, and bringing its two cars to hopeless ruin. “Ha, that is better! Now we have them.” The emperor was so excited that he leaped from his charger, and himself as- sisted in laying one of the guns upon the next car, the whole line bging brought to a standstill, while the French troops rushed to the task of clearing the stricken motor frcm the roadway. Wilhelm didn’t know that vansittart was fully prepared for this emergency. With wild scream and demoniac energy the shells from eighteen French guns, sta- tioned on the opposing slope, tore through the German battery, now thoroughly en- filaded. Two guns were wrenched from their carriages, gunners were crushed into shapeless atoms on all sides, and the em- peror himseif had a miraculous escape, his pickelhaube being knocked off by the wind from a passing shell. Undaunted he cried out, “‘Never mind, my lads, we will soon silence them,” and he yelled instructicns for every available gun to open fire on the French batteries, while additional artillery was to be hurrted to the front. Had he been told at that moment that Le Breton’s brigade was one of six then ing wildly through the German _posi- tien from the south and west, while Beau- marchais had completed his flank march and was on the point of driving the Uhlan pickets in dismay Before him from the west, it is possible that this latest scion of the line of Hohenzollern would have sought immediate death on the battlefield. As it was, the whirl and confusion of everts, the eager haste of the dispositions to combat the present danger, shut out from him all knowledge of proceedings else- where. The Frenchmen worked like fiends to re- move the debris of the smashed motor. In this task they were practically unhindered, as the nearest German infantry had been brushed far from the place by the passage of the preceding cars. Soon they had the road sufficiently clear- ed, the two cars were shoved off into a field, and the line of motors again resumed progress, for the German guns were so hammered by the French artillery that it was impossible to. secure efficient fire for the main purpose in hand—namely, the stoppage of the French advance. In a fury of despair thé kaiser felt that his guns, devotedly served thcugh they were, could not perform the task he reqr ed of them. The arrival of a small reg ment of staff officers from all parts of the German position, reporting disaster after Gisaster, revealed te him the full extent of the fearful conflict raging around Vezry between the German main body and the bulk of the French forces. Up to this time, so awfully sudden had been the development of events, he had leard nothing of the main attack. Riding back to the reverse side of the plateau, Wilhelm at last became aware of the magnitude of the disaster which had befallen him. Along eve highway darted the huge motors, paralyzing all opposition, crump- ling up es and divisions into terrifled smit heiples: hordes, th g with unfettered violence spponents, and utterly dish ting the whole army, for artillery, ca infantry and commissariat were plled ther in shapeless ma s he galloped on like one in a dream he suddenly saw ten of the French motors halt, and commence firing shells at a body of German troops érawn up near a planta- tion, at too great a cistance from the road- practical rifle fire. heaven!” groaned the stricken ning in Lis charger and covering b with his left hand. “They even carry cannon! Is he man or fiend? Gen. von Gossler, who rode near him, now dared to say What every man on the staff thought when they first learned the trie position of affairs. G : nothing for it, your majesty but a rapid retreat te the north. We cai still save many of our men by blocking the roads and blowing up bridges, when th devices of the devil cannot follow us.’ His broken-hearted chief murmured: “Tear up the roads! Destroy the bridges! s! Now we krow why the French did hinder our march. Yet how foreseen all that has hap- nothing could I pened?” “Your maj to have " urged von Gossle I give o1 rs for a general retreat persistence stirred Wilhelm from nis of grief. he cri “Orders: orders are necessary? Who wili obey? so unnerved the emperor that bowed his head and cried repeatedly. poor lads! my poor lads!” while un- d tears streamed from his eyes, pur majesty sisted the other, do somet Let us ai least “may Look, Who As if im answer to this desparing utter- ance came the sound of sustained firing from the north and west. marchais’ division was speeding along the only possible lines of retreat. The kaiser saw them and made no reply to von Gossler. He looked behind to see a Frerch cavalry division ride furiously into the valley from the south, intent upon completing the ruthless work so fearfully cut out for them by the motors, from which, too, long lines of infantry, fresh as though drawn up for parade inspe>tion, were beginning to emerge. Then he answered. Forcing out the words with desperate ca’mness, he said “Yes, von Gossler, we can do something We can stop useless butchery. Go with a flag of truce to Vansittart. Tell him I will meet him in the village here!” CHAPTER XXIXx. Jerome and Wilhelm. The German chief of staff was far too good a soldier not to know when the game was up. . He bowed in silent acceptance of the Kaiser's command, and at once sought the means to execute it. But a flag of truce is not usually carried as a part of the equip- ment of an imperial army corps. From a farm house on the road he ob- tained a small white tablecloth, He was about to run his sword through the end, when his nerve forsook him. With a cry of bitter rage he dashed the weapon to the ground. Then he snatched a lance from a Uhlan crderly and rode off with his significant banneret. He did not go straight along the ridge, the most direct way to the French center, but cut across country diagonally into the valley. By this means he hoped to stop the advancing French cavalry and prevent the horrible massacre, fér it could be naught else, which must ensue if once the frorsemen got mixed up with the stricken German troops. Fortunately, he was in time. Montsaloy, riding at the head of the lead- ing regiment, the 18th Chasseurs, caught sight of the solitary officer dashing down ihe hillside, and checked the order trem- bling on his lips which would convert a steady gallop into a charge. As the courier of peace drew near Mont- saloy recognized him. The mere fact that Gen. von Gossler himself carried the mer- ciful signal showed the gravity of his er- rand, and the French cavalry leader brought his brigade to a halt, the rest of the division pulling up in rotation as the loud command passed from squadron to squadron. When the two officers met, Von Gossler begged the other to conduct him at once to Vansittart, and to delay the advance of the French cavalry until the pour-parlers had taken place. Montsaloy felt that he assumed a grave responsibility, but he was assured that the kindly hearted American would sanction a proposal intended to prevent useless biood- shed. Leaving instructions with his second in command to forthwith resume the charge if any manifestly hostile move were made by the enemy, he accompanied Von Goss- ler toward the place where he had last seen the millionaire. But Vansittart, too, had noticed the flag of truce, and the sudden halt of the French cavalry. Before the envoy had traveled 100 yards, with his escort, Jerome rode up, followed by every officer who could invent the slightest pretext for accompanying him. Attired in a simple tweed coat, riding breeches and boots, with a broad-brimmed felt hat to shield his eyes from the sun, and carrying no more offensive weapon than a riding whip, Vansittart sat grace- fully the powérful charger that bore him on this short but eventful journey, quietly acknowledging the vociferous plaudits of his gallant troops as he passed. “I am commissioned by his majesty, the German emperor, to ask you to meet him in the village of Verzy, and arrange terms of surrender,” said Von Gossier when he drew near to’ the spot where Vansittart halted. cme Jerome bowed, but before he could reply the German officer .continued. “In view of an immediate and peaceful settlement, I ventured to ask Gen. Mont- saloy to defer the'cavalry charge he was conducting, and which could only achieve the useless butchery of our demoralized men.” en. Montsaloy did well to accede to your humane wishes,” said Vansittart. “But I cannot meet :the'German emperor imme- diately. You must acknowledge, general, that you are utterly defeated. It’ would be needless cruelty to prolong the conflict.” “Certainly, monsieur. That is why I am deputed by his majesty, my master, to ar- range an immediate meeting.” “Ah! Permit me to conclude. The only possible preliminary to negotiations is the instant surrender of your whole force. No. Pray do not argue. Every moment is of importance. I quite understand that you personally cannot accept my proposal. Gen, Montsaloy and the members of my staff will ride with you to the emperor, learn his decision and act in accordance with it. If he is agreeable to my suggestion these officers will convey to every French divis- fon my orders to cease hostilities, whilst commanders will individually receive the submission and carry out the disarmament of those German corps nearest to them. This part you must see to on your side. If the emperor declines the battle must pro- ceed. At the appointed hour Vansittart and the King of France, who had reached Vansit- tart’s camp during the battle, attended by a brilliant suite and an escort of the 18th Chasseurs—if any other corps had ac- companied Jerome there would have been a mutiny—approached the small chateau which served as the German headquarters. They were received by Von Gossler, who forthwith conducted them to a room on the ground floor; for the first time, Vansittart and Wilhelm were face to face. The emperor stood in the center of the apartment, dignified and impassive, with his hands behind his back. His face was rigid, and, although tanned by exposure, its dull pallor betrayed the agonized hours he had endured since the morning. Behind him, in compliance with Vansittart’s re- quest, were ranged the division officers of his army, and the heads of military depart- ments. His sword and sabretache rested obtrusively against a chair. For an awkward moment there was si- lence. Then Von Gossler spoke. “This is M. Vansittart, your majesty,” he said. As an afterthought he added: “Permit me also to announce the King of France.” The kaiser inclined his head. ‘I am at a loss,” he said, with even, metallic accents, “to know whether to present my sword to the king or to the man who makes and un- makes Kings.” “To the king!” said Vansittart, where- upon Wilhelm handed his sword to Henri, who gravely received it. “And now tell me your resolves, mon- sieur.” The kaiser turned and looked Van- sittart squarely in the eyes. “I am here for that purpose. They are brief urd to the point. I require the prompt ca ion of the Ger:nan forces now sta- tioned west of the Rhine, when, after the requisite forn-alities, all officers and men will at onze be free to return to their homes. I also require you to sign a treaty of peace, leaving the delimitation of the frontier between France and Germany to the mayors of twelve French and German tewns, six to be ncminated by you and six These gentlemen will be asked, in addition, to devise such means as ihey think fit tc prevent further trouble In re- gard to frontier effairs, both countries bind- ing themselves to accept such recommenda- ticns without cavil or complaint.” “I will no longer lecve the question to you, but to your people and parliament.” The reply staggered the emperor. Such a course of procedure meant the disappear- ance of the house. of Hohenzollern. Tne pallor returred to his cheeks as he said “In the name of the saints, why mayors?” “Because it maybe fairly assumed that they represent the mass of the people, without whose texes and military service it would be impossible for such as you to plunge peacefully disposed nations into the horrors of war.’ The kaiser swept, aside this all-sufficing answer. With intease bitterness of tone he said, turning to his staff: ‘You hear, gen- tlemen. This is the first installment: Tne second will doubtless deal with indemnity Vansittart rroduced a cigar case, cut the end off a cigar, and lit it, before ke said, with the utmost ccolness: “There will be no indemnity. God forbid ould fine your unfortunate people because of your blunders.” “You are a marvelous man, M. Vansit- tart Jerome, irritated slightly by the kaiser’s fiifulness, merely nodded his appreciation of the compliment. Wilhelm had perferce to continue the conversation. “Notwithstanding your last remarkable concession, M, Vansittart, I cannot accept ycur terms. It is impossible that the Em- peror of Germany should consent to expose any part of ais Gominions to the bartcring of a set of provincial mayors, excellent though these gentlemen may be.” “You forget that France likewise sub- mits to their arhitraments. I should have the utmost faith in their collective good sense.” “Pooh! It is out of the question.” The millicnaire picked up his hat and rang whip, which he had placed on a chair. “Then further discussion {s unnecessary,” he said. “Have I your majesty’s word that neither you nor the members of your staff present will attempt to escape? Or must I place you under restraint?” puhe kaiser flared out again into anima- tion. “It is matterless to me what you do. My unbeaten troops still hold the field, in French territory, too. I will pay the full price of my transgressions. I abdicate in favor of my son. My brother, Prince Henry of Prussia, will carry on the campaign. and mayrap yet crush your proteges and disappoint your magniloquent theories. From the German officers came murmura of indignation, showing how they chafed at the situation. Jerome directly addressed them. “So,” he said, “you share your head- strong leader’s view? You still hold your opponents in such feeble esteem that you believe your armies in Lorraine to be su- perior to circumstances. Let me undecelve you. Today your expedition, consisting presumably of your picked troops, was beaten by less than half its numbers.’ Only one-third of my men were in the field when ycu were hopelessly crippled. You have seen the value of the motors in action, and I tell you emphatically that if my demands are not acceded to fully within the hour all my available force will march tonight for the frontier. Tomorrow Gen. Kreuznach will be asked to defeat-the same combina- tion that you have already found irresist- ible. What will be the result?” The two men were but a couple of paces apart during this impassioned dialogue. The stubborn Saxon nature in each shone from their resolute blue eyes. Wilhelm’s attitude showed that if the vital issues be- fore them could be determined by strang- lng his opponent be would gladly make the attempt—Vansittart’s, that he entertained profound con! t. for a monarch who cared little if he brought his country to degradation in order, to gratify his personal pride. ae A sudden commotion drew all eyes to the door, which was violently flung open, re- vealing a German aid-de-camp struggling ineffectually beneath the giant grip of Ari- zona Jim. Sey “A telegram (for you, guv’nor,” yelled Bates. 5 Jerome read the telegram and handed it to the kaiser, saying: “Possibly this may influence your decision.” The emperor disdiinfully took the little bit of flimsy. gee ead its contents twice before he seemed to Tully comprehend their purport. Then” his customary pallid com- plexion assumed an ashen hue. He visibly trembled. Everi his voice shook as he mur- mured, “Can this be true?” “On my honor,” said Vansittart, “I have no reason to doubt its accuracy, - Wilhelm dropped listlessly into a chair, to bury his face in his hands—the slanting rays of the sinking sun, striking in patches through the low diamond-framed windows of the room, showed great drovs of per- spiration glistening on his forehead. “I will read it aloud,” said Vansittart. And this is\ what he read: = Metz is ours. The tricolor floats again above its Walls. While our attack on Kreuz- nach was developing I formed a column for the assault of Metz and carried position after position with astounding ease. The gallant troops of France would not be gainsaid. Fighting in outskirts still proceeding, but we are firmly established in the town itself, and in the forts to west and south. Kreugnach will probably make desperate efforts to recapture Mets, but I am confident of ability to hold him off, pending further orders, Have just heard of your great victory. Most hearty congratu- lations. DAUBISSON. Not even German military decorum could withstand this momentous news. The staff officers broke out into strong guttural ejaculations, but Vansittart stayed them by a wave of his hand. “Now, your majesty, which is It to: be? Am I to march to complete Daubisson’s coup, or do you accept my terms, frankly and fully?” Wilheim dropped his hands and looked round. Very well. Be it so,” he said. “But soldiers, not mayors, shall utter the first word. Gentlemen, you are cognizant of all that has happened. Am I to answer ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ to M. Vansittart?” He named them all individaully. Fach man agreed, though some of the voices Were tremulous with grief. It was a bitter sequel to the war of "70-71 for the veterans of Mars la Tour and Sedan. “Good,” said the kaiser, rising from his chair. “I will make the best of it, M. Vansittart. There is my hand on it.” “And with the King of France!” said Jerome, accepting the proffered handshake. “With the King of France, by all means. But they were continental monarchs, so Wilhelm and Henri embraced. “Now,” cried Wilhelm, from whom a great depression had seemingly passed in an instant, “‘wha* is the best way to set about it?” “After your majesty has signed a docu- ment briefly reciting our agreement, I will have much pleasure in giving you and these other gentlemen every facility for rejoin- ing your army on the frontier. You can, like me, telegraph orders to suspend hos- tilities until your arrival.” “And these mayors? When do they meet?” The kaiser did not yet take kindly to the stipulation. It still rankled. . “The day after tomorrow at Metz, . . The mayors retired at 1 o'clock. At 5 the same evening the mayor of Marseilles, who, by reason of seniority in years had been elected spokesman for the others, sent mes- Sages to both camps to the effect that the council was ready with its report. The intense curiosity that prevailed in the breasts of French and German statesmen brought them rapidly to the Hotel de Ville. Not alone Vansittart and the two monarchs, but every minister and prominent official who had the slightest claim to be present, put in an appearance, and the grand salon of the town hall was filled with a brilliant and animated throng when the mayors sol- emnly filed in from their memorable con- clave. “Have you unanimously agreed upon your recommendations, gentlemen?” said Van- sittart, and the query induced a profound silence in the crowded room. “We have,” said the mayor of Marseilles. Stepping forward, he read with clear and emphatic voice the following: is “We, the undersigned mayors of twelve French and German cities, in pursuance of the great trust committed’ to our care, are unanimously of opinion: That the province of Lorraine, as marked out by a reasonably straight line drawn from Donon in the Vosges mountains tv, but not including, the town of Saarge- mund, shall in future be French territory, the legal boundary to be fixed by a proper- ly constituted commission. That the province of Elsass, naturally defined by the watershed of the Vosges mountains, shall remain German territory, with the addition of the small portion of Lorraine lying to the cated in paragraph 1. caer! L fortresses works of military signifi limits of the said pro: be forthwith levele 4. That d in both prov togeth main lines of France and German betier development of commerce the promotion of mutual intercourse. . That no officer of the army shall hold administrative positions in either of the provinces. “6. That no troops shail be stationed in large numbers, nor military stores or arm- aments collected within 100 French kilo- meters of the new frontier line. “7. That the customs and police authori- ties of France and Germany shall be solely intrusted with the conduct of frontier regulations, which shall be framed only in regard to revenue and legal necessities. “8. That in all other respects there shall be free and uninterrupted passage between the two countries.” Then the mayor read the names and desig- nations of himself and his colleagues. At once a buz of eeger comment arose. “It means the dismantling of Strasbourg and Mulhausen,” cried the kaiser. “We get Metz shorn of its defenses, while Belfort, Verdon and every fortress in the east of France must be torn to pieces,” vo- ciferated Henri. “Preposterous,” growled the German offi- cers. “Ridiculous.” cried the Frenchmen. Then everyone looked at Vans had meanwhile secured the report mayor of Marseilles and had perused with the aid of a small map. Raising his head he obtained a hearing. “Tam glad to note,” he said with a smile, “that nobody seems to be satisfied. There is no surer sign that these excellent gentle- men have tried to be just. Nay, more, they have succeeded in their efforts. Their award exceeds my utmost hopes, while it more than justifies the confidence I placed ast of the line indi- and defensive ce within the of Lorraine and to the ground. 1 so-called strategic inees shall be linked in them. They have given to France French Lorraine; have secured to Germany German And because they have arrived at a conclusion outlined for them by natural law they take strin- gent precautions lest the power of men to do iil deeds makes ill deeds done. Surely they have well acquitted themselves. If ever men deserved honor these do. Ina few hours, aided only by their common sense, they have achieved triumphs which two generations of statesmen and generals, backed by millions of soldiers, have wholly failed to achieve. My friends, think what it means. There are no longer lost prov- inces or hostile principalities. Let us mar- vel at their work, rather than cavil at its methods. If we do the whole world will join in our chorus of praise.’’ Little more remains to be told. Folliet captured Ribou; Arizona Jim shot Hans Schwartz just to keep him out of mischief, and the incipient revolution in Paris died out as the victorious troops marched in. The end. ——__+ e+____ A Chapter on Piaids. From the Philadelphia Press. It 1s undeniably a plaid season; the spring proved the fact that plaids are pop- ular, and now for a month plaids will again hold sway in great brilliancy. “The plaid season,” said a very fashion- able Paris dressmaker, “is from April 15 to June 1 and from Sept2mber 15 to No- vember 1.” It is true that during the stx weeks of the plaid season plaids are brought out and fairly fiaunted in the breeze. You see gaudy plaid vests and no less gaudy plaid coats. You behold scarlet plaid ribbon upon a mixed plaid straw toque and you see house bodices plaided until the wearer is a grand mixture of color. . The favorite and the showiest bit of plaid which one can wear in one’s costume is the plaid vest, which for the next six weeks takes the place of the muslin shirt waist. The vest is made sleeveless with a silk back and .a plaid cloth front. The back may be of taff2ta and the front of Scotch suiting. The buttcns may be of pearl ard the lining of the lapels of bright silk. ‘The plaid coat is of a heavier grade of cloth and it hangs loose in the front, very much like an Englsh hunting coat. It is trirmed down the front with large pearl butons, which do not, however, do the real work. The coat is firmly hooked and the buttons are merely for ornament. ‘The popular rew coat collar is one which flares all the way around. lt has heavy stitching and is something like a Medici collar, only not quite so tall. The coat has modified sl2eves, whicn «re; however, large enough to slip over a silk waist, and it is lined with thin silk to make it pull on easily. Plaid ribbons make very jaunty little hats for fall. The ribbon is tied in a very upright bow knot, and the bow knot is then stood upon the front of the hat with its loops proucly erect. The plaid in the ribbon is supposed to match the plaid in the jacket, and thus the fail woman Jooks very much like a piece of novelty goods as she saliies forth on the first brisk day in her gay plaid. = Plaids for house waists are decid2dly nov- el. Some of them are figured. One oi the prettiest was a very thin «loch plaid fig- ured with violets. The violets were scat- ter2d all over the goods. Another was fig- ured with small bunches of roses, so that the plaid goods was made very gay with flowers. Not only are elbow sleeves in vogue again, but they are worn with a deep flounce of mousseline de sole at the elbow, in a pretty model of a decollete Louis XV jacket of white lace, the basque scallop2d and trim- med round with ruchings of mousseline de soi2, which extend up to the open front also. To wear at an informal dinner noth- ing could be prettier. q THE NEWEST IN NOVEL COLOR COMBINATION, VIENNA STYLES| A Drecoll Gown in Newest Color Har- mony and Form. LIGHT BODICES WITH COAT TAILS Skirts Flare at the Bottom and|, Sleeves Fit Closely. ALL HAVE TAILOR FINISH Special Correspondence of The Evening Star VIENNA, October 1, 1898. While the world of fashions has been indulging in a refreshing dolce far | niente, living without thought for the morrow and still less care for the prises which the fickle goddess will have in store for them, tailors and dressmakers have been busy devising and planning, and ingenious minds and deft fingers have turned out a wealth of pretty clothes for madame’s adornment. It is the tailor gown in its manifold role of visiting, house and street gown, which | first claims our attention, and upon which the faiseur has lavished his best ideas and newest fancies. Its vayleties are innumer- | able, and always graceful and feminine. Some models still show the blouse form over a tight and boned lining, rich in trim- mings and caught at the waistline into a round belt, or, more frequently, into a pointed girdle of velvet, silk or other trim- ming congruous with the gown. The pre erence, however, is given to tight-fittic bodices or jackets, Lome of which seach just beiow the waistline, while cine: in long basques or coat tails, aud again show the short jacket oy a vest in front and gradually lengthening into a basque at the back. One graceful model of blac still another variation in tbe s jacket bodice of black cloth underlaid with stripes of red cloth trimmed with black silk sur- soutache, which follow the lines of black jacket closely, being about three inches deeper, and simulating another jacket worn underneath. The form is tight at the back, reaching only to the waistlia while the front is loose below the chest and falls in two sharp points below the waist line. Sleeves Carefully Fitted. The form of the sleeve requires careful study. It follows the contour of the arm closely without being tight, and the slight fullness at the top should be just large enough to give the flattering appearance of a well rounded shoulder. Epauiettes or other shoulder garnitures are generally omitted, and where they are used the effect COWN Liza << stiff rather is short hanging. The modern skirt has invs fect of t above the kn r its form be an adj flounce or a real or simulate than limp and the « A wilt ds riably pentin skirt While of oft by the Th nsider upper out i bore A the = uyeuse of pale inside of the hem Bolero, With Velvet Vest. The bodice shows a most-novel form, and is made of a pale blue satin etripe’ with plum-colored 4 oped velvet. A care- ful selection of ue } nm made 60 that the coior harmony is as pleesing as {t is novel. The bodice is q close-f tting. and takes the form of a bolero in fron’ showing beneath a plum-colored velvet buttons and cpe teated white ve t of Strasse little poin adorne € over a sh Srussels net with front nae large re red. with ot guipure lac in turn is ers of pale made blu tri Z01 satin ar har isite ot thr a dainty fc veils the tull sleeves are cut to form sharp The flaring cuff att shows jabots of Brussels lace points. ne SILKEN UNDERSKIRTS. Some Styles That Will Be Wo: Coming Season. From the St. Louis Gicbe-Democrat. No one should raise a voice against a woman's extravagance in her silk petti- coats. Custom and law dictate that she! shall wear skirts, and she is not truly fem- | irine if she does not yearn to possess her- | self of the prettiest and daintiest to be had. | Extravagance has got the better of judg- | ment this season, but they are so tempting- ly fascinating when heaped one efter an- other In a bewildering mass of rustle and sheen, such designs, such colors, such ma- terials. You may conscientiously stifle any quaims and be assured that they—the good ones—will wear well, and in finer qualities come back from the cleaner with draggled edges fresh and bright and crisp once more. If you incline to points—so many women do—you will be fascinated beyond resist- ance with an imported skirt in the mo: delicate La France shade, made of heav taffeta, made with a shapely gored foun- dation, terminating in a pinked edge dust ruffle, immediately overlapped by an eight- inch flounce of Chantilly lace, laid on in small plaits. Over this, falling in well-de- fined points, fully fourteen inches at their depth and cutting up to about five inches at the top, is an accordion-plaited flounce cut in scallops, made very full, edged with | an inch-wide black lace joined without fullness. The plaited flounce is joined to the skirt in a corded line, leaving a narrow heading pinked to form a finish like a de- licious carnation pink. Nothing could be Jovelier than the effect of this garment when donned, and the purchaser will scarcely demur at the price of $27 asked for it. Green and silvery sheen glace was se- lected for a second skirt. It is made with- out the regulation Spanish fiounce, being gored its full length and stiffened with featherbone tape at the seam which joins the dust ruffle or “scraper,” as dealers term it, if such a name can be applied to the frou-frou of a bit of scalloped silk. The five small frills are set on in shallow scallops, each frill edged in white satin baby ribbon and set on with a pinked head- ing, with the exception of one at the top. which ts satin ribboned. This skirt, owing to the absence of the deep frill, and be- cause intended for utility, is of a three- yard instead of the four and a half with Spanish fiounces. A skirt in this or simi- lar colors costs about $18. A figured taffeta blending various tints of new blue, treated in a diagonally set con- ventional design and priced at $22.50, has a deep fifteen-inch accordion-plaited flounce edged and headed with a pinked edge rose plaited ruche of taffeta, the shade of the Ses eS Another of the same sty! satin-striped taffeta, the fine and broad lines introducing biack and white upon a red ground. The dust ruffle ts joined in a seam which incases the featherbone stiffening to give the skirt the desired flare. AN deep are cut the allow room to stitch it on easily on the bias, and when plaited have the easy unfurling of a fan with every move- ment of the wearer. A soft shade of violet taffeta is fashioned upon a gored foundation, having a n fiounce. This a lion-platted flouncs cut into deep Van Dykes and edged i small fluted frill, which, is set on with a tiny pink pointed flounce falls over is a harrow as it is, i heading. This a six-i cordion-plaited flounce pinked at each edge. Such a skirt is worth $24, and will be a precious possession for its owner. All-black taffeta skirts are to be fash- ionabie, as is evidenced in an exquisite ex- ample gored to meet a Spanish flounce. which is plaited, cut in Van Dykes, and terminates in a four-inch guipure There are three dust ruffies, the under two narrow and made double, the other deeper and just to overlap. The handsome feature of the plaited flounce, and probat cause for the price, $25, is that the pl are smocked in deep points to follow outlines of the Van Dykes. Striped silk skirts, in stripes of half-inct width, are extremely popular. They ai combine white with another color, gray red or black being the favored compile. ments. They are made with the bias fril accordion plaited and pinked at the upper and lower edges. Most of the handsome new underskirts have fancy colored ribbon: for tie strings and are stiffened witt teatherbone. = eiebees To Keep Shirt Waists Down. From the Cleveland Plaip Dealer. Shirt waists have an uncomfortable fash- icn of slipping up in the back, wt is especially disagreeable to the girl prides herself upon being well groome: There is one way, and one only, of keep- ing them down effectually. For this make a band three inches long an@ just enough wider than the belt of the shirt wat n4 it as wide as the belt. Work two butt holes in at and attach it firmly to the belt of the shirt waist, exactly In the mi‘d'e the back, on the outside. Now flat buttons on the skirt to mate! ten holes. When buttoned the skirt will be kept together easily strain or danger of separating. The buttons should be flat, such as are the et and Without vsed for men’s underwear—pearl buttons for wash skirts and black trousers but tons for dark woolen skirts. By this simple contrivance all @anger of tearing the skirt by pinning is avoided, and the work once done is lasting. ——_+ e+ _ Stained floors should be restained at least once a year. Have the floor thorenghiy scrubbed and dried before going over it with the paint and varnish. best resuifs, the stain should be first and allowed to dry before the coating of varnish ts adéed. A mixture of warm To secure the put cn