FORMER KAISER’S ACT OF RENUNCIATION

The text of the former German emperor’s act of renunciation, which was issued by the New German government, “in order to reply to certain misunderstandings which have arisen with regard to the abdication,” follows: 

By the present document I renounce forever my rights to the crown of Prussia and the rights to the German imperial crown.  I release, at the same time, all the officials of the German empire and Prussia, and also all officers, non-commissioned officers and soldiers of the Prussian navy and army and of contingents from confederate states from the oath of fidelity they have taken to me.

As their emperor, king and supreme chief, I expect from them, until a new organization of the German empire exists, that they will aid those who effectively hold the power in Germany to protect the German people against the menacing dangers of anarchy, famine and foreign domination.

Made and executed and signed by our own hand with the imperial seal at Amerongen Nov. 28.

WILLIAM.

PERSHING PAYS TRIBUTE TO HIS MEN

In closing his preliminary report to the Secretary of War, made public on December 4, 1918, General Pershing expresses his feeling for the men who served with him, as follows: 

“I pay the supreme tribute to our officers and soldiers of the line.  When I think of their heroism, their patience under hardships, their unflinching spirit of offensive action, I am filled with emotion which I am unable to express.  Their deeds are immortal, and they have earned the eternal gratitude of our country.”

CHAPTER XXXV.

CHRONOLOGY OF WORLD WAR

Comprehensive Chronology of the Four Years of War—­Dates of Important Battles and Naval Engagements—­Ready Reference of Historical Events from June, 1914, to End of War in 1918.

June 28—­Archduke Ferdinand and wife assassinated in Sarajevo, Bosnia.

July 28—­Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia.

August 1—­Germany declares war on Russia and general mobilization is under way in France and Austria-Hungary.  Aug. 2—­German troops enter France at Cirey; Russian troops enter Germany at Schwidden; German army enters Luxemburg over protest, and Germany asks Belgium for free passage of her troops.  Aug. 3—­British fleet mobilizes; Belgium appeals to Great Britain for diplomatic aid and German ambassador quits Paris.

Aug. 4—­France declares war on Germany; Germany declares war on Belgium; Great Britain sends Belgium neutrality ultimatum to Germany; British army mobilized and state of war between Great Britain and Germany is declared.  President Wilson issues neutrality proclamation.  Aug. 5—­Germans begin fighting on Belgium frontier; Germany asks for Italy’s help.  Aug. 6—­Austria declares war on Russia.  Aug. 7—­Germans defeated by French at Altkirch.  Aug. 9—­Germans capture Liege.  Portugal announces it will support Great Britain; British land troops in France.  Aug. 10—­France declares war on Austria-Hungary.