THE KAISER IN MOTOR-CAR, IN THE PLACE CORMONTAIGNE
THE GERMAN OCCUPATION
The German occupation began on October 13th, 1914. From the 13th to the 28th of that month it was Major-General Wahlschaffe who directed the operations, levied the War Contributions and chose the hostages. His successor, Artillery General Von Heinrich, was appointed Governor on October 25th, and held the post until December 27th, 1916, when he was made Governor of Bucharest. General Von Graevenitz was Chief of the Kommandantur, which occupied the premises of the Credit du Nord bank in the Rue Jean Roisin.
THE KING OF BAVARIA AND THE KAISER IN THE PLACE DE LA GARE
The Hostages and War Contributions
Sixty hostages were chosen from among the most notable persons in the town, and included the Bishop (Mgr. Charost), the Prefect of the North (M. Trépont), MM. Delory and Ghesquière, Members of Parliament, the Mayor (M. Delesalle) and deputy mayors. In groups of ten they were made to spend the night in turns at the Citadelle (photo, p. [51]).
From December 31st, they were required merely to sign a presence-sheet, but were later again forced to spend the whole of their time (day and night) in the Citadelle, this time in groups of five. Finally, they had to sign a presence-sheet each morning and evening until October 5th, 1915, when this formality was dispensed with, i.e. after the Census operations had been completed.
In November, 1914, began exorbitant exactions in the guise of War Contributions. On the 4th, Von Graevenitz demanded a million francs to be paid on the 10th; then two millions on the 17th, and three millions on the 24th, in addition to the expense of feeding the troops, which alone amounted to 10,000 frs. daily. After much negotiating the Governor finally agreed first to give more time, then to reduce the amounts of the contributions.