Here, then, is a population which is systematically refused the least item of comforting information, but which, on the other hand, is treated prodigally to everything of a nature to demoralize it; a population which, in order not to sink into despair, has to make an effort every moment of the day; a country in which it is strictly forbidden to do anything to encourage those who may suffer from a temporary depression, or to sustain and reassure those who feel themselves threatened. Is it not obvious that such pitiful psychologists as the Germans will resort to intimidation to reduce this population to their mercy? Everything is magnified into an offence, and all offences are punished by the heaviest penalties; the Germans even going so far as to threaten with death him who spreads "false news"--that is to say, who communicates news to his fellow-citizens which is displeasing to the Germans. _The Appeal to Informers._ The placards already cited show amply the diversity of the offences which may be committed, and the punishments which may be inflicted. But we must not forget those notices which order the inhabitants, often on pain of death, to inform against those persons who possess arms; to denounce those who are _believed_ to be strangers to the commune; and those _suspected_ of acting in a manner contrary to the orders of the German authorities. Here are some of these notices: DETENTION OF ARMS. The communal administration forwards the following document:-- _Important Warning._ It has come to my knowledge that the inhabitants of the country are still hiding arms and munitions in their houses. Those who still have arms in their possession (whether firearms, bows, cross-bows, arquebuses, or knives and swords of any description) will not be punished in any way if the arms and munitions are deposited by the 15th December (noon precisely German time) at the house of the burgomaster of the commune, to be handed over to the military commandant. After the date indicated all persons found in possession of arms or munitions will be shot. An account also will be demanded of the burgomasters concerned, and also of all the inhabitants of the houses or farms in which arms or munitions are found, as well as the neighbours of the guilty persons. The death penalty will be imposed on all who learn of the existence of arms or munitions without warning the burgomaster of their commune, who must warn the military commandant. The present decree forms the last appeal to the population to surrender their arms, and once the 15th December is past the severest action will be taken. The burgomasters are personally responsible for ensuring that this warning receives the widest publication. They are required to deposit with the nearest military authority not later than the 15th December (at six o'clock in the evening, German time) the arms and munitions that shall be delivered to them.