New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-07-15
Paris, June 20, 1915.

Paris, June 20, 1915.
In the last few days have been on another
Journey to the front, this time on the invita-
ton Of my friend General X, commanding
the French forces on the extreme left wing
On Friday, the 18th, proceeded from here by
train to Calais, and thence by motor to La
Panne, in Belgium, where | settled In the
hotel. La Panne, as you know, is little
watering place situated on the Dunes. Inc
headquarters are in a village near by. AS
luck would have it, the three days ] was
there the bombardment along the immediate
front was so intense that was unable to
see much by daylight, but at night what was
shown me was most inspiring, most pctu-
rescue, not to say awe-inspiring.
The charming, or rather what used to be
the charming town of Newport was on the
first night my centre of attraction, IL so it
may be called. We approached within easy
distance by motor at II D. M; cloudy
night, but the moon being full the light was
still sufficient to be able to move about
easily and before leaving at in the morn
ing the day was breaking, so got very
fair idea Of the condition of things. Writ
ually nothing remains-the church, which
in the dim light seemed to have been an i'm
mense monument, is most completely shat
tered, simply fragments Of the walls re-
naming here and there, with an arch or two
outlining themselves against the sky The
ruins appeared tremendous, doubtless be-
cause of the uncertain light, vying in impor-
lance, in my imagination, with the Baths OF
Caracalla. But of course | know this to be
an hallucination due to the conditions and
circumstances.
The trees everywhere are in tho most
dilapidated and sad condition, and yet with
the courage to sprout forth where their
tortured and rended limbs still hang to-
gether.
You know the story Of Newport: how from
the first it has been held and defended by
the Fusiliers Marins, a corps corresponding
family to our marines. only real sailor men,
wearing the same uniform as the jack tars.
They are still there. 1t has become a ques-
ton of amour-propre, Of pride, and IN spite
of every inducement to give them much
needed rest they refuse to leave, and never
will they leave that which they have fought
over so desperately until it is to advance
upon the retreating enemy. They are ire
mendously land only too JUSTIFY jealous Of
their renown, which lie Gofic has described
so admirably in "Dixmude." They AFFECT a
certain disdain for what they call les MILL
taires." and do not wish to be confused with
them; gay and amusing little chaps, most OF
them from Brittany, clad in the classic sailor
earb. the loose trousers, the sailor blouse
we'll the head crowned by the beret on the
TOD of which is the snappy little red pom
pom, as bright as poppy in wheat heid
and a. conspicuous a mark to shoot at, but
they hold to it as fellow does to his best
girl Lies miltaires," in order to square
matters with them, to tease perhaps ahd
vet. perhaps again, out Of admiration ana
affection. have christened them ICES dfmoi-
selles aux pompons rouges!"
Thew have been moved down by the thou
sands since tho beginning, but the reserves
are always there, too, ANXIOUS 10 take INC
places of honor left vacant. Near the church
wa traversed what used to be garden, but
which has been turned into their cemetery.
Line after line of graves, wonderfully neatly
each surmounted by cross: tnere
il indeed a forest Of them, and on eaeh
grave the comrades have placed some OBJECT
NOR, or less precious, taken from the houses
10 adorn the tomb or to place flowers IN.
noticed several which were decorated with
Delft tiles taken from different mantelpieces
Of the demolished houses, many Oh them
with images of ships or marine monsters
nain.ed on them, and the gesture OF having
nI.c.d them there seemed gentle and appro-
pirate.