The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1917-08-16
Far. Flung Line Stretches
Endlessly Along French
Roads
FRENCH PEASANTS
WATCH IN WONDER
"Wish Old Boche x Could
Have Seen That Show"
Says Commander
fRv Aasociatad Press.l

American F1olQ mead
quarters in France, Aug. 16.
The review yesterday by
Major General w. L. Sci
bert, of all the troops of his
command in training for
the trenches afforded a
spectacle of military signifi-
canoe and historic import.
Tt was the first time that
the troops of this particular
unit of the American army
in France had been assem-
bled in its entirety and the
display they made was
deeply impressive.
There had been other re-
views Of American troops
in foreign lands but there
seemed to be an entirely
new meaning to the saurdy
tramp of the men of Amer
lea in France today. One
saw in them the symbol of
their col1ntry's new ad-
venture.
Very Proud of, Men.
s'They made me feel, very proud,
declared Major General seibert echo
ing the sentiment of an enthusiastic
handful Of Americans who were per-
mitted to see the martial display.
The setting for the review was one OF
rare beauty.
Here and there picturesque little
French villages, white walls and red
roofs, snuggIed amid the trees OF
matchless valleys. Occasionally these
valleys were bathed in sunshine and
again they were hidden in the gray
mist of rain.
At one time during the review
rainstorm broke over the marching
troops but it was only of brief dura1
tion and there was nos a falter in
any part of the line.
Very early in the morning the
troops were, on the move. They were
scattered in a dozen or more French
villages each regiment was assembled
in a village where its headquarters
had been established.
European Standard.
The new army regiments are mod
elled on the European standard quite
different from the old American regt-
ments and when on march yesterday
in columns of fours the lines seemed
to stretch in interminable distance
along beautifully paved French roads
lined with giant trees. AS the AM
ericans passed through the French
villages en- route. to the reviewing
field the French peasant folks gazed
at them open eyed in amazement and
admiration.
They have seen much of the AM
erican soldiers individually but this
was the first gathering in force OF
the new allies and the impression it
made on the village farmers and
French soldiers on leave could easily
be seen, and appreciated.
The French who have been train-
ing companies and battahons of the
American armies were also surpris-
ed and It can be truthfully stated
that there was a distinct pause of
surprise and admiration on the part
of Major General Seibert himself
when riding at the head of the staff
he reached the crest of the reviewing
platform and saw his khaki-clad
command drawn up in a wonderful
far flung line before him.
Attached to his staff were half
dozen French officers including the
general of famous division, all Of
whom were enthusiastic in their
praise of the spectacle.
In Columns Of Fours.
AS the marching troops reached a
point some distance behind the re-
viewing party, they reformed into
out they found their way along curv-
ing and descending roads. The
brown mass seemed to pass as far as
the eye could see.
Moving pictures were made both
by French and American official
operators In order that the people
throughout France and America can
get an idea OF the impressive appear
aflce the troops made when first as
eembled together. 1t was difficult to
realize that they are the same men
who landed in France. q few weeks
ago.
In telling Of his pride in his COM
mand, Major General Seibert added:
Il am particularly proud Of the
showing the men made today for
they were not parading before adj
rniring crowds either OF home folks
OF foreign friends. It was merely a
military maneuver for them and
they did II splendidly
I was surprised at their facility