The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1917-05-19

shown not only reluctance but a de-
termination not to urge the American
government TO any particular course.
The visiting soldiers, however, stand
ready on the instant 10 respond with
a heartfelt and yearning "Yes" II
the American military authorities shall
ask u they want the republics colors
quickly to fly ut the front.
Day by day the visitors have repent
ed that they are here not to urge any.
thing but to help In advice and coun-
sci when American initiative shows
that advice and counsel are desired
on any point. Therefore 1t Is part
Of the British intention not to ask
the American military authorities 10
send troops abroad as quickly rs they
can be rendezvoused and equipped.
Your correspondent knows. however,
that above all things the British de-
sire Is not alone for sentimental rea-
sons, but for real support reasons.
that the American soldier soon shall
be seen side by side with the British
Tommys and French Poilus In the
trenches Of France.
Difference Of Opinion Here.
Many American army officers, and
among them some in high authority.
are In accord with the known British
soldiers wishes In this matter Of
sending troops to Europe. Others are
not agreed. There Is one obstacle in
the way Of the dispatch of an eXpedi-
tiOnary force. 1t is not the lack Of
men, or Of supplies, or Of transports,
but 1t is the reluctance of some civil
ian officials to approve the course. On
this matter of the quick dispatch of
small eXpeditionary force to the Euro
pean continent some of the civilian
authorities today are In the mood Of
yesterday.
The belief seems TO be, however,
that opposition will be overcome and
that a force will be sent within II
short time to bear the flag to the
front and to give to the troops of
Europe the evidence of coming re-en-
forced support for the fighting Brit
ish and French.
General Bridges Of the British army,
a member of the visiting commission,
has said in an address in New York
city that il is the wish that American
troops shall appear as quickly as pos
sible with the armies Of the allies in
France. Other British military Off
Gals share General Bridges views.
British Reserve Lacking.
Shipping and food problems are en-
gaging the close attention of the Brit
ish commissioners.
Instantly following the arrival OF
the French delegation the commissions
ers Of both countries acting jointly
resolved themselves into subcommit'
tees, each to take up problem to solve
on its own account.
Even Washington ofiicialdom Is sur
prised at the demeanor of the visitors
from Great Britain. Reserve, IL not
coldness, was expected by men who
have had dealings with the British
foreign office. Civilians In Washington
corning Englishmen generally. The
commissioners, from Mr.. Balfour down
to the last subsecretary, have aston
ished Washington by their open
mindcdness, their open speech and
their open-heartedness.
Perhaps the most astonished men In
the capital constitute the corps of cor
respondents of the daily press. The
Englishmen brought along with them
what Americans know as q press agent,
although he is what some persons In
clined to be bit more dgnifiedly
deferential might call an information
man.