Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-04-26
France Needs Us

THAT one OF the great soldiers OF the age,
the man whose wonderful strategy at the
Marine contributed more than aught else
to make the world safe for democracy" de-
sircs the United States to he represented on
tho battle lines Of France is circumstance
which should have the largest weight with
the American President. the American Con-
sress and the American people When Jonre
speaks military subject the world
listens.
The advice Marshal Joffre gives is not Of
fered thouGhtcssly or unadvsedly. or with
out a thorough understanding Of this countrys
situation. 1t may be taken for granted We
believe. that he has supplied himself in adj
vance with full information. for he is a
student and thlnker-a master stratcgist
and not a mere tactician. He is accustomed
as part of his duty, to consider questions
of politics in their relation to war and in
war. as ii is being waged to-day nolitical
aspects OF strategic aims can never be ignored
He speaks Of the moral influence OF the
presence of American troops in France and
mat consideration Is potent. but ii is not
the sole consideration. If it were The Times
Dispatch would be inclined to stress the argu-
ment it has advanced. that the first American
eXpcditionary force should be sent to Russia
rather than 10 France, for Russia needs
spiritual reinforcement much more than does
that lndomitable nation which Joire repre-
scntS. But tho United States should be able
10 90 something more than encourage. and it
is plain that something more is in the French
mind.
The French idea of an American cxpedi-
ton, says the Associated Press corrcspondcnt
who made the overseas voyage with the com
mission. calls for Il lighting force supple-
mented by auxiliary services, such as railway
stafs, railway material. telegraph and tcIe-
phone lines, automobile transport and n
strong aviation section This is an al
together different proposition. it will be OBJ
served, from the Russian expeditions which
were sent To France. The Russians rcachod
Marseillcs lacking all equipment: even rifles
were supplied by their French hosts When
American troops arrive. tho other hand
they are TO be ready to fight and to support
themselves in every way while thew are
fighting.
For thirty-thrce bloody months France has
thrown her manhood, in splendid sacrifice
against the hosts OF autocracy The strain
mas been tremendous and nccssaut Deaths
and total disabilities probably have reached
2'ooo'oo0 or more. Steadily and rapidly
mounting demand for munitions absorbs other
miiliohs of the population The great gen
eral offensive now in progress, dcspite All
Tue success IT is attaining-even because of
'hat SUGGESTS taking ID further dreadful
toll
france needs us-needs not only American
dollars, rood and steel. but American yalor
III the front ranks OF democracys defenders
lhat Is the message the great Marshal or
france brings TO these shores We are
needed ny the nation which sent LAFAYETTE
Rochambcau and De Grasse and thousands
oi'galIant men besides. TO aid in the es,ah
! tlShihent OF human liberty on this continent
freedom calls unto freedom. like unto like
What shalt the answer be-