The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1917-05-09
PRESSED BY
ENTHUSIASM OF
MIDDLE west
haf
French Visitors Amazed by
Unanimous Response of
Country.
TERRITORY COVERED
IS WORLDS GRANARY
Pass Through Ohio and
Pennsylvania and Reach
New York.
fRv Associated Press.l

With the French War Mission, May
9.-The voices of the middle west
united as never before have spoken to
Frances war mission, in terms un-
mfstakable a message of defiance 20
Germany and her allies. 1t was q
unanimous message OF the great
industrial, agricultural and financial
millions Of the vast Missouri and Ohio
valleys that their entire resources stand
behind President Wilson.
Frances distinguished representa-
tives are impressed with the universal
determination of Americas foreign
population in responding to the call
Even in the cities where the Germans
and Austrians are large part Of the
inhabitants and especially in st. Louis
where half OF the city is of German
descent or German born, the mayor a
German and every city, official Of the
same nationality, the earnestness OF
the pledges given was a revelation.
Wonderful enthusiasm, sincere and
spontaneous. has greeted Frances
commissioners everywhere since they
left Washington. They have seen for
themselves that Americans are united,
determined and confident that the war
shall result in victory against Ger
many and her allies and that every
resource OF the United States-is pleqg-
ed to that end no matter what the
sacrifices may be.
Astonished by Enthusiasm.
The enthusiasm Of the hundreds OF
thousands Of Americans who in every
city turned out to greet the visitors,
is astounding the commissioners and
is carrying conviction to them.
M. Viviani, leader Of the mission,
speaking of the trip said:
I'VE have been surprised and de-
lighted at our generous welcome in
the middle west. The expressions Of
where extended to US were particular
ly remarkable.
"That everywhere members Of COM
munities of whatever race showed
such sympathy for our cause has been
a revelation to us. We realize that
the west and middle west are the
granary not only for the United States
but OF the whole world almost. The
unlimited part that territory could
play in the planting Of large crops
might win in the war. After seeing its
splendid men, women and children we
feel no uneasiness Of what they will do
in the war;"
Stirs Even Soldier.
Marshal Joffre when asked his. inn
preston said: IT am a soldier and
q man OF few words but even the most
taciturn must speak when they are
greeted with sights such as greeted us
in the middle west.
"On my return to France shall
bear away not only the pleasantestl
memory OF most encouraging sights
everywhere but an assurance for my
soldiers and allies that shall not fail
to raise their spirit. They shall know
the immense resources Of America.
and Americans are with them in spirit
as WELL"
On the speedy journey from south
ern Illinois through Indiana and Ohio,
members of Frances war mission yes
terday were given a hearty welcome
at Terre Haute, Indianapolis, Rich
mond, Ind, Urbana, Ohio and Colum-
bus. All Of the French commissioners
had recovered from their unpleasant
experience OF Monday night when their
special train was wrecked near Arcolas
Ill. and yesterday were in splendid
spirits and enjoyed the splendid agri-
culture scenes along the way The
day OF ovations and receptions came
to close early last evening in Ohio's
state capital, where the distinguished
Frenchmen stopped for a little more
than an hour. arriving shortly before
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