American Falls press. [volume] (American Falls, Idaho) 1907-1937, 1917-06-29

hind the French Lines for Training
Purposes.
A FRENCH PORT, June q, 1880 p.
m.-The Pershing boys are here
Thousands of them came within the
last twenty-four hours out of the mis-
tiness Of the sea-a U-boat infested
sea that held no terrOrs for them-noe
torpedo scratch on transport: not
a single man lost. Spick and span,
with weather-browned faces, their
eyes sparkling fight, every one OF
them every inch a man, they tramped
down the gangways to the strains OF
the Stars and Stripes into a pande-
monlum of unending cheers
Tonight they are already in camp,
itching to get to the front. The camp
is not far from here. It is in charge
of General William l. Sibert, who
came in command of the troops. Per-
shing is coming over from Paris to-
morrow to greet them.
AS these thousands of American
fighting lads poured off the trans
ports, scores of German prisoners
stood on the pier Teeth set, they
looked half sideways at these strap
ping newcomers. Those who watched
these prisoners could discern a grud-
ing admiration in their looks.
Real Entrance Into War.
The remarkable thing about the
scenes attending the real entrance OF
the United States into the world war
through the safe arrival of the expedi-
tionary force was the spontaneity, the
touching warmth of their reception
, here Not an inkling Of the arrival
, had been no preparations, no pro-
grammes with speeches and song, no
reception committee or the like.
Not until the transports had safely
arrived off this port ready to disem-
bark did the momentous news become
known. Then the people here simply
got wild"
The first transport stuck her gray
nose into the harbor in the early morn
ing. The piers were swarming with
thousands. OF men there were few,
OF course only aged and wounded the
Z others are at the front.
The realization that these newcom-
n ers are shortly TO fight side by side
/ with the men of this port who are al
! ready in the thick of battle drove the
women frantic with Joy and gratitude
The American soldiers answered the
cheers by throwing small silver coins
ashore A roaring scrambling among
= the street urchins followed. They
i' didn't spend the coins for candy. They
Ie wrapped handkerchiefs TO save them
; as sacred souvenirs.
~ The Decentralization passed off ia
= the most orderly manner There was
7 not the slightest hitch. Ship after
u ship slipped into her berth, discharg-
u ing men and equipment. Confusion
y, seemed an unknown quantity TO these
"a khak-clad youths and their officers
90 From the piers the American troops
" swung off through the streets of this
;, port. where the whole population had
al tourned out to give them a tremendous
Do ovation. The crowds showered flow
Il ers. fruits. cigarettes and dainties up
- on the marchers.
sn "Vive rAmerique" was an unend
sc ing cry. And as proof that but one
confident thought was in the hearts o
d those cheering thousands, this shou
~ was repeated over and over again.
~ ~ You'll chase the Germans out o
- our country?'
- chorus from the Yankee boys.
% Their reception and progress
We through the city were one great trium
-. phal march. The French onloOker
~ remarked time and again upon tn
= youth and physique of the Americans
~ For France this was the proudes
~ the happiest day since the Marine.
~ Enthusiasm rose TO fever pitch whe
a. it was learned thar the transports an
~ conveys had successfully passed tn
submarine zone. The port was speed
~ lily beflagged in honor OF the ccasiol
" All the troops now arrived weI
- sent today TO a camp not far distaI
from this point. where Major Gener;
William L. Sibert is installed. Then'
they probably Will go soon to a poil
near the front. All the troops are
80. excellent shape, enthusiastic over Il
successful trip and their receptio
Not and eager for action.
ON. Washington Confirms Arrival.
A Washington dispatch says: IT
epochal landing Of American tToo
der in France cannot be fully discuss
ties at this time for obvious reasons co
Don cerning the safety Of other contingen
will II is entirely permissab BILE to say tn
nen they are part of the force which "
be under command OF Major GeneI
ma Pershing and for whose arrival [
lent general and his staff have been q
ons ranging. The American troops "
ak be an entirely independent commar
the just as are the British troops, wor
ing. of course, with the French at
,een head of operations, as they are
the French soil.
the When the troops have had their p'
so iod of preparation behind the lin
IA they will take place on the bait
front and probably very soon will
very carrying the stars ana stripes ~
The assaults Whlcn steaolIy are %.
ash the Germans out OF FRANCE anu "
en- GUM.
the All the troops unuei s,.ios =,
10 shings command are
hin