Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-09-07
By HENRI BAZIN

etan correspondent OF the EVENING LEDGER will
the American Army In France.
AMERICAN FIELD HEADQUARTERS,
Sept. T.
The entire American expedtionary force
was honored in its review yesterday by
President Poincare. who. with NJ. Painleve
War Minister Generals Pershlng and
Sibert and their staffs General Petain. the
French generalssimo; General Dubail, mil
itary governor of Paris. and four other
French generals and their stats, stood al
salute as the American troops passed with
q veteran swing, the bands playing and
coiors flying.
The review was upon giant plateau sur
rounded by picturesque hills. villages and
ravines The sight was heart-moving and
inspiring. The troops moved down the
field 10 quick march step played by ar
infantry band The review was brief, and
while II was in progress President Poincar'
conversed almost continuously with General
Pershing. The eyes OF the French President
Elowed with enthusiasm as he would point
with his stick to some particular regiment
or to some maneuvcr or equipment tha'
particularly struck his interest
. After the review all the American OFF,
GERS advanced to the reviewing stand. where
after formal gathering together, they
were addressed by General Pershing. who
said; ''Our army is honored today by the
presence of the President OF the French
Republic. who desires in addressing you 10
point out that our work is one In spirit
act and intent with that Of the gallant
army Of France.
..It happens that this is the anniversary
Of the battle of the Marne. II will &c
down In history as one Of the greatest OF
days. and II was a fitting day that this
army should thus be honored. We all may
well feel more patriotic for 1t and more
fitted for the task cut out for the great
army of which this is the advance guard
President Poincare speaking in French
said: General Pershing and gentlemen,
esteem highly the great privilege given me
today of viewing SJur gallant army. l am
deeply moved at the inspiring sight.
have chosen this date. September 6. not
only because 1t is the anniversary OF La
fayettes birth. but also because it marks
the third anniversary of the beginning OF
the historic battle OF the Marre
''I received yesterday from the Mayor OF
Philadelphia magnificent thirteen-star
American flag to he deposited today on
Lafayette's tomb in Picpus Cemetery, Paris
]. have turned this flag over to the presi-
dent of the Paris Municipal Council for
deposit at a ceremony, such as desired, at
which | shall take great pleasuTe to be
present. l am deeply grateful for this
offering. coming as It does from the birth
place Of American liberty. thus typifying
the American and French love OF equal
rights for all men, as exemplfied by your
presence in France. espousing liberty a
cause. ! shall also assist today in the
decoration of the graves on the Marine
battlefield, thus performing three inspiring
duties as representative Of France.
II have been deeply moved by President
wilson's recent statement showing the
unity of purpose between France and the
United States. ] realize that the gallant
work of the armies of the Allies on all the
fronts from Ypres to Lorraine in opposition
20 the enemy has the same high objective,
namely. the protection of the rights of men.
the cause OF liberty and the equalizing spirit,
as typif1ed at Philadelphia when the Decla-
ration of Independence was signed on
on July 4. 1875. ! close by offering homage
TO President Wilson and the Republic of the
United Statesn