The Meridian times. (Meridian, Idaho) 1909-1938, 1917-11-16
JOFFRE PRAISES
OUR SOLDIERS
Marshal of France With General
Pershing Inspects Ameri-
can Forces.
CALL HERO OF MARINE PAPA
United States Soldiers Wild With En-
thusIasm as French Idol Visits
Training Camp.-Pleased
With What He Sees.

American Field Headquarters,
Trance.-After two days visit with
the American troops Marshal Joffre
departed for home, his paternity en-
larged by a good many American sons.
Papa" Joffre Is not only papa" to
the poilus now, but the American sol
diers claim him too.
The white-haired savior of the
Marine was unanimously, excitedly
greeted by the American soldiers ey-
erywhere.
Accompanied by General Pershing,
Joffre swept through all the American
camps-and left the zone in state OF
almost frenzied excitement and entnu-
siasm.
Stands With Pershing.
Thousands of Sammies glimpsed the
whlte-haired French idol for the hrst
time when they were passing in re-
view before him. They gazed steadily,
In response to the ringing command,
"Eyes left" upon stout figure In red
breeches standing by Pershing's side.
ing Pershing showed off his first con-
tingent. Thousands of weather-beaten,
perfectly conditioned American hght-
ers, their ranks interspersed with flags
and bands, swept in waves across the
muddy tableland and dropped below
the hill crest A moment later they
reappeared momentarily in the valley
dr.
merged into the autumn haze until per-
fectly blended and lost sight of.
The review was thrilling panorama
of bobbing, undulating rows of steel
helmets as far as the eye could reach.
When the men had all passed by
Marshal Joffre made brief address
to the officers.
After considering the various acts
of Germany, the marshal said, Amer
lea drew the sword and no one In
France doubted she would do great
things. He referred to the great power
of America in men, resourcefulness
and natural wealth and continued:
I'm every way you have realized our
! hopes. The best proof of your earnest
/ ness, your determination to help win
this war against autocracy may be
read in your eyes as l look into them.
Under the direction of General Per-
shing you are getting ready to face the
enemy. Guided by that eminent ch1ef,
guided by the zeal with which your
great new armies are being perfected,
you will move forward to gather the
laurels and glory that lie before you.
Building Great War Machine.
GAN the news I have from America
is to the effect that there, as well as
here, YOU are working in the same in
tense manner. Guided by such men as
General Pershing, your secretary of
war, Mr.. Baker, and your chief of
staff. General Bliss, you are rapidly
going ahead, and am confident our
! enemy will see before him one of the
most formidable war machines which
could ever be imagined.
"Our enemy believed in his foolish
pride that he could dominate the uni
verse. Your reply to him has already
been most eloquent-more eloquent
than he ever dreamed. You have come
here to join the allies in delivering hu-
mainly from the would-be yoke of Ger
man intolerance. Let us continue to
be united and victory surely will be
ours"
Joffre and Pershing, with Generals
Slbert, Bundy and other generals. then
entered automobiles and were whisked
away for miles through a score of ham
lets where women, children and old
men thronged the roadsides to cheer
the miracle man of 1914 and the great
soldiers of the United States, their
newest allies.