Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1917-04-27
FRENCH Commission
GIVEN BIG OVATION
AT NATIONS CAPITAL
Reception TranscendS DlpIo-
matIc Courtesy and Officials
and Citizens Extend Royal
Welcome to Mission

that awaits them-the joint war paTleys
with British and American high war
commissioners
Several thousand men, women and
children got through the half mile lane
leading from the Washington navy yard
gates to the little pier where the presi-
Dental yacht Mayflower cooked with
the distinguished visitors ABOARD
They and scores of naval and military
officials lined UP and around the Dig new
rifles lying on the lawn by the May
| flowers dock. Their view encountered
a most colorfu1 and striking picture
The white Mayflower. Wrapping into the
dock, the marine band at one side. and
mounted troopers fronting the ship
On the Mayflower's decks, standing
out in sharp contrast to ell else. in red
cap and pale blue cloak was the inquire
of Marshal Joffre.
Immediately the gangplank was up
Secretary Lansing mounted it and as he
set foot on the deck the bugle5 sounded,
all the soldiers and sailors came TO at
tention led by General Joffre, while the
secretary FASTENED forward between the
lines of the crew and greeted Vivtanl,
General Joffre and the balance or the
party.
The Mayflowers' band struck up the
MaseilIaise, every one stood motionless
WlLn AIISnllOn anu LAAO ~ "" No ~~A~~~S
shore suddenly broke the tension with
wild shouting and cheering.
The party, led by V1vianI and Lansing,
descended the gangplank while the ma
rine band on the shore also played the
Marsellaise, entered their limouslnss,
were escorted through double line or
marines and the entire half mile to the
gate and proceeded ON their way among
the cheers and hearty welcome OF d
crowd of thousands which blocked the
highway and by streets in all directions
The reception Of the principals of the
French mission transcribed the usual
| diplomatic courtesies. Rousing cheers
and hand clapping, both from officials
and private citizens, greeted the French
men.
Marshal Jofrre was the center OF at
traction. although Rene Viviani, was
very warmly received. As Marshal Jor-
FIRE stepped from the Mayflower
| young French officer, already ashore
| bent low and kissed his hand. Tears
glistened in the eyes of many present at
| this mark of devotion to the great
French general.
Headed by Secretary Lansing. Amer
loan officials paid the visiting French
men every honor of greeting. People OF
washington, gathered on the streets on
the line of march, from the streets on
| To the HEADQUARTERS of the mission, ap-
| plauded enthusiastically.
AS the Mayflower came to her wharf
| marines and sailors lined the driveway
to the gate of the navy yard, with bay
onets fixed. A close guard kept all but
, those directly connected with the recep-
ton ceremonies outside. A company OF
marines stood at attention directly OPP
posite the landing place.
| Attaches of the French embassy and
of the state department. waited near a
| long line of automobiles, carrying
French and American flags Marsnal
Joffre, Minister Viviani, and the other
members of the party, lined the rail Oh
the Mayflower.
standing on the deck also were Am
bassador Jusserand Assistant Secre-
tarv Roosevelt, Assistant Secretary
long. Major Geenral Hugh L. Scott
Rear Admiral Huse and other officials
who went to Hampton Roads to welcome
the visitors.
As soon as the gangplank was run
out. Secretary Lansing, accompanied Dy
Counselor Polk and Assistant secretary
pbil1ins. boarded the vessel. Members
80 tha commission. with their escort,
vere grouped at the stern, under the
French tri-color flying from the mast
head. r.r,o,--
SECRETARY GREETS VISITORS.
Secretary Lansing stepped forward
and warmly clasped the hand or Minis
fer Vivtani and Marshal Joffre and the
other commissioners. Warm words OF
greeting were exchanged. The vigor OF
the hand clasp and the earnest looks on
+ba faces of all present showed the well
comes were more than perfunctory. Dur
ing the brief ceremony the ships band
nlaved the "Marseillaise," while the
marines and sailors and other officials
on shore stood at attention. The greet
ing between Marshal Joffre and Cen
eral Scott was particularly warm
The party left the Mayfower, led by
Minister Viviani The entire crew of
the presidents yacht stood at attention,
and as the members of the mission
stepped ashore the marine band took
up the ''Marseillaise." Attaches of the
French embassy here rushed forward to
greet their compatriots.
Marshal Joffre and Minister Viviani
shook hands warmly with every one.
Both remarked on the warmth Of their
welcome. The marshal smiled broadly
as moving picture machines clicked
busily.
The reception ceremonies over, Minis
ter viviani, Marshal Joffre, the other
members Of the mission. Secretary Lam
sing, Ambassador Jussereand and their
staff entered automobiles and started
for the home of Henry White, former
ambassador to France, which will be the
headquarters Of the French party. They
were escorted by two troops Of cavalry.
Just outside the navy yard gates was
gathered a crowd Of several hundred
people, who broke into enthusiastic APP
plause. The marines and sailors along
the line came to present arms.
The route from the navy yard to the
White home was lined with cheering
Washingtonians. Past the congreSsion-
al library and the capitol. the party
circled the Peace monument and then
proceeded along Pennsylvania avenue
to the treasury building. just east of
the White House. and on through the
most beautiful part of the residential
section of Washington. A statue of
General Lafayette, Revolutionary war
hero. and great grandfather of Marquis
de Chambrun, a member of the commits
sion, attracted the particular attention
of tho visiting statesmen. soldiers and
sailors.
NJ. viviani rode in an automobile
with Secretary Lansing and Marshal
Jofrre rode in a car with Ambassador
Juessrand and Major General Scott
There were thousands Of children on
the streets, many waving flags and the
passage Of the party was attended by
almost continuous handclapping and
cheers NJ. Viviani Acknowledged his