The daily Gate City and constitution-Democrat. (Keokuk, Iowa) 1916-1922, 1917-06-30
q. s. ARMY AT
HOME IN FRANCE
Continued from page one.)

accosted him. He muttered a few
phrases in French, looked a little
frightened and tried to slip by.
That's the ignorantest niger l
ever saw in my life," disgutedly re-
marked the American negro to a SOL
ldier passing by.
This port city turned out enmasse
to greet and cheer the Americans.
They came amid deafening cheers
and half frenzied Frenchmen, women
and children packing the streets or
walking along beside them, almost
overcome with joy.
For the first time in history two
American generals on a belligerent
mission, have met, saluted and clasp
ed hands on French soil.
It was the meeting Of Major Gen
eral John G. Pershing and Major Gen
eral VIM. l. Sibert here, where the
American ex2editionary army Is wait
ing rsstlessly to get into action,
safe and sound after a Journey over
lperilous waters.
BLACK Jack" Pershing arrived to
meet with his men two days after
every last sammy" had been disem-
| barked. luggage and all from the
great American transports.
"This is the happiest Of the busy
days / have spent in France prepar-
ing for the arrival of our first con-
tingent," the commander in chief of
the American forces declared.
To-day have seen our troops
safe on French soil from transports
safeguarded in their passage by the
Iresourceful vigilance of our navy.
"Now, our task as soldiers. lies
clear ahead. We hope with the aid
OF the French leaders who have plac-
ed all the results OF their experiences
at our disposal, to make this force
worthy in skill and determination to
fight side by side with our brothers
in arms Of the French army
Pershing received an enthusiastic
welcome from his officers and men.
He was accompanied by General
l'Pelletier, the French army officer de-
tailed to his staff, and a number Of
American officers who have been
busily working in the Rue Constantin,
Paris preparing for the fighting men.
The party held a long conference
with General Sibert and later for
mally inspected the American camp.
Then the American army joined
hands with the American navy in
luncheon which Admiral Cleaves, COM
manding the navy conveying squad
|'Pershing and his staff.
This French port looks to be the
busiest spot on the face Of the earth.
The streets are crowded with army
wagons and trucks, the sidewalks
choked with men in the American
khaki, the American navy blue mix
ed with an occasional CLINT Of the
French army uniform.
American speed and American en-
ergy have made their indelible i'm
preston on the city.
A babel of sound arises every
where. Not the least contributing
element to the noise is the chatter of
American soldiers and sailors trying
out their French on the inhabitants
and twisting their tongues trying to
talk English.
History may record that it was
first words of welcome to General
Sibert, commanding the troops under
General Pershing, as he stepped
formally ashore amid cheers and the
playing of bands.
But the first words exchanged be-
tween an American fighting man and
his French brother in arms were
between husky blue jacket and a
French soldier sentry. The blue
Jacket was member Of the crew of
an American fighting craft which
scooted ahead into the harbor before
the waiting throng there had spied
out the gray bulk OF the conveying
warshins and the transports they