The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-04-26
Unbounded Enthusiasm On
Arrival Of French Mission In
Washington
NEVER-TO-BE FORGOTTEN
SCENES ENACTED
Distinguished Party Is Met At
Pier By Secretary ansinz.
Would Like See Stars and
Stripes at Head of Division
In France

W as h & II. April u.s.
Through five solid miles of cheer
ing American citizens, fiag-way-
ing. shricking. hystericsil with
patriotic fcr'vor and the spirit OF
an international friendship 1879
years old, rode Joseph .JofYrc,
field marshal of France, today.
From the south6astes'iy extremity
of the national capital to its
northwestern boundary the hero
of the Marine was greeted with an
enthusiasm and genuincness OF
welcome such as has conc to few
visitors to American soil in all
the brilliant history OF America.
and to no soldier OF France since
the days OF Lafayette.
JofYrc Like Triumphant Hero.
Former Premier Viviani, civil head
of the French war mission, rode at
the head of the little procession OF
triumph beside the American secre-
tary of state. He was honored with
volleys OF cheers and the frantic wav-
ing of the flags of the sister repuh-
lies of the old and new world from
end to end of the route. But to grIz-
xled Joffre, rubicund, smiling. gentle>
featured, yet withal tremendous. went
the unleashed sentiments of fifty
thousand people in succession OF
explosive cheers and shrieks Of de-
light that told the big man in the
grey blue trench-coat and the scarlet
and gold KEPT that in this other
land of liberty. equality and frater-
nifty he was right at home.
Unlike the glorious brilliant sum-
mer day in springtime which had
greeted the coming of the British war
mission on Sunday, the morning had
dawned chill and grey for the. French-
men. Back of the pail OF grey the
April sun struggled. giving a glimpse
of itself now and then but carrying
no warmth. Nevertheless, the recall
citrancy of the weather gods might
go unrebuked for all time. No amount
of gloom that nature endeavorcd to
spread over the picture of Americas
welcome to the representatives of the
lighting French could serve to dim
the glory OF the hour. Shortly after
10 o'clock from out of the dull hori-
zon haze of the lower Potomac there
appeared the trim white outlines ana
the saffron funnel of the PRESIDENTS
yacht "Mayfiower" thanked by a lean
battle grey destroyer conveying tho
Frenchmen to Washington.
From bow and stern fioated tho
American Jack" and the Stars and
Stripes. From the foremost flew d
white flag with a blue anchor and
four blue stars signifyng that thu
assistant secretary of the navy was
a aboard. From the mainmast laziiy
swung in the still air the French Tri-
color.
Up the Potomac and into the Ana
costiH river swung the two naval
vessels As the 'Mayfiower" appro-
ached the mooring dock of the WASH
ington naval arsenal the group of dis
tInsuished Frenchmen with their
American escort were disclosed stand
ing at the starboard side of the blr
yacht Just abaft the main companions
way. Former Premier Viviani. In
frock coat and shining tile. stood in
tho middle. With him were this
Secretary Of the Navy Roosevelt and
Major-General Scott. The pondcrous
Joffre, smiling from under his bril-
liant headgear, stood nearby. Other
officers of the French army in uni
forms Of horizon blue, the new
French war color which is just A
little bit bluer than ietter-ca carriers
coat, surrounded him
Lansing Greets Party.
Slowly the "Mayffower' was warp
ed mp To the dock. On the dock stood
Secretary Lansing and the army and
navy officials sent To welcome the
mission. Back of the official yroup
stood two companies of marines in
blue full-dress of the soldiers of the
sea. and at their right the big marine
band.
From the dock broad rallied COM
was swung to the deck Of
tho vessel. As soon as ii was secured
the bugie from the 'Mayflower'S"
bridge sounded four fiourishes and the
yachts band struck up a gay Gallo
march.
Secretary Lansing. followed by the
others of the receiving party. strobe
up the companionway. Monsieur
Niviani met him at the ships side.
There was a cordial handshake and
more trumpeting. Then the menu
bers of the two parties were intro
duced and there was enthusiastic
all around.
Secretary Lansing led NJ viviani 10
the companionway. General Scott
performed the same office for Gen.
erai Joffre. As viviani started down
the gangplank. Secretary Lansing
stepped back. Hat in hand. the
the French statesman proceeded
while from the "Mayfiower's' band
rang the inspiring strains Of the Il
ss3
Present. arms cried the come
mAnder Of the Marines &nnp. for
ward came The rlae1 sf(d "A IN colls1
every hat of eyefy