Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-04-26
Heavy Guard Placed

AS the Mayflower came to her wharf,
marines and sailors lined the driveway
to the gate of the navy yard, with
bayonets fixed. A close guard kept all
but those directly connected with the
reception ceremonies outside. Attaches
of the French embassy and of the State
Department waited near a long line of
automobiles, carrying French and
American flags. Marshal Joffre, Min
lister Viviani and the other members
of the party lined the rail of the May
flower. The marshal was plainly dis
tineuishable, wearing a long light blue
military coat.
Standing on the deck with the members
of the commission were Ambassador JUS
serand, Assistant Secretary Roosevelt,
Scott. Rear Admiral Huse and other Off
Gals who went to Hampton Roads to
welcome the distinguished visitors.
1t took nearly half an hour to dock the
Mayflower, but as soon as the gangplanlS
was run out, Secretary Lansing accom-
panied by Counselor Polk and Assistant
Secretary Phillips. boarded the vessel.
escort. were grouped at the stern, under
the French tri-color flying from the mast
head high above them.
Secretary Lansing stepped forward and
warmly clasped the hands of Minister
Viviani and Marshal Joffre and the other
members of the commission. Warm word.
of greeting were exchanged. The vigor
of the handclasp and the earnest looks
on the faces of all present showed the
During the brief ceremony the ship
band played the "Marseillaise" while the
marines and sailors and other officials on
shore stood at attention. The greetings
between Marshal Joffre and General Scott
was particularly warm.
The formal welcome over, the party left
the Mayfiower, led by Minister Niviani
AS the members of the mission stepped
ashore attaches of the French embassy
rushed forward to greet their compat-
riots.
Marshal Joffre and Minister Vivian
shook hands warmly with everyone The
two leaders of the French mission appar-
emily were in the best of health and spir-
its The marshal smiled broadly as NOV
ing picture machines clicked busily.
The reception ceremonies over, M
Vivian, Marshal Joffre, the other
members Of the mission, Secretary
Lansing, Ambassador Jusserand anC
their staffs entered automobiles anc
started for the home of Henry White
former ambassador to France, which
will be the headquarters of the mem
hers of the French party. They were
escorted by two troops of cavalry
Just otside the navy yard gates was
gathered a crowd of several hundred
people who broke into enthusiastic ap
plause as the French appeared.
The route from the navy yard tc
the White House had been made pub
lie and was lined with cheering Wash
ingtonians.
A statue of General Lafayette, Rev
dictionary war hero, and great grand
father of Marquis De Chambrun, {
member of the commission, attracted
the particular attention of the visitors
NJ. Niviani rode in an automobile
with Sec. Lansing and Marshal Joffrt
rode in a car with Ambassador Jus
serand and Major General Scott. There
were thousands of children on tn.
streets. many waving flags and the
passage Of the party was attended by
almost continuous handclapping ant
cheers. NJ. Niviani acknowledged hi!
reception by raising his hat and Mar
shall Joffre acknowledged his greeting
by holding his hand at salute at hi!
cap
At the White home the members o
the mission retired to rest They
found waiting them great bouquets O.
flowers sent by Fritish Foreign Min
lister Ralfour