Evening capital news. (Boise, Idaho) 1901-1927, 1917-04-25

Former Premier Viviani and
Marshal Joffre Arrive at
the National Capital on
the Presidential Yacht
Mayflower.
MARINE BAND PLAYS
THE MARSEIIL.AISE

a mAh1NE BAND PLAYS
THE MARsEIILAIsE
Great Crowd Cheers Noted
Visitors as They Walk
Down tho Gang Plank
Hero Of Marne Stands at
Attention as French An
them Is Played.
Washington, April 25.-
The final step which brought
esentatives Of the
world s greatest democracies
in personal contact for dis
cussion of plans for success
full waging of the world war
against autocracy, came to-
day with the arrival of the
f r ench commission in
Washington.
As former Premier viwiani and Mar
shall Joffre, the idol of Frances army,
were still gliding up the Potomac
on the yacht Mayflower, arrangements
were all but closed for extending to
England the first loan Of this gov
ernment-two hundred million dollars.
At the same time British Foreign
Secretary Arthur J. Balfour was an
nouncing that England and France do
not seek to inveigle the United States
into any entangling alliance with Euro
pean forces. but that their commis-
sions have come here to help this coun-
try.
He expressed confidenos In Amer
ica's determination to see the fight
through to the finish.
IMPRESSIVE SCENES.
Few more impressive scenes have
been witnessed in Washington than
that enacted at the navy yard when
the Mayflower arrived with the French
representatives at 49, 80 this afternoon.
Several thousand men, women and
children lined the half-mile lane from
the navy yard gates to the pier where
the yacht docked with the distinguish
ed visitors.
Mounted troopers came to attention
from their position a. guard of honor
near the pier. Scores Of naval and
military officials were waiting to greet
the French commissioners. As the
Mayflower was warped into her pier,
thu rin hon he lor 80
navy yard struck up the Marseillaise.
On the Mayflower's deck, standing
out in sharp contrast among his COM
panions. was Marshal Joffrs. in red
cap and pale blue army cloak.
ALL AT ATTENTION..
Immediately the gang plank was mp.
Secretary lansing mounted 1t and as
he stepped on deck bugies sounded. All
soldiers and sailors came to attention.
as did the victor of the Marne, while
the secretary OF state hastened for
ward between the lines Of the crew
and greeted viviani, Joffre and other
members Of the party.
A great cheer went up and the party,
led by Viviani and Lansing. then de-
scended the gang plank They went
Immediately to the residence held In
readiness for the French commission
ers. AS they left the pier, the marine
band continued to play the French ma
tional air. Crowds lining the streets
cheered as the party went by In auto
mobiles.
UP THE POTOMAC
The Mayf1ower with her distinguish-
ed burden, steamed slowly up the Poto-
mac from Hampton Roads through the
forenoon, conveyed by a destroyer.
Beach combers and fishermen toll
ing In the murky mists shrouding the
river. stared wonderingly as the two
craft passed with a great trail of black
smoke dwindling off with the Nying
cloud scud.
Passing Alexandria, Just below
Washington, the party was greeted
with screeching whistles and tolls
from the bell Of the ancient church at
tended by George Washington.
At Washington the party was met by
Secretary Lansing. Counsellor Pow.
Assistant Secretary Phillip and Col
onel Harte, President Wilson's person.
al aide, who boarded the yacht to ex-
tend Americas official welcome.
Among the French commissioners
was one unheralded before-Emiie
Hovelaque, head Of the high school
system.
GREETED BY cOMPATRloTe.
The French embassy In toto, headed
by Ambassador Jusserand, greeted
their compatriots. The reception ten
dered the commissioners amounted to
an ovation. Thousands lined the
strets from the navy yard 10 the
French quarters on Sixtesnth street.
1t was over six miles Of cheering peo-
pie and honking automobile horns.
Now and then out of the crowd 1
great banner would greet the eyes
reading. "vive La France and Long
Live Joffre!"
No flag was flying from the Rus
sian embassy. causing some comment,
Several narrow escapes were exper-
fenced by American cavalrymens en-
route down the avenue, AT different