New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-04-29
British and French Missions
to Decorate Mount Vernon
Tomb To-day
Revolution Breach
Healed by Britain
Bronze Leaf from France to
Rededicate Spirit of
Democracy

Washington, April 2s. With the
groundwork laid for a working agree
ment with America in the common
cause against Germany, the British and
French war missions will rededicate
their united efforts to democracy to-
morrow in impressive ceremonies at
the tomb of George Washington, at
Mount Vernon.
Through her Foreign Minister, Ar
thur James Balfour, and in the pres
ence of many Of the foremost leaders
of the British Empire Great Britain
will publicly pay homage to the mem
crv of the man who in the name OF
democracy led the revolution which
tore one of the brightest jewels from
the British crown. A wreath will be
placed on the tomb by Mr.. Balfour, as
the representative Of the British gov
ernment, signalling a public manlfes-
tation of honor seldom equalled IN
British history.
France, through former Premier
Viviani, now Minister Of Justice, and
Marshal Jofrre, popular idol Of the
French people, will accord to the
Father of the American Republic the
highest honor within the gift OF
France. In placing a bronze palm lear
on the sarcophagus Frances two lead
ers will complete the original purpose
of their mission to this country, IN
paving homage to Americas fore
fathers, to whose aid France came IN
1776.
will Heal War Breach
The union of Great Britain, France
and the United States over the tomb
of Washington will symbolic to Amer
ica's guests a consummation OF the
Joint crusade against German autoc-
racy. Members of both missions spoke
Of the ceremonies to-day as carrying
great significance. To England it means
tho final healing Of the breach made
by the Revolution; to France, recon
,ecration of the Ideals OF the two coun-
tries along the best lines of democracy
Tho marty will 20 to Mount Vernon
on the Presidential yacht MayhoWer'
accompanied by the members OF the
Cabinet and their wives, military and
naval officers, Chairmen Padgett ana
Swanson. of the House and Senate
naval committees, respectively, and
Governor Stuart Of Virginia. More
than 100 American officials, all told,
will be in the party.
Roth the British and French mis-
sions made considerable progress TO-
day in their conferences with American
officials.
Experts Lay Out Plans
Intensive discussions by experts
along the lines laid out by Mr.. Balfour
occupied the British. Major c. L. Dam
sew. of the British War Office, con,
timed his discussions with General
scott. chief of staff; Admiral Sir Dud-
lev r. S. de Chair talked with Navy
Department chiefs on maritime ques-
tions. and A. G.. Anderson, chairman OF
the Wheat Executive Commission OF
England, France and Italy, saw mem
bers of the Shipping Board.
British trade experts conferred at
the British Embassy in an effort to
svstematize the information requested
by American officials on trading with
the enemy. export restrictions, the ra-
tioning Of Holland and Scandinavia
and German trade influences in South
America.
Groundwork for understandings on
various subjects relating TO the con-
duct Of naval, military and economic
war against Germany was laid at the
conference between the French and
American officials. Tangible results
are expected within the next few days,
after President Wilson personally has
taken part in the proceedings. Monday
the President will confer with Viviani,
head of the French mission, at the
White House. q,
So far President Wilson has not had
an opportunity to discuss details with
the representatives of France, the for
NAL meeting at the White House fol-
lowing the arrival of the mission hav-
ing been devoted entirely to broad gen
eraiities