New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-04-20
THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR THE
RELIEF OF FRENCH WAR ORPHANS
Principal Office, 100 Broadway
The FatherIess Children of France Branch
Fifth Avenue
RooseOelts Letter TO the President General of the
Daughters of the American Revolution
New York, April II, 1917.
Sos Fifth Avenue


Ny Dear Mrs. Story:
May | suggest that before the great convention
which you presiding brings its sessions to an end
there is form of action which would be peculiarly
fitting for its members to take? You and your associates
are the direct descendants Of the who fought our
Revolutionary War Side by side with these men stood
the soldiers of France under Lafayette ROchambeau and
their fellows 1t this aid Of French soldiers CON-
bned with loans Of French ships and gifts OF Frencn
money which made possible the success of our struggle
for independence The service which France thus rem
dered to us was declared by Washington the morning
after the victory at Yorktown, to call for unalteraos
gratitude This service was OF such vital character
to constitute debt Of honor which every American
should regard sacred Obligation to be repaid when
ever the opportunity arises.
That opportunity has come now. under such clrcum'
that in paying debt TO France we also render
the greatest possible service TO humanity as whole
France is fighting today for her very existence as
nation. More than that she is fighting our battles
we'll her She is fighting for American ideals iOr
democracy and civilization and for the reign OF Justice
among the nations of mankind. She needs our help.
is estimated that half million French children have lost
their fathers in this war The French Government
staggering under the stupendous financial burdens
the war can contribute only partially to the Supporu
these children Thousands of them, especially IN the d
tricts so brualy devastated by the retrealng German
army are utterly destitute They must have quick anu
generous aid, or many Of them will perish. -.
They should be saved for the next generation, to take
the places of the who have died that the nation
might live. NJ.
The American Society for The Relief Of French wal
Orphans has undertaken TO provide for these victims
this most ruthless war and 10 for them until thc
shall reach an age at which they will be SetSuppor
The Society has been incorporated for fifteen years anu
its work will be continued after the end Of the war ~
expenses both in this country and in France are pay
from membership dues and underwriting luna, anS
all moneys contributed to its War Orphans Fund or lD
individual orphans RENTED to France without uT
ducton. Ian
| earnestly hope that the Daughters of the American
Revolution recognizing their peculiar fitness IoT w
work and indeed their peculiar obligation to perform
will give formal approval to the American Soceys
really noble charity, and VIII pledge themselves as o.
organization to cooperate with the Society by guarahe
ing support for large number of orphans Thus you.
organization will take upon itself the duty of paying ~
share in our Debt of Honor to France
Very sincerely yours,
THEODORE ROOSEVELT.
Mr., William Cumming Story, ,s,,
President Genera Of the Daughters Of the american Rev0'
Colonel Rooseves letter read the Daughters
American Revolution their annual convention IN "S bs
Wednesday, April eighteenth by Mrs. story VINO no''
the organization do everything could IN M
and financial way help The American Society for the H
French War Orphans u.r.
The Washington Times in its report Of the proee
"TLe motion continuously carried and a S'O'
Of cheers. The Debt Which America cures TO fraHe'
has been frequently referred TO during the present c
qress but Colonel Roosepets letter and Mrs StoIg,
motion proUoked the greatest demonstration wne'S''
any session for many yedrs -, n
The Convention voted unanimously have the nos rasn
Managers and the Ways and Means Committee OF
ization methods of cooperating with the
Society.