Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1917-08-21
French Commander Says
Americans Can Soon Be in
Firing Line With Assurance
of Efficiency.
CAREFUL TRAINING
PRODUCES RESULTS
Brilliant Sunshine Features
Day and Silver CoIored Air
Plane Hovers Over Field
During Review,

American Training Camp In France,
Aug. 10 (by the Associated Press).-
General Petain, commander-in chief
of the French armies, paid his first
visit today to the American troops In
France and expressed himself delight
ed with what he saw.
II am exceedingly pleased and
gratified with what I have seen dur
ing this inspection" he said. "Train-
ing has progressed so well that l feel
certain the American troops will form
an excellent fighting force in a very
short time"
The French general was accompan-
led by Maj. Gen. John j. Pershing.
the American commander, and both
left this afternoon for the French
front, where they will remain several
days. They had very busy day, mo-
toring 100 miles or more and inspect
ing almost every village In which
Americans are billeted. In addition
General Petain held review of the
famous Chasseur division which has
been training the Americans for the
| last month,
| Wouu tSht IOSctHer.
+ Addressing the officer of this di-
Vision. GeneralPetain said they had
rendered a notable service both TO
I France and America and that their
,battaions had become sister battal-
ions to the American contingent. The
| Americans, he added, had expressed
I thehope that some day they would
have the privilege of fighting along.
| side their French instructors, and of
proving what apt pupils they can be.
! General Petain spoke of the plan
of the Chasseurs, of the high morale
of the French army they represented
and recalled to them that their duty
was always to inculcate this morale In
| their fellow divisions.
Major General Pershing also was
much pleased with his inspection OF
the American troops. He noted ma
teral improvements everywhere and
said:
Pershing Is Pleased.
81 am extremely we'll satisfied with
what I have seen today thing
which particularly strikes one about
the Americans is the fine spirit which
prevails both among officers and mer.
Training is progressing rapidly and
satisfactorily In every respect"
The review Of the chasseur division
was most spectacular General Per-
shing greatly admired the dash with
which it was carried out. The in
fantrymen made a splendid showing
but the picturesque feature was the
rushing by of the divisional artillery.
, with horses at fast trot, followed
at some distance by several troops
of cavalry at full gallop. Later three
of the chasseur bands played the
Marseillaise and The Star Spanged
Banner.
Airplane Overhead.
The day was one Of brilliant sun,
shine and during the greater part Of
the review, beautiful silver-colored
French airplane played above the
heads of the soldiers. The French
plane was viewed with some suspicion
by the American anti-aircraft gun
ners while 1t was some distance away
and before the identity Of the aircraft
was fully established. There were
several German airplanes near the
camp late yesterday and 1t is re-
ported that French airmen brought
one of them down while 1t was en-
deavorng to return home.
Prior to the review. General Petain
bestowed numerous decorations on
the chasseurs and also mingled with
the French peasants who had gather
ed on the review grounds Pattina
one small boy on the head. General
Petain asked him to what military
class he belonged.
Nineteen twenty-three, my gen.
eral,' the boy answered,
Then you will have long time to
wait" the general remarked laugh
ngly and the boy saluted gravely.
Generals Receive Flowers.
Several times during the day the
French commander was presented
bouquets by small girls, each of whom
he kissed on either cheek. Late in
the day General Pershing also re-
ceved bouquet, and, adopting the
French custom, leaned far over and
kissed the little girl on both her rosy
cheeks and thanked her, first In
English and then in French.
General Petain made a close in
spection of several American bat
talions and seemed particularly in
terested in the various items of their
equipment. He stopped In front Of
several soldiers and examined their
kits in detail