The sea coast echo. [volume] (Bay Saint Louis, Miss.) 1892-current, 1918-07-20
FRENCH HFETE WAS
DULY Celebrated IN
BAY ST. LOUIS On a.
City Of Bay ST. Louis Turned Out En-
kfasse To Pay Tribute to the
Honor and Glory Of France
SISTER REPUBLIC.
appropriate Program, Consisting OF
fsusic and Cratory Rendered
at W. 0. w. Hall Sunday.

Bay St. Louis and its people paid
tribute TO France for her heroic sacrl-
fees in the world war and to her valor
in the past by celebrating the anniver-
sary of the Fourteenth of July, COM
memorating the fall Of the Bastile and
all that the event stands for.
The celebration took place in this
city Sunday night at Woodmen Hall,
triotically by the local Woodmen,
The use Of which had been given pa
Cedar Grove Camp, No. 507. The af-
falr was originally to have been held
at the County Court House, but Ii
sufficient time to shange the place
II was discovered there would be in
sufficient room to accommodate tbs
large assembly which subsequently
flied the w. O. w Hall to overflow
ing.
The celebration in Bay St. Louis of
Tho Fall Of the Bastile was a great
event. The true spirit pervaded the
very atmosphere, and it was plain to
see that everyone present had come
% pay tribute to the glory and honor
Of France, Americas great sister Re-
public. Events OF tais kind, thai
cement further tie friendship Of two
great nations that stand in unity for
the liberty Of man and his God -giver
rights, mean much, and Sunday
nights affair IN c0mmemoration Of
Frances Liberty Day carried with it
every element Of significance
Hon. r. l., Genin, Representative
from Hancock county, was master of
ceremonies, and fittingly delivered
appropriate remarks to the occasion.
stating the object and purpose Of the
gathering-to pay tribute to the i'm
peri3hahle valor and honor of the
French people.
The Supreme Band was in attend
ance and played the opening number.
This was followed by patriotic selec-
tions from time TO time and added to
the eclat of the occasion.
Miss T.. Lacost sang La Marcellaise
effectively, with all the fire and pa
triotism the air and words carry with
their meaning and sentiment repre-
sented. This was followed by other
numbers.
Il, IS worthy Of note that the allied
nations were represented. Italy had
her local organization present, its
colors represented by a beautiful
silkan flag on the stage. Mrs. Claud
Monti represented Italy by singing
the national air of that country.
which, like her predecessor in song,
elected much applause Prior to the
exercises the Italian Society Of the
Immaculate Conception had turned
out in parade, traversing some Of the
streets of the city.
Mrs. E. Van Whitfield, the accom-
plished wife Of the clerk of the Cir
cult Court Of Hancock Courty, re-
presented England in this gathering
of nations which were paying tribute
to France, and sang with fervor En-
glands national air.
america" by Mrs. R. G. Crump,
followed. The audience joined IN the
chorus. Mrs. Crump, with magnificent
voice, was equal to the height Of the
occasion, and, like the other sing
ers, was encored repeatedly.
The musical numbers were follow
ed by the address of the evening, a
magnificent effort by the Hon. E. j.
GeX, whose eloquence and thought
scored the usual success which at
tends his every effort Mr.. Gex paid
splendid tribute to heroic France and
to its iberty-loving people, and his
tribute to Lafayette, who proved Am
erica's friend in time of need, was
fitting He said it was America that
inspired France when Lafayette re
turned TO his native country; it was
Americas dash for liberty that
brought the first message of free
dom to France, and that the two coun-
tries had not only much in common to-
day but that both peoples were uni
fed in one purpose. Mr.. Gex also
paid tribute to the valor of the
French people on the battle field, how
they for generations and were yet
spilling their blood, giving their very
all in order that their country might
live. His historical review of France
as nation of fighters in order that
the safety and peace of its people
might be conserved was reviewed and
that glory Of France and her people
might be conserved was reviewed an6
the glory of France and her people
was never lost sight of.
A noteworthy feature OF the au
dience, in addition to the many pro
minent and influential men and wo
men present, was the attendance il
a body Of members of organizations,
which included the Woodmen of tn,
World, Ladies' Woodmen Circle
Lady Foresters, Society of the Immac
|ulate Conception and others.
Mayor R. W. Webb, of Bay st
Louis, was present and to him is due
much of the credit of the affair
which was under federal and munich
pal auspices. His worthy efforts were
ably assisted by other leading citi-
zens. Mr.. Webb said: "It was all for
France, and that great martyr-coun-
try is deserving of all The tribute we
:: Nigh offer. | feel gratifed at the
outpouring of the people who turned
out to do honor TO the occasion. Long
live France, Americas great sister
Republic.