The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1918-12-13
Day Il Gloomy.

@1HdFy ClOU0S smut out sunshine anu
sky but the dpWnpour of rain, which
prevailed yesterday abatad during
the night and the wind subsidized to a
gentle breeze blowing In from the
sea. The mists which have yelled
the hafbor FOR several DAYS have
blown away and the splendid panor-
anna of the hafb0r stands out clearly,
The outer strait leading from the
harbor to the sea is clearly marked
with its towering black rocks on the
south, where submarines used to
Turk. and land batteries, with the
lighthouse to the north. The avenues
and terraces leading; from the har-
Dor are still drenehed but an army
Of laborers has been clearing the
mud from the route which President
Wilson will cover and wind-torn
decorations have been replaced with
new ones. Reports this morning
stated that the presidential fleet is
approaching a short distance off
shore and an suspicious day j is
promised to mark the first time an
American president steps on Europ-
can soil.
Scene of Animation.
Within the harbor there is a scene
of animation. With the first break
OF day fleets Of warships and mer-
chant craft brought out their co1ors
and dressed ship with long lines of
streamers. A group of French
cruisers in their war paint swung at
anchorage with a score of French
destroyers about them. Near at hand
doomed the big liner LaFrance, used
as hospital ship but about to re-
sumo her transatlantic service.
American destroyers, naval yachts
and small craft gIided about the
harbor and further off lay great
flotillas of merchant ships. trans
ports, freighters and quaint Breton
fishing craft. Two American freigh-
terss were still unloading army sup
plies here and an American transport
was preparing to take more Ameri-
can troops homeward. 1t was a scene
stirring with activity and one which
glowed with color as by a touch Of
sunlight.
Since early morning fleet of air.
planes have lowered over the en-
trance to the harbor, keeping an out
look for the approaching feet. On
shore there was equal animation as
vast throngs of Bretons, in their pic
turesque headgear, packed the streets
and massed along the quays and ter
races overlooking the harhor. Early
in the day French and American SOL
diers lined the streets and took as
signed positions along the Cour Da-
jot, the handsome promenade lead
ing from the commercial harbor to
the city over which President Wilson
will pass.
The whole city is a mass Of bunt-
ing. with Place President Wilson
hung with streamers and notices.
The entire presidential route is lined
with Venetian masts, flags and
At about o'clock the French
cruiser squadron consisting of the
Admiral Aube, Condo and Mont
calm with a number OF destroyers,
moved out of the harbor, amid the
screech of, sirens. to meet the in
coming fleet off shore.
French Officials Present.
A special train bearing Stephen
Pichon, the French foreign minister;
George Leygues, the minister of ma
rineu and other distinguished officials,
officers of the army and navy and the
foreign committee of the chamber of
deputies arrived this morning and
another train brought American Am
bassador Sharp, Col. E. M. House,
General Pershing, General Bliss Ad-
miral Benson and other prominent
Americans.
The program for the day fixes the
arrival OF the presidential fleet at
about noon, with an hour allowed
for moving to the anchorage and the
revieW OF passing war
ships. The French ministers will
board the George Washington at
1880 o'clock to convey first greet
ings to Mr.. Wilson. At the same
time American officials and Miss
w. Wilson, the Presidents
daughter who has been here singing
for soldiers, will go on board the
ship.
Mr.. Wilson's landing is fixed for 8
o'clock when he will be received in
a handsome pavilion on quay number
3 and will formally receive from NJ
Pichon a welcome as the guest of the
French nation. Mr.. Wilson'S ride
through the cours Dajot will begin
at half past three. He will go direct
to his train and leave for Paris at 4
o'clock.
London View OF It.
London, Dec. Recommending on
the approaching arrival of President
Wilson IN France. the Pail Mall
Gazette says:
'Mr. Wilson will at last have an
to see for himself the
havoc wrought by the Germans in
France and Belgium and from per-
sonal conferences be able to under
stand the point of view of those who
suffered from these infamous de-
President Wilson has judicial
mind. No living statesman is better
able to weigh evidence or more ready
to face facts with courage and det-
Too much has been made
of the letter Of Mr. WiIsnn,s 81