Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-07-15
BAST|LLE DAY IS
OBSERVED HERE
Great Throng Hears Colby and
Captain Courtivron at City
Auditorium.
PRAISE FOR FRENCH PEOPLE
Celebration Is in Return for
Their Observance of Americas
Holiday on Fourth of July.

Pledging her wealth and the lives
or her sons TO the aid of France-the
sister republic OF the United States
Richmond yesterday celebrated the
Bastille Day OF the French people. and
along with moro than 100 other
American cities honored the annivcr-
sary OF the birth of liberty AID democ-
racy for the people of that war-torn
republic. Great honor was paid to
Americas distant sister across the sea
who helped win for this country the
principles which the world is now
fshting 10 maintain, and a message
OF felicitation was cabled last night to
President Poincarc. OF France.
Richmond-the city which Lafayette
freedom of the peoples Of North Amer
have spread throughout the civil
lized world, paid tribute to the French
people. People OF this city joined with
the French in observing the fall OF
the Bastille in 1881. the first step to-
wards the ultimate establishment OF
democracy for the people of that great
nation. But Richmond's demonstration
was deeper yesterday than a mere ex-
preston OF loyalty 10 the distant re-
public. II was a great exhibition Of de-
termination TO enter the war anew; to
plan new activities. and each OF the
5000 people who filled the City Audi
tor:um went home determined to do a
little moro towards the winning of
the war. There was a greater conse-
Grafton to destroy the Bastille Of Ger
man cruelty. fraud and force.
CABLEGRAM IS SENT
TO PRESIDENT PoISCARE
The cableEram TO President noin-
care, signed by Governor westmore-
land Davis and Mayor George Ainslie.
is follows:
In proud observance OF Bastille Day
Richmond. the city which Lafayette
ralorousiy defended. srects the gov
eminent and armies OF the invincible
France. and pledges her wealth and
the lives OF her sons 10 the attain
ment Of an allied victory and lasting
peace for triumphant democracy"
Preceding the demonstration in the
City Auditorium. Governor Davis hgd
presented to the Westhampton Hos
pitai 4 motor ambulance wagon from
VIZ ''Iu bolllHlCH Nn2Dtcr OF the
Daughters Of the American Revolution
in honor of Marquis dc Lafayette
Promptly at o'clock. Captain M. de
Courtirroa. the personal representative
OF French Ambassador JuSseraad. and
cambridge Colby, memher Of the
United States Shipping Eoard--Rich-
mond's two distinguished visitors-ar-
rived al the City Auditorium.
I,,
who visited Richmond las,
winter and presented TO the capital OF
the Confederacy the sword of his faith
er-inlaw. Prince Camille de rcl;Enac.
a major in the Confederate army. de-
were welcoming his country. France
and America had Joined hands in cell
ebratins the Fourth of July, and now
America was observing Tic indepcnd-
cnce day of her sister. he said.
FIGHTING FOR PRINCIPLES
WE HONOR ON JULY 4
The two sister countries had hceu
separated for years by the great
distance they were located from eac!
other, but With The outbreak of the
war. America rushed to the aid of
France to dress her wounds and ALE
viate her suffering. Captain Cou:tirron
said. To-day. America stands side
by side with the allies. who are night
ing for those principles you honor on
July !. The two countries are united
by an eternal band. united IN action,
In sorrow ana in JOY, and as loving
sisters who had never been separated"
he continued
Heading from letter he had only
recently received, he told how the
French peorle had welcomed the Amer
lean soldiers. and while they could not
with them. they had smiled
and shook hands. and even wanted to
kiss the boys. These lighting men knew
all the tricks of the trade" and were
bound to bring victory. the letter dc
clared. The speaker then told OF the
feeling of brotherhood felt for the
by French soldiers, and eS-
planned that ten French officers were
with every division from this
to furnish information to the
soldiers. In the lighting at Chateau
Thicrry, where the Americans distin-
guishee themselves. seven of tn" ten
French officers were killed in tie en-
gagement.
Coming as representative Of the
United States government. Bainbridge
Colby. a figure of national promincnc"
for a number OF years. declared that
things are going we'll in Washington
There were some omissions. some In
and errors, he said. but
they were to be expected under the
Many things arc being
done well. however. and great pre-
cedcnts are being established. he Dc
claced.
FEAT NEVER BEFORE
ACCOMPLISHED IN HISTORY
"In the three months Of April. May
and June this country sent overseas
647. 900 soldiers and their equipment.
he said. Never before in all history
has such an armed force been sent such
n great distance in that length Of time.
This country has now sent more than
], ,l00,0 900 men to the war zone in long
journey through waters infested with
and has lost only 291 men.
That is an extraordinary achievement.