The St. Charles herald. [volume] (Hahnville, La.) 1873-1993, 1918-04-20
Funo Tor the French Wounded
IS Highly Appreciated by
the Fighters.
Committee GIVEN A FEAST
Arao Cook Roasts Sheep Whole and
ro''u' Formerly Chef, Prepares
the Oessert-Warm Praise for
Americans.

~ ls'-of all the splendid troons
I rance the - division stands |
among the very first. Long before tho
memorable days of 1914 il had made
Us reputation for bravery and hard
uShtihg. Since then 1t has added
ulahE glorious page to its history
ana Won-at heavy price. alas the
nlehest honors that France has to give
her valiant soldiers. All Of the officers
ana most Of the men are French hut
'hele are also some regiments com
posed OF native troops from Frances
largest and most important colonies.
some ume ago the workers at the
Nancy depot of the American Fund for
frehch wounded took supplies and
comfort bags to two of their field am
oulances. The gifts were greatly ap-
preGated and on a return visit the
American workers had the pleasure of
seeing the wounded men arrayed in
some OF their incest pajamas and hos
pital shirts, looking warm and com
Portable. The doctors were loud in
NhA'AA II 'tiStS anu Vel SIilbl I'll IOT llIt
dressings and other things taken out
all Of which were being used to good
advantage.
This small eulogy IS merely a pre-
face that one may better understand
the committees feelings when an invi-
tatiOn came from General D. ask
ing them to lunch at his headquarters,
which are in a small village some four
miles back Of the lines in quaint old
farmhouse with a big courtyard in
front. Here the regimental band was
drawn up to greet them with a fan
fare on their arrival. They continued
to play throughout lunch, music quite
unlike the usual military music, for
they use their native instruments,
mostly wind and of wood, and play
weird, haunting melodies in a minor
key. There is a touch of sadness In
them and the call of the East as well.
A Sheep Roasted Whole.
After the Americans had been well
coined by the general and his staff,
luncheon was served, and wonderful
meal ii was, for they introduced us to
several native dishes, such as "kous-
kous' and whole roasted sheep that
two soldiers carried around the table
for the visitors to see and admire be-
fore it was cut up and served. An
Arab cook had received twenty-fOur
hours leave from the trenches to come
and prepare it In true Arab fashion.
The sweet was work Of art made by
a sPoilu" who, In prewar days was the
chef in a big pastry shop in Lyons.
Flowers and fruit decked the table,
and even menu cards were not lacking.
In fact they were of especial interest
charming watercolOr sketches or the
various types of French soldier from
the old Territorial down to the debo-
nair Colonial. They were the WORK OF
one of the companies of this DIVISION
and had been fighting for France since
the first days Of the war.
After luncheon the Americans were
invited to attend musical re'le"
written by one of the officers 1t was
piven in barracks at one end of which
the stage was erected. Then came the
orchestra. well filed with soldier mu-
s,o,a :: foy chairs for the "hOnOred
quests" and after that rows of benches.
e ~ . fulI house. The singing and
acting were all done by the soldlers'
and Il was extraordinary how much
talent and ability they displayed
Warm Praise for Americans
IF this especial soldier troupe shouid
ever decide to tour the States our MASK MASK
and Wig and Hasty Pudding clubs
would have to look to their laurels. IN
the last act warm tribute was PAID
70 the United States. They spoke not
only Of the nephews Uncle sam was
sending TO help win the fght LOT JUS
tice and right, but also OF tiielf ~ 20
can sisters who, since the first DAYS ol
war have done so much to help iisn.en
the heavy load that France is pearln .r
The scene was the Statue OF Liberty