The Washington times., 1918-07-29

of that relatively small American
force rushing forward at a very criti-
cal moment and turning the tide by
throwing itself upon the enemy with
irresistible dash and bravery. When
the full account of the war comes to
be written II will, I believe, be found
that that action, in its psychological
and strategic consequences, was
among its determining events.
what the men-and the women,
too-of France have done of heroism,
and resolutely and uncomplainingly
borne OF sacrifice these past four
years forms one of the very noblest
chapters in the worlds history. The
entire civilized world owes q debt to
France which it can never repay. She
has, indeed, become the sacred soil Of
humanity.
Affection For America
1T is touching to observe on every
hand the affection and gratitude Of
the French people toward America
In France, as well as In England,
there is the most warm-hearted and
admiring recognition of the idealisn
and unselfshness of Americas aims
and attitude under President Wilson's
leadership. And their admiration for
the valor, the fighting capacities, and
the conduct of our troops knows no
bounds.
1T was. interesting and Significant
to notice how universally the French
look to us for commercial co-opera-
ton after the war. Through our
army's constructive activities they
have seen at work on their own soil
race in which tradition, surroundings,
and the principles and methods OF
personal initiative and Individual en-
terprise have developed daring. re-
sourcefulnesa, self-reliance, adapta-
bflity, and shortcut methods. They
want rs to Join our qualities with
their qualities and their opportuni-
ties
"And, strange as Il may seem IN 80
old a country. France offers many and
great commercial opportunities quite
apart from the work of reconstruc-
tion. Moreover, their colonies are an
empire of immense resources and vast
potential wealth
1T Is to be hoped that the paternalistic
control Of enterprise and industry, which
is a necessary measure in war time, will
not be permitted N our country to grow
into q permanent feature OF our gov
ernmental system. and that as soon
as possible the fetters now placed
uLon private initiative and personal
incentive will be removed and the
genius OF American individual enter
prise set free again. with due regard.
be It understood, for the welfare and
opportunities of the masses of the
people and for the duty OF the state TO
protect those least able to protect
themselves and to prevent exploita-
tion or oppression, undue privilege
and unfair practices.
For Personal Effort.
AT a time when the unprecedented
upheaval OF the war has led to good
deal Of turgid thought and we'll
meant. though shallow. sentiment
finding expression in crude socialistic
preachings and proposals in other
countries. including our own. the
French people, with the proverbial
lucidity of their mental processes and
their clear recognition, of the realities
of things. are turning IN the direction
of fostering and stimulating personal
effort and enterprise and private ini-
tiative after the war. They have tried
bureaucratic regime and govern
mental Capitalization for many years.
and. on the whole, their expressions
indicate that they see little reason 10
be particularly gratined with the re-
suits of that system.
"As to Spain, although German in
trigue. unscrupulous plotting and
propaganda are rampant, the widely
prevalent impression that her people
are predominantly pro-German is err
roneous. Spain is neutral and means
to remain out OF the war. but ] am
convinced that her sympathies. on the
whole, are more pro-ally than other
wise and can be made still more so.
The developments incident to the
war have greatly strengthened. to-
gether with the economic position and
prosperity, the national consciousness
Of Spain. Their policy il Spain for
the Spaniards. They don't intend after
the war to be the tail to the kite of
any nation or group OF nations
"TEe prevailing sentiment is friend
ly to America, and I am convinced
that with understanding, tact, and
sympathy toward Spain, coupled with
a reasonably liberal policy in furnish
ing her the raw materials and other
things she needs from us, we can OBJ
tain everything from her which we
have a right to expect from a friendly
disposed neutral
Outlook for Spain.
Several plans are under contem-
plation for closer and more active re-
Iationship between America and
Spain after the war, which is great
ly to be welcomed from the point Of
view Of both people.
THE Germans are leaving no stone
unturned to secure for their indus
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