The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1918-07-15
President Extends Felici-
tations on Behalf Of
United States.
"SEA Is NARROW
Eompers Sends Message
to Workers Engaged
in Struggle for
Freedom.

Washington July I4-Throushout
! the United States the tricolor of
| France today waved over throngs cell
| ehratinr Bastie day. the anniversary
of the birth OF a new France
Impressive services were held in
MANY OF the larger cities and 35 900
ministers and speakers who are en-
rolled in the tour minute corps Of the
committee on public Information
spoke TO millions ~ the deep signifi-
canoe of the day, of the close ties
which link the United states and the
great European republic.
The following message was sent by
President Wilson to President Potn
care;
America grcctS France on this
day of stirring mcmorit~ with II
heart full of warm friendship
and of devotion to the great
cause I'm which the two peoples
are now so happily united. July
~. like our own July 4, has taken
n new Significance not only for
France, but for the world, rs
France celebrated our Fourth OF
July so do VIC celebrated her
fourteenth. kc,niy conscious of
comra deship of arms and of pur-
pose of which we are deeply
proud. The sea- seems very mar
row To-Day, rance IL so fff-t' ~
neighbor To our hearts, The war
is being fought Ia save ourselves
from intolcrabic things. but II Il
also being fought tn save man
kind Ne extend our hands TO
each other. 10 the great peoples
with whom we are associated
and 10 the peoples everywhere
who love right and prize justice
as a thing beyond price, and con-
fSa
the noble enterprise of peace and
Justice. realizing the great con-
scptions that have lifted France
and America high among the free
peoples Of tho world. Tho French
flag fiics today from the staff of
the White House and America IL
happy to do honor tn that flag
Messages to the French people also
were Gent by the four minute speak
ers and ny samuel Gompers. presi -
dent Of the American Federation Of
Labor Mr.. G0mrers message read I.
"America's organized workers are
proud TO greet The people OF France
In the spirit OF hrO' hcrhoCd and fra e
ternitv OF this annit crsary OF France
historic blow for freedom As We
signalize this day in common SO we
fight this day for ideals that are
common, the enlarged ideals Of those
who gave significance SO long ago to
JULY Fourteenth, AS they did to July
Fourth.
This message of felicitation and
fraternity today will send you re
newed assurance 1T Americas com
plete devotion 10 the common cause.
and especially II the devotion Of
Americas organized labor 10 that
cause our simplest liberties aud our
greatest opportunities alike depend
upon victory over the autoerat More
than a million OF our sons are now
upon French soil sealing our vows
with their blood. our working peopie
are producing untiriugiY the things
needed for victory our shipyards
are gaining nightly. But above these
things in augury FOR the future is the
fact that our heart beats with yours
IN a great eommonaiity OF IDEA ~
which guarantees that the world shait
be better plaza for men and women
when we have broken tho power OF
,autocracy and established forever the
sight OF free people to remain free
Aand work out their own destinles IN
what freedom
Citizens of France, we salute you,
I'VE glory beyond words in your mag
.nificent heroism. We are inspired ny
sryour noble steadfastness, our great
hope of this notable day is that the
unity of our great peoples in the great
cause of democracy shall he ever
lasting"
The great army of four-minute
speakers appearing in the churches
and other public gathering places to-
day spoke of the great part France
fhas played In aiding this country to
achieve liberty and freedom and then
by rising votes secured the endorse
ment OF their audiences to a resolu-
tion of praise and affection TOT
France.
It Is estimated that message or
-prrfse- delivered blythe speakers
and forwarded to the republic or
France was endorsed by 25,ooo.ooo
Americans.