The daily banner. (Cambridge, Md.) 1897-2008, 1918-08-15

through France, where, thanks 10 the
courtesy of General Pershing, l visit
ed the American front and all the
American bases and principal lines of
communication. | had occasion to
talk with many of the leading per-
sonages in England, France aud
Spain.
Impressed by Great Britain's
War Effort.
| was immensely Impressed By tie
spirit of Great Britain and the mag
nitude and efficiency in all directions
of her war effort, which has not, per
haps. been generally appreciated as
yet at its full value.
AS a business man, l Was natural
ly able to realize best their organiza-
ton for the business side of war.
They have drafted their best bust
ness brains everywhere into the ser
vice of the government.
Their supply, transportation, man
instance, are marvels of business Or
ganization.
Mr.. Andrew Weir. Director Gener-
al Of Supplies. and. amongst other
things, in charge of the army sal
wage system. was good enough 70
show and explain TO me his methous
of operation.
He told me that in the space of
three years he VII have saved to the
nation through salvage, or. rather, II!
effect created for the nation. $780,
600. 900 out OF things which former
~ went into the scrap heap,
Our army is engaged IN similar
work, though it has not yet OF course,
attained the magnitude OF the Brit
ish. If We find ways of applying af-
ter the war Systematically in civil
lie the lessons now being learned a<
to the use and value of materials
heretofore considered absolute waste.
the possibility of the creation OF
wealth by that means in our country
almost staggers the imagination.
The desire of Great Britain to do
everything possible for our boys o.
Ell there and to make of the present
comradeship in arms Il lasting, deep
and cordial friendship between the
two nations is strikingly manifest
throughout the land, from the nigh
est to the lowest.
| believe the Importance of meet
ing them in the same spirit. sincerely,
intellectually. and without reserva-
ton, cannot be oyerestimated.
Whatever betide, the world will 10
safe for peace, humanity and liberty
as long as America and Great Britain,
understanding and trusting one an
other, stand on guard. The world
will not be safe otherwise for any
length of time.
If she should be given the oppor-
tunity once more, Germany, by sub
tie and open means, may be expected
to try again to sow the seeds of dis
sension between America and Eng
land after the war, as she did for so
many years before the war.
France Superb.
France is superb beyond words. 1
happened to be in Paris during the
two weeks beginning May q, when
the Germans broke through at the
Chemin des Danes and came within
about forty miles of Paris, when
there was long-range lombard
ment of Paris almost daily, and air
raids practically every night
Yet life and business in Paris went
on as before; there was not the
slightest evidence of excitement, let
alone fear a good many men sent
their womenfolk and children away,
other measures of prudence were ia
ken to guard against contingencies
but there was absolute calm and
sangfroid.
1t was only the outburst of enthu-
siasm at the magnificent fighting and
far-reaching success early last June
of the Americans hurriedIy thrown
into the battle In the ncighborhood
Of Chateau Thierry which showed
how great had been the strain, how
tense the nerves underneath the out
e. calm.
1t is sou!-stirring story-the
story of that relative ely small Ameri-
can force rushing forward at a very
critical 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 it will, l believe,
be found that that action, in its
psychological and strategic conse-
quences, 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 a debt to
France which it can never repay.
She has, indeed, become the sacred
soil of humanity.
French Affection For America.
1t is touching to observe on every
hand the affection and gratitude of
the French people towards America.
In France, as well as in England,
there is warmhearted and admiring
recognition of the idealis'n and I'M
selfishness of Americas aims and at
titude under President Wilson's lea
dership.
And there is the most genuine and
generous appreciation of the valor,
the fighting capacities and the con
duct of our troops.
II was Interesting and Sigui ficant