The Bemidji daily pioneer. [volume] (Bemidji, Minn.) 1904-1971, 1919-05-10
ALSACE JOYFUL
At .DELIvERANCE /
!. FROM GERMANY
People Glad to Be Once More
Joined to France. II
CELEBRATIONS EVERY WEEK
All classss Join H. the Demonstrations
Which Are Truly Representative d
the Alsatian splrit-New Order o.
Things creatss Most Difficult Prob.
asns In History Of Alsaee--Eeono.
nile Question and the German Pepu-
latlen Are Most important Subjects
Tor Consideration.

for Consideration.
A tour OF this charming little prov.
ince Of Alsace leaves no doubt in ones
mind about its utter Joy over being
once more In the arms OF the mother
country. Whatever doubt one may
have had, q visit to the cities. villages
and country districts Of Alsace re
moves this uncertainty, and everywhere
the native Alsatian has demonstrated
his enthusiasm and ardor for the
French republic, writes Carlisle Mac
Donald In the New York Herald. 1
Since the armistice many worldwise
persons have gone to Alsace to seek
proof Of their skepticism, only to re-
main and sing the "Marseillaise' and
Join in the more or less continuous
celebration which has been going on
throughout Alsace since the German
domination was removed. There Ii no
question about it-the people are gen.
timely glad to. be once more Joined to
France. ~ 81 E-E taee fss
Makes Tour 40 frances Guest 81
I have Just completed . comprshsu.
sive survey Of AisIee IN company with
u large party Of Sllisd' correspondents,
during which W were the guests OF
the French government and the chief
ohlcials Of Alsace., Leaving Paris by
special train, we went direct to Strass-
bourg. where the whole city was be-
tagged and en- fete. A luncheon was
rendered by the municipality and later
We visited the delightful old Venetian
quarter Of the city, the cathedral. with
Its famous clock, and the tomb of Mar
shall SAKE. It.
In the evening we were the guests
Of the French high commissioner, MIR.
Maringer, at a large banquet. While
the plate stu bore the German eagle,
the hearts Of those present and senti-
ments expressed by the speakers were
Enthusiastically French. Native Alsa.
tians, who had lived through the en-
tire German occupation rejoiced that
the German menace had been removed
and expressed the hrm hope that never
again would Roche soldiers cross the
Rhine. The most prominent men Of
Strasbourg were present at the ban
quet and the whole spirit Of the event
was French. @
We were pleasantly surprised to be
introduced to a large group Of pretty
Alsatian girls. members Of the best
families, who came to the French gov.
eminent building following the ban.
quet. The charm and vivaciousness Of
the girls, who were attired in the ma.
tive costume Of Alsace, soon made us
forget there was such thing as u
peace conference or a council of ten.
Later the assembled company Joined
hands and danced the native farandole
revel. the jazz being forgotten in the
enthusiasm for the old dance. E
Torehlloht Parade for Visitors. h 4
Another Interesting event Of the eve.
ming In our honor was torchlight pa
fade formed by thousands Of Stras-
bOurgers and several bands. The pro-
cession passed the French building IN
review and went winding through the
quaint old streets Of Strasbourg, the
nnarchers singing and shouting. This
was no new affair, as learned later.
FOR ever since the armistice hardly q
week has passed that there has not
blen several Of these demonstrations.
AI classes Join in them and they are
truly representative Of the spirit Of the
Alsatians. i.
After the dance the festivities were
continued at kermesse, or large fair,
attended by several thousand persons.
IA tableau, symbolic Of the return Of
.Alsacs to France. brought forth pro-
lonsed applause and cheers. h
After this we paid a short visit to
Germany, Just across the Rhine from
Strasbourg. There we saw the Ger
man at home. and I must say that
tAses were few who did not seem per-
4ectly well fed and contented under
French occupation. When questioned
they all ask for '.fett." Returning, We
inspected the docks at Strasbours.
which the Alsatians hope to develop.
Leaving Strasbourg we visited Colmar
and Mulhouse, and at both places were
enthusiastically welcomed by the cit-
Gems. .
Considerable ground was covered In
an automobile ride through beautiful
agricultural districts and picturesque
little villages. During the entire trip
we were able to meet and talk with
many Alsatians In all walks Of life. so
that the Impressions we received were
the result Of a rather Wide range Of