The Meridian times. (Meridian, Idaho) 1909-1938, 1919-07-11
IRL ATKINSON WRITES
NEWSY LETTER FROM FRANCE

In letter to his father, J. T. At
kinson, of Meridian. Irl Atkinson
writes of France He says:
A. p. o. 727 st. Afghan Meyers,
May 20, 1919.
Dear Home Folks: l have lot to
tell you, and wish could talk with
you. Well / wrote to you on my way
TO Paris I've had my trip and am
now back to duty. 1t was great trip
for me. was in Paris for two days
and the third day in Chateau Thierry
Balleau Wood, on the old battlefield
where l was wounded.
In Paris / was in the cathedral of
Notre Dame, on small island in the
of Paris was begun; the supreme
court room of France; over the Far
ris wheel, with birds eye photos of
the city, from the top. Under the Elf
fel tower, along the Quai d'Oray, in
front of the Trocaders, passed the
place where President Wilson had
his domicile; saw the famous war
painting Pontheon de la Guerre,
showing the battle front with all the
famous characters of all the allied
nations in the foreground; visited
the Hotel des Invalides where Napol-
con had his last resting place, and
saw the tomb. Visited the famous
museum the Lonore, and saw all the
famous works of sculpture and art,
including the Venus de Milo" and
Mona Lisa" walked in the famous
'Tuelleries" gardens where the rul
ers of Europe have made love and
signed away the lives of their sub
Iects.
Rode down the street of Marie An
toinette which she travelled on her
way to the guillotine; and this is the
street which so many Big Berthas
landed in. We went to the famous
Grand Opera, one of the finest the
atres in the world. l saw the Folies
Bergere (called Folliers the hurles-
que show of France.)
My third night in Paris 1 went to
Palais de Glaier and saw and heard
Premier Lloyd George speak. l stood
under the arch of triumph and walk
ed down the Champs Elysees which
is lined from end to end with cap
tured german artillery, placed closely
together l stood on the spot where
the old Bastille stood before it was
torn down by the French. Only line
of the foundation marks the place.
Next we came to the Palace of Yer-
sailles built by Louis XIV. This is the
place where peace will be signed.
was in the room where this will be
done. l photographed the interior.
The hall rooms are filled with sculp-
ture, paintings and works of art.Lots
of MIRRORS too so the ladies can keep
themselves "dolled up"The ceilings
are works of art. Louis the XIV had
it built. The garden and parks are
beautiful.
On the way back | stayed one day
in Tours and visited the spots OF
beauty and historical interest. Was
on the battlefield where Caesar
fought the battle of Tours centuries
ago.
Last night, May 18th, will always
be in my memory, danced with Miss
Margaret Woodrow Wilson, the pres
ident'a daughter. You see it was like
ths Miss Wilson is now in camp
and is helping cheer the boys who
are so unfortunate as to have t
stay in France a while longer. Las
eve we marines gave special dance
marines only, We invited our camI
Commander Colonel Stephen, Brig
adler General Malone and of course
our own marine officers. The Ameri
can girls were all invited and whel
we learned Miss Wilson was here, WI
sent her an invitation. She came ant
made herself very much at hom
among us Miss Margaret Cobb cam
over here on the same boat and me
Miss Wilson during the voyage. ! go
the introduction with the help o
Miss Cobb. Miss Wilson is yer,
good dancer and very democratic.
Lieutenant Ben Robson leaves her
tomorrow or next day, for the Arm
of Occupation. l expect to see hin
this evening before he leaves.
One hour later. Hurrah! A thousan
times At last my g. h. i. has come
was just now informed to pack u
my things and go through the mill.
The mill is the place where we ar
formed into companies to go home
So dear folks you can look for m
home as soon as time win let me &c
; there There is nothing to hold m
now but the slow unwinding of re
tape Yours, as ever,
o. l. ATKINSON.