The Madison daily leader. [volume] (Madison, S.D.) 1890-current, 1919-05-27
kLSACE JOYFUL
AT DELIVERANCE
FROM GERMANY
People Glad to Be Once More
Joined to France.
Celebrations EVERY WEEK

CtLEBkAl lUNS EVERY Week
All Glasses Join in the Demonstrations
Which Are Truly Representative of
the Alsatian Spirit-New Order Of
Things Creates Most Difficult Prob.
lens In History of AIsace-Econo-
mic Question and the German Popu.
iation Are Most Important Subjects
for Consideration.
A tour of this charming little prov
ince of Alsace leaves no doubt in ones
mind about its utter joy wei being
once more In the arms of the mother
country. Whatever doubt one may
have had, a 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.
Since the armistice many worldwise
~Aoci huNO SODS W 6lSdCe III 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 is no
question about 1.-THE people are gem
timely glad to be once more Joined to
France.
Makes Tour as Frances Guest.
L have just completed a comprehen.
sive survey of Alsace in company with
a large party of allied correspondents,
during which we were the guests of
the French government and the chief
officials 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.
In the evening we were the guests
of the French high commissioner, Mr..
Maringer, at a large banquet. While
the plate still 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 firm hope that never
again would Boche soldiers cross the
Rhine. The most prominent men of
Strasbourg were present al 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 v~ivaciousness of
the girls, who were attired in the ma
tive costume of Alsace, soon made us
forget there was such a thing as a
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.
TorchIight Parade for Visitors.
Another interesting event of the eve
ming in our honor was a torchlight pa
rade 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
marchers singing and shouting. This
was no new affair, as i learned later,
for ever since the armistice hardly a
week has passed that there has not
been several of these demonstrations.
All classes join in them and they are
truly representative of the spirit of the
Alsatians.
After the dance the festivities were
continued at a kermesse, or large fair,
attended by several thousand persons.
A tableau, symbolic of the return of
Alsace to France, brought forth pro-
longed applause and cheers.
After this we paid q short visit to
Germany, just across the Rhine from
Strasbourg. There we saw the Ger
man at home, and / must say that
there were few who did not seem per-
fectly wen fed and contented under
French occupation. When questioned
they all ask for 'fett." Returning, we
inspected the docks at Strasbourg,
which the Alsatians hope to develop.
Leaving Strasbourg we visited Colmar
and Mulhouse, and at both places We're
enthusiastically welcomed by the citi-
zens.
Considerable ground vas 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,l so
that the Impressions we received were
the result of a rather wide ranges of
thought.
Fear Serious Economic Condition
While all this happiness over the re-
turn tn France ia real md ~cfncoro Al.