The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1921-10-01
Legion Commander Pleased
With Visit to France.
Friendship Between Two Ma
tons Is Cemented, Lee Says.
EXTEND MUCH HOSPITALITY
French People Working Hard
in Shell Torn Area.
Marshal FOch Promises to At
tend N. C. Convention.

AS a result of the official tour of
France by representatives of the
American Legion, the French republic
and the United States have been ce-
mented into an enduring friendship,
according to Thomas A. Lee, Kansas
commander of the American Legion.
one of the members of the official
party.
While in Washington, D. c.. prepar-
ing for the trip TO France the party re-
ceived an official invitation from the
king of Belgium and the king of Great
Britain to visit their countries. Due
to the limited amount of time for the
tour the Belgian invitation was ac-
cepted but the invitation from the king
of Great Britain was not. The Bel
gian invitation was received first.
There were 10 Legionaires in the
party, including John G. Emery, ma
tional commander. and Franklin
D'Oiler, past commander, Of Philadel-
phia. Pa. and H. D. Lindsey. of Texas.
United States Seantor Roberts were
also members of the party.
One of Largest Delegations.
The Kansas delegation was one of
the largest and best delegations on the
trip, only being surpassed by the dele
cations from Michigan and Ohio. Lee
stated. The famous old Rock Chalk.
Jay Hawk yell became the best known
of any state songs and cheers on the
journey. Harry Ortmeyer, of Wichita,
was chosen as one of the five section
leaders, and Ross Farrar, of Arkansas
City a member of the very important
auditing committee. The French and
Belgian governments extended to the
American Legion party every possible
honor, including an individual recep-
ton and welcome to every man in the
party by President and Madame Mil
lerand and each member was pre-
scented officially at court by American
Ambassador Brand Whitlock to the
king of the Belgians.
According to Lee almost every man
of prominence in either governmental
or military circles was met, including
former President Poincare, Prime
Minister BRAND, Marshal Petain, Cen
eral Berthlot and greatest of all, Mar
shall Foch. Every man of the party
came back with three very definite i'm
pressions. They were: The French
government is extremely anxious to
remain upon the best terms possible
with the American government. Com
mon French people have a depth of
affection and warmth CT gratitude to-
wards America that is almost unbe-
lievable.. Part of the greatness of
Marshal Foch lies in his exceeding
modesty and simplicity.
Marshal Foch to Kansas City.
Marshal Foch definitely promised
to come to Kansas City for the ma
tionaI convention of the legion on No
vember /. The simplicity of Marshal
Foch was shown one evening when
he walked up to table at which six
members Of the party we're sitting and
asked permission to sit down and join
this little group and a discussion of
the war ensued. Among the things he
said was that the victory might not
have been to the allies without the
help of the American troops. The
next day was the seventh anniversary
of the death of his son on the field OF
battle and Marshall Foch went to the
lonely grave to pay tribute to his son.
He granted permission to four men
of the legion party to accompany him.
Lee stated that those who saw him
kneeling beside that lonely, country
side grave in a driving rain will never
forget the picture.
French Are Working Hard
The French are making marvellous
strides in redeeming the shell torn
area for cultivation.
The greatest impression received.
according to Lee was the very warm
friendship which the average French
man feels toward an American. Lee
stated that as they marched thru the