The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1922-10-03
Continued from Page 1
Mrs. CoyIe Brave Mother.

Mrs. Ellen Coyle the Gold Star mother candidate in the Good Will Election" to send representative wo- men and girls from Bridgeport, is one of the many brave little woman who after giving up their boys to the cause of freedom, took up her cross ano carried it with a smile on her face and a tear in her heart.
 When the word came that Bert had 'tgone Vest she felt as if her heart would surely break, and that there but after the first shock was over and she realized that she was only one ot the thousands who were going through the same sorrow she took up her bur- den of life and started in to make life bearable for her other children.
 Bert" was safe and did not need her care any more, he was with his "Buddies'' and she felt sure was look ing down and wishing she would smile again and not worry about him.
 Bert was with the U. M- c. when he enlisted and was the third Bridgeport boy to enlist after the call was sent to join up. He went in training at Niatnic and was there but six weeks when he was sent overseas with the 18th Division. The greatest pleasure the little mother had was to spend the weeks ends with Bert while he was at the camp. He was ordered overseas suddenly and before his mother could get over to see him he had gone out on the big adventur6s
 His letters were very regular for a time and they helped lot to keep up the courage of his mother, par ticularly one line that never failed to end up the letters, Don't worry, I'll sustained her all through the dread full time of the war. Others might be called West but her boy would return, for did he not tell her so in all his letters?
 Four battles Bert served in and in Verdun, Oct. 20, 1918, just before the armbistice was signed, he was mus tard gassed. He would not allow his mother to be told as he thought he would come around all right and he did not want to worry her.
 When the word came that the 18th Division was coming home the little mother was all joy and could hardly wait to see him. Instead of her boy she received one of those omtnous heart of so many sorrowful women during that terrible time telegram from the War Department telling her that Bert" had gone west" She was working in one of the factories doing war work when the news was brought to her and her recollection of what happened is very vague.
 All that is past history now and the little woman has become a Gold Star mother and is a candidate for. the Good Will election" She wants to be elected if possible to take the trip to France with the other delegates ' working hard for her to get there.
 The American Legion at their meet ing last night in the Home on Golden IIiu street voted to support her Tn the funds out of the treasury and also the men took ballot books ana will work for her. Mrs. Coyle made n little speech at the meeting and the boys cheered and appIauded her. The mother of one of their "buddtes.' It was very affecting.
 Tonight will be full house at the card party given by the ladies of the Arxiliary at the Legion Home and all the money collected goes for votes Tor
 At the stratfeId on Thursday after noon there will be the card party ar ranged by Mrs. Charles I. Crosby and the police will have to be called to keep away the crowds.
 When the first group of Good VIII delegates returned to the United States after a remarkable trip through France under the auspices of the American Committee for Devastated France, the New York Tribune in an
 It is too bad that more Americans have not a chance to know that great CT France which casual visitors to Paris see so little Of; that resoIute; unconquerable peasantry which paid the German indemnity of 1871 without evasion or delay. France has many sides and Paris is one of her most
 
 chat charm and beauty would never have maintained their long career of leadership had not they been founded the soldier rock of a sturdy coun- tryside.
 'The backbone of France these farmers have been called. They are not less the soul of France as these Good Will travellers testify. In the midst of appalling wreck they are an example of steadfast heroisIn such as the world has rarely seen.'
 On the same occasion the New York Sun stated. Ut is we'll for the has not forgotten the days of 1917 and 1918. that she still regards with admiration the French people and the French institutions. that she has a sympathetic understanding of their difficulties and their problems. The Good Will Delegation has done a not able work in tending the traditional friendship of the two republics"
 Newspaper comment is merely a reflection of general public sentiment
 The Good Will idea has caught on"
 Both France and America have set the seal of sincere approval on the fine ideals of international amitY upon which the Good Will Mission is based reception and entertainment of this first group of America's good will messengers and America in the choice of her alblest representatives
 Further within the last few months, and particularly since the re- turn of the first group, there have been repeated requests for a similar opportunity from cities. newspapers and individuals who have realized the full significance of this movement
 And. according to the American Committee. the opportunity is to be forthcoming.
 In response to the widespread ap- peal additional groups of Good Will delegates will be sent to France be- ginning next Spring. Meanwhile throughout the United States good will elections are already in progress ST soon to begin, to name the fortu-