Evening star., 1927-09-19

this country, important though they
be. Ten years have passed since the
American expeditionary forces crossed
to France following our decision to
enter the great struggle then going on
for the preservation of the ideals of
democracy.
Nov the members of the American
Legion, upon the generous invitation
of the republic of France, are re-
turning to those scenes as a symbol
that the bonds of respect, friendship
and affection existing from the very
foundation of our country and cement
ed anew during the World War are
as firm and strong now as in the
past.
TO hold your ninth annual con-
vention in Paris, where in the Spring
of 1919 your great organization was
conceived. was happy thought. Not
only do you carry with you the good
will of America, but it is your privi.
lege to lay at the graves of your
comrades there the tributes of CRATE
full country which will never cease to
hold them in hallowed memory. Nor
Will you fail to remember also the
sons of France, who freely gave their
lives to great issue.
This honor the people of our coun-
try gladly bestow upon you and,
speaking for them, l want to express
my sincere belief that your mission
will be of the highest value in further
emphasizing the cordial relations
which exist between our two repub-
lies and the lofty principles which they
have fought to preserve and which
they will always cherish.
Very truly yours.
When Louis Marin, the French min.
lister of pensions, was introduced some
one in the gallery shouted Long Live
Sacco and Vanzetti"' The outburst
sounded very lonely and was quickly
drowned in cheers while the disturber
was elected. The incident instead of
causing ruffie in the enthusiasm of
the meeting rather increased it.
Gen. Pershing, President Doumer.
que, Marshal Foch, the presidents of
the French Senate and Chamber Of
Deputies, Minister of Interior Albert
Sarraut and Minister of Pensions
Louis Marin occupied front-roW seats
on the platform.
In his speech, M. Marin declared
that the convention was an event of
great Importance.
Here are thousands Of delegates
from the Legion, which numbers
over million members" he said
Never. doubtless, In time of peace
has an old country like France re-
ceived so many ambassadors from
a great nation.
Legion Welcomed.
Gentlemen Of the Legion, for
what we have seen of that which
was great in you during the war,
for the friendship you are showing
up today through your touching pill
grimage, for the precious recollec-
tions that will remain in our true
and grateful hearts. we all acclaim
you most heartily. And we are
happy to find again in the glorious
combatants who come back to US
ter republic, the United States"
Sheldon Whitehouse, American
charge d'affaires, the next speaker.
read message from Mr.. Herrick.
in which the Ambassador expressed
keen regret at being unable to at
tend the convention. my best
wishes are with every one of you,"
the message concluded.
This convention" Mr.. Whitehouse
continued, "rehindles deep emotions
war emotions which lifted us above
ourselves. L KNOW lldt THESE uSilD-
erations in peace will take place in
an atmosphere which must stimulate
every lofty sentiment in these kindly
surroundings of people whose friend
shin dates from the dawn of our
independence and has been reaf-
firmed in the stress of war; .
ION behalf Of the Government OF
the United States, thank the French
government for it's gracious hospi-
tality."
The address of welcome was de-
livered by Julian II. Thomas, Legion
department commander OF France
who said, in part:
I'VE trust that you and your
families will have most enJoyaple
and profitable time in France. We
have a kindly thought for those VINO
were unable to be present with us
here. and express the hope that this
Paris convention will be made a
decennial event."
In his reply. Comdr. Savage said
the 10000 and more members OF the