Evening star., 1928-05-08
The Institut Francois,

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in progress for year past was in
evidence last Sunday when the Institut
Francois Of Washington held its in
sueural meeting. This gathering, which
occurred on tn. lS0th anniversary OF
the treaties OF amiiy, commerce and
alliance between France and the
strucslinS colonies. took the form OF a
| large reception 70 that distinguished
Frenchman who, as his nations AM
bsssador, is engaged in further Solidify-
ing and perpetusting the bonds which
have so long held the two lands close
in spirit and in ideals.
The possibilities of such an orsani5a-
) ton are great, and 1t must be the
thought of all who read Of its aus
picious beginning that the organization
will fulfill them. Gen. Pershing heads
il ss honorary president. The board OF
trustees includes eminent diplomats,
educators economists. authors, inter-
national lawyers and others dis
tinsuishcd along those lines which
transcend differences in nationality
and in speech.
NJ Claudel. the French Ambassador.
in an eloquent speech. dwelt upon the
present cooperation Of France and the
United States in seeking to outlaw war
through peaceable remedies, referring
specially 10 the treaty which he himself
had been privileged TO negotiate with
Secretary Kellogg and which, signed
last February, marked the preservation
Of century and q half OF Franco
American friendship.
In broad way the newly established
body aims at the encouragement within
the United States of the study OF
Trench civilization. history, art and
literature. with special emphasis on the
stirring epoch during which France for
the first time came into contact with
America and made such invaluable con-
tributions to the development Of New
World civilization.
1t Is emphasized by those actively in
terested in the movement leading 10 the
foundation of the institut that the
new organization is In no sense prop
aRsndist affair. 1t has nothing TO do
with debts. 1t has nothing to do with
present politics. It was formed solely
10 enhance the friendly relations exist.
ing between the two races by demon
strating how. in the past. their civiliza-
tions and cultures have mingled TO pro-
duce the present pleasant status.
Among the svowed special aims OF
the institut are the foundation here in
the National Capital Of special
library which shall house works more
clearly revealing the true countenance
Of France and emphasizing the virtues
and the accomplishment OF the French
race in America: the promotion OF
literature on institutions of French
origin which have left their impress on
American life: the eventual publication
Of comprehensive Franco-American
historical review. the establishment Of
periodical bulletin. and, finally. the
foundation OF chairs. lecture courses
and study and travel funds in co-opera-
ton with universities and other institu-
tions Of higher learning
The sponsors of the institut feel that
many citizens OF both countries as well
as organizations. some Of them Of large
membership, win be glad TO participate
In the realization Of = project which
concerns not only the French but also
every American interested in the history
and the traditions Of his country. This
/ Is only reasonable expectation. and 1t
will be the hope Of right-thinking
Americans that IL be- fulnlIed. Wash
ineton and the country whose Capital
City II is will watch with interest the
progress and the accomplishments ri
! this new association, of 10 such an
suSplcious start.