THE WOMEN OF FRANCE

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2800, 19 June 1916, Page 3

THE WOMEN OF FRANCE

High tribute to tho spirit in which France is facing the present struggle is paid by Mr. James Milne in 'an article contributed to the April "Fortnightly." As a typical example of the survival of the gay spirit of Old Francc, with that seriousness which has always underlain it, ho takes the remark of General Focb, commander of one of the French armiesmost heavily engaged, at a turning point in the Battle of the Marne: "My right has been broken; my left has been turned; I attack!" No less characteristic is what you will observe in a venerable little tavern in tlie heart of Old Paris. If you go inside and buy a glass of the cheery red wine of France, you will note that the woman 'behind the counter will set aside the customary ten centimes (one penny) extra which you give her for tho waiter who is at the front When he comes back, if ho ever does so, ho, will find a small fortune waiting for him,* and if he does not come back it will go to his people. "That," says Mr. Milne, "is a pretty example of a simple faithfulness towards each other among tho t people ot. France, which is going to,make for victory over tlie Germans." It is not really a new France that has come into being, but tho old Franco that is once more proving herself—"tho old France that ranged the world when the world was young, the old French spirit that took martyrdom with comfort and the guillotine with a smile; only. the heroes and .the heroines are new." France, renewed in the greatness of hor children, now holds her head high and "walk's proudly., "She is no longer a beaten, nation, no longer a country living under the shadow of a threat. Tho Treaty of Frankfort was buried in gallant French blood at the Battle of tho Marnc." Franco did not want war; she is fighting against war; and it is because General joffre so finely represents the humanitarian spirit which irradiates Tier that he has become her complete, national hero.

The Tvonifin of France strengthen the nation in this crisig of its fate. . They •Inspire the men, bidding them (ro-forth and return with victory, and while they are absent they take their places. The soldiers of France, from the General to the "poilu," aro at once greitt fighting men and good citizens. . They have the old , French flair for battle, and they have learnt as. citizens to "value the precious things which. lie behind victory in such a war as this. Hopeful and uncomplaining, • tlio French soldier meets (lunger with the thought .that "there is victory in dying well for freedom.!' He is fighting in order/that life for everybody in the dear Patrio shall bo , better and happier; he wants the war to bo a nearer coming together than ever of brotherhood in France. It is an article of faith with him, not merely that the Germans must be beaten, but that a greater Francs riinll emerge, again tn ItaH the world onward to what is best «ni3 highest, in civilisation. He looks to the British as his chief comrades in this mission. "It is, in fact," flays Mr. Milne, "a. little confusing to have a friendly Frenchman talk to you about, how France relies upon England in the final crash of Armageddon.". France is being drawn daily cjoser to Hritnin. Everywhere .her younger people are studying English, so that they may spealc and read it,, while older people who already knew the language aro devouring our new books. "French literary men have not, as a rule, been familiar with tho English language, being Trapped up in the beauties of their own. . Stow they also are reaching out to master it, the better, to -understand us through 'it." France looks to a victory of tho Allies as a means to_ the settlement of tho world oft riew lines, and thero she knows that Britain will be with her heart and «ml. "You will," said an eminent Frenchman, "give us a settlement, will you not, that will purge the world of all fear of war; and - make the well-being of tin* common poople tho one test of greatness?"