The Dominion MONDAY, MAY 14. 1917. HOMAGE TO FRANCE

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3083, 14 May 1917, Page 4

The Dominion MONDAY, MAY 14. 1917. HOMAGE TO FRANCE

Biuef as they are, cabled accounts of tho visit of tho Allied Commissioners to the United 'States havo demonstrated very clearly, amongst other things,. that Franco has a place in tho regard of the American people which may be approached, but is not shared in' full measure, by any other nation of tho Entente group. It must at onco be added that nothing- oould be' more unjust than to chargo America with having entered tho war in any narrow spirit of partisanship. The measures she has taken, and proposes to take, as a belligerent, afford tho clearest possible proof that she regards her duties and responsibilities as a war partner of the Entente nations from a broad and generous standpoint. It is nevertheless apparent that the American welcome to the French delegates had features which 'were reserved for them alone, although tho news today of Ms. Balfour's magnificent reception to somo extent modifies tho earlier impression created. In tho Congressional Chambers and elsewhere Marshal Joffre and M. Viviani were accorded not merely a friendly welcome, but a triumph. In their reception free expression was givon to an especial warmth of American sentiment for _ Franco, which had already been indicated in other ways, ana which certainly gives no occasion for surprise. None will more readily recogniso than the Allies, in whose company France has fought in a war now well advanced in its third year, that in singling out Franco for particular, honour and regard tho American people arc doing homage to what is best and greatest in the Entente, and in the cause it is upholding. In relation to her resources the achievements and sacrifices of Franco in the war of democracy against despotism are unparalleled, and constitute a triumphant assertion of tho united and unconquerable will of a freo and gallant nation. It is not on any ground strange if the people of America should be disposed to pay an even warmer tribute to the representatives of France than to those of any other Allied nation.

in her relations with America, France is, of course, fortunate in having had no largo or obvious partin the blockade measures which, until' recently, tended, if not to embitter, at least tc complicate, AngloAmerican relations. If Britain for the moment takes second place to Franco in American regard, part of tho explanation will be found in the fact that it fell to Britain to impose restrictions on American trade, to interfere with American mails, and to take other legitimate but vexatious measures which wore necessary to as far as possible cut off Germany from sources of external supply. Anger and hostility awakened in America by the operation of tho British blockade must be expected for a time to leave some traco behind. In considering what features of difference are visible in American relations with France and with Britain it must certainly not be overlooked that the public men and leaders of France, no doubt as a natural outcome of the national character, have been at particular pains to ensure that '.heir country and its cause- shall be understood abroad, while on the other hand it might almost bo said that the public men of Britain have been, until quite recently, at. pains to ensure

that their country shall be misunderstood and undervalued. No doubt the British practice of approaching slowly and with an appearance of reluctance measures that aro obviously necessary, and equally the ingrained British habit of self-depreciation—which is what a largo proportion of public controversy and criticism in Britain amounts to—have one value at home and another abroad. But it has a materia! bearing upon the shaping and influencing of national sentiment in foreign countries towards Britain that British poUth'.ansand publicists, in. the mass, are distinctly open to tho charge that they aro inclined to subordinate what is creditable in the national record and if anything to overload the other si do of the account. While this spirit and practico prevail Britain is likely to gain_ something less than her duo in foreign estimation.

France, in notable contrast, is as richly endowed with the qualities that make for effective national expression as with those that make for effective action. It is not more true that the French nation, in its highest and humblest eloments, has displayed wonderful fortitude and heroism in the struggle that is boing waged for human liberty than that its efforts and sacrifices are universally recognisod and rated at their true worth. Tho explanation obviously is that France has no lack of spokesmen worthy of her qualities. Vi r hilo Americans were being taught by the British Press and public men tEat Britain's course in tho war was largely a matter of painfully surmounting and rectifying ono blunder after another, they woro permitted to fall into no such error regarding Franco. Even Marshal Joffhe, while still weighed down, by tho cares of his supreme command in the Western theatre, found time to express the spirit and ideals of his country in words that must have potently influenced opinion abroad. An outstanding example is tho celebrated statement, made to an American correspondent in October last year, that peace at that time would be a. crime. "The decision as to whether Europe will continue free and individual," said the great French commander, "will be made in this war alone. Either we win the right now to continuo democratic and peaceful, or we surrender Europe to tho imposition of an Imperial idea. You will find, wherever you go, that the French people know this. You will find them absolutely of one opinion. They are prepared for anything, and they know what_ the issue is. Wo do not need to lie to our soldiers. No matter how long the war lasts, it will bo fought out until we havo conquered tho right to leave a heritage of peace to our children." Of tho women of France, also, Joffre spoke in moving words.: "Oh, our-women ! Thoy are sublime! No one ever knew how heroic they could bo—not even themselves. There will bo no flinching there. _ Even the mothers who have lost their sons, their only sons, will not' permit us to stop now. They have made their sacrifice without complaint—only it must not be a useless sacrifice." Utterances suoh as these, as well .as her illustrious achievements and unsparing- sacrifices, have awistocl to gain for France tho peculiar homage which has mosfc_ recontly_ found expression in America, but is paid not less ■ sincerely by her Allies nf longer standing. At bottom, and in tho things that matter most, tho manifestation of public sontiment in America which has boon noted is as far as possible _ from raising any question of invidious distinctions between tho Allies. It has force and significance chiefly as implying that America is most deeply stirred to homage by tho nation in which tho animating spirit of tho Entente has found richest and noblest expression.