THE SPIRIT OF FRANCE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1840, 15 June 1918, Page 2

THE SPIRIT OF FRANCE.

MR. A. BARRAU, a merchant of New Caledonia, writing to friends

in Sydney, from Marseilles, on 19th March, said: —‘'The French people, whom nobody, least of all himself, would have thought capable'of as much endurance as other people, are showing more and more energy every day, and, what is unbelievable, have more hope and courage when things look worse. This has been my experience. When I arrived in France two years ago one could hear in the streets, in trams, or railway cars, such talk as would make patriots feel sorry and apprehensive. Was that change partly due to Clemenceau’s Government and to measures taken against certain peace propagandists and traitors'? It is possible. But, no doubt the atmosphere has cleared and things are finite different to-day. Soldiers from the front are always admirable, and, you may believe me, if I have maintained after the cowardly behavour of the Russians and other sad events, such a good spirit, it is due to the number of letters received from our soldiers, full of courage and so simple, that they do not seem to realise how heroic they are. There is not one soldier coming from the trenches now who does not say, ‘They shall not pass.’ The Germans will try hard to sow mistrust and discontent between the Allies, but in this also ( hoy will fail, for the friendly feelings between the French and (he English are stronger than ever. The Australians, with the Canadians, still hold tho best reputation of all. Of course, we have had some disappointment with the conscription vote in Australia, but, as you say, and we understand it, this was not a fiucstion to he submitted to the people of any country after several years of war. Perhaps you have heard some criticism about the Italians. There has been a very regrettable incident, due to a kind of Bploism. But those that wore able to stop the advance of the enemy were tirst-class soldiers, in fact, true heroes, and the Italians have done it by themselves, for the French and English, although they went there, and no doubt by their presence, contributed to give them courage, have done nothing yet, or hardly anything. My cousin’s son told us of an instance that showed the spirit of some Italian regiments. In one particular spot Italian soldiers had been for several days through the most severe ordeal, and were expecting to be relieved. Being offered to give their place to French regiments, they refused, and remained there several days more, until Italians could arrive. Yes, lam fully confident still, for with the help of our Allies we must win.”