VISIT TO FRENCH FRONT.

Taranaki Daily News, 6 January 1916, Page 2

VISIT TO FRENCH FRONT.

A GLORIOUS EFFORT. Paris, November 3. ■ Edinond Rostand, the eminent French poet and playwright, writes:— I returned yesterday from a visit to the whole French front. I have seen an unforgettable spectacle. German trenches only partly dismantled by artillery and taken by main force.

Never before has the world had an opportunity to witness so glorious an effort as that of our troops in this circumstance. The German trenches were regular fortresses, which resisted the battering of our guns, but could not resist the admirable impetus of our soldiers charging with the bayonet. I have admired tTie defence works erected everywhere behind our first line. They appear impregnable and stand behind our soldiers as a wall which no power on earth could destroy. When." one has seen what I have seen, one gathers the impression that the French soldier of this great war—he who has accomplished acts of superhuman prowess—is the most heroic soldier in history. 1 carry away with mo also an impression of confidence and love between oifi. cere and men. All combatants are united in a sublime brotherhood,. 'Tis greater than a fighting army. It is a nation in arms, moved by one ideal. The troops I have seen are not all young. They were ol all ages, mingled together. Hats off to these middle-aged Territorials, fighting side by side with their children and nephews. They have commanded the admiration of their chiefs liy their endurance and kindness. The grapeshot has mowed down men of Jo and youths with life's springtime smile on their lips on the same field of honor. No nation has ever before concentrated all its forces in an impetus so unanimous—so beautiful—as this. Such troops Were created for a brilliant victory.

Tlie morale of our soldiers has been forged from the same steel as our guns. Uis of the purest metal. And everywhere, all along the line, the Are of victory is spreading its wings to acclaim our triumphant colors.