THE SPIRIT OF FRANCE

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 227, 13 June 1918, Page 2

THE SPIRIT OF FRANCE

"THEY SHALL MOT PASS." Mr. A. Barran, a merchant of 'New Caledonia, writing to W. S. Tint and Co., Ltd., Sydney, liom Marseilles, on March 19, said:— "Tho French people, whom nobody, least of all himself, would have thought capablo of as much endurance as other people, are showing ui."-:v ami more energy every day, and, what is unbelievable, havo. nioio hope and courage whon things look worse. This has been my experience. When I arrived ill Franco two years ago one could hear in tho street's, in trams, or railway cars, 6ueh talk as would make patriots feel sowy and apprehensive. Was tho change due partly to Clcmonceau's Government and to measures taken against certain peaco propagandists and traitors? It is possible. But, 'no doubt, tho atmosphere has cleared, and things are quite different to-day.

"Soldiers from the front aro always admirable, anil, you may believe me, it I havo maintained, after tho cowardly behaviour of the Russians, and other sad events, such a good spirit, it is due to tho .lumber of letters received from our soldiers, full of courogo and so simple, that they do not se:;m to realise Utmselves how heroic they are. . "There is not one soldier coming from the trenches now who does not say 'Thej shall not pass.' "The Germans will try hard to sotf mistrust and discontent betweeu the Allies, but in this also they will fail, for the friendly feelings between the Frtnch anrl tho English aro stronger than ever. The Australians with tho Canadians still hold tho best reputation of all. Of coarse, we havo had some disappointment with the conscription voto in Australia, but, as you say, and wo understand it, this was not a, question to.bo submitted to the people of any country after several years of war.

"Perhaps yon have heard somo criticism about the Italians. There has been a very regrottablo incident, due to a kind of Bolown. But those that wero ablo to stop tho advance o£ the enemy wero iirsL-class soldiers, ill fact, true heroes, and the Italians nave done it by themselves, for the French and tho Knslifh, although they went there, and no doubt by their presenco contributed to give' them courage, havo done nothing yet, or hardly anything. My cousins son told its of an instance that showed tho spirit of somo Italian regiments. In one particular spot Italian soldiers had been for several days through tho most severs onlonl, and wero expecting to bo relieved. ■ Being offered to give their pinna to French regiments, they refused, and remained thore several days more until Italians could arrive.

"Yes, I am fully confident still, for with the liolp of our Allies ire must win."