The Lion of Belfort Battlefield of La Chipotte, Showing Monument and Markers on Graves Ruins of Gerbeviller Sister Julie Cathedral at Nancy German Trenches Captured by the French The Reims Cathedral Before its Destruction Ruins at Reims. Upper and Lower Plates--The Cathedral. Middle Plate--The Archbishop's Palace Key of Archbishop's Palace at Reims and Bone From Twelfth Century Tombs Opened by German Shells Trenches Visited by the Commission King Albert's Address to the Belgians Photograph of King Albert of Belgium, with the Royal Autograph French Marines Operating 75-mm. Gun on Shipboard Nancy--Place Stanislas Ruins of Village--St. Die The Prefecture at Reims After Bombardment Portrait in Tapestry--General Joffre Ruins at Nancy Trenches Occupied by French Soldiers Proclamation Posted in Reims Just Before the French Fell Back to the Marne Arrival of Wounded Soldiers at Chalons, on the Marne Proclamation by the Mayor of Reims, Issued on the day the Germans Entered that City, September 4, 1914 First Order From the Invaders Second German Proclamation Citizens Warned of Danger Citizens Warned that Hostages May be Hanged Postal-card Painted by Artist Soldier in French Trenches FOREWORD Of all that has been written, or is to be written, by Americans concerning the tragedy overwhelming the Old World, much must naturally be descriptive of conditions in France, since that country is, among those affected by military occupation, most accessible and most closely in sympathy with American ideals and American history. While the ground covered by these pages may be, therefore, not unfamiliar, the motives prompting their preparation are probably unique. It has been undertaken at the request of friends, but not entirely for their pleasure; since the author hopes that those who read it may see in the patriotic devotion and courage of the French people something of the spirit that should animate our country, whose aspirations toward liberty the French aided even before they were themselves free. Written in hours snatched for the task amid the press of other duties, these pages endeavor to present a simple, intimate and personal story of experiences enjoyed and impressions gained under most unusual circumstances and herein shared with my friends as one of the most interesting incidents of a long and busy life. * * * A Journey Through France in War Time ORIGIN OF THE PURPOSE OF THE TRIP In the Autumn and Winter of 1915, a body of distinguished and representative Frenchmen visited the United States, their object being to make an investigation of conditions here, having in mind the great need of France in war munitions, the steel in ingot and bar form very much needed for the manufacture of war materials, and the numerous other commodities necessary for prosecution of the war, which had been in progress more than a year. The finances of France were also very much in evidence in the minds of the visitors.