As to the opinion men have of him,--those who have been associated with him closely and those who have met him casually, as I did,--one word tells the whole story--_confidence_. A certain gentleman high in British political life said in my presence, "General Pershing is a great re-assurance." In the opinion of the writer he will be followed with enthusiasm and real affection by many, and all will have faith in his leadership. When we discussed the morals of the soldiers in France, the General's face lighted; and well it might, for no nation has ever been represented by cleaner-living men than those who wear the uniform of the United States in France to-day; and the programme of the military authorities in France to safeguard and inform the country's fighters is a source of gratification and pride to all who believe that efficiency and morality are twin brothers. General Pershing said, "When the report shows an increase in the venereal rate of _one thousandth of a per cent_, I learn the reason." Army medical officers--and with two of these it was my privilege to have conferences--are constantly in the field investigating conditions that affect army morale and morals. Their findings and recommendations are the basis for orders and constructive activities that never relax their vigilance. Early one Sunday morning the General motored nearly thirty miles to a certain brigade headquarters, which while American authority was in control served both French and American troops. This situation made it embarrassing, to say the least, for any action to be taken affecting the recognized customs of our splendid allies. But General Pershing's trip was not a pleasure-jaunt. Several French wine-shops had been injuring the discipline of American soldiers. Conditions had not been improving. General Pershing permanently closed every wine-shop in the village, and so diplomatically did he proceed that the cordial relationship between the two armies was not disturbed. His own attitude both toward alcohol for beverage purposes and toward vice is in harmony with the programme of the War Department and the Navy Department at home, and he is earnestly enthusiastic for that programme. Some of the details of the programme as applied in France must be worked out by indirect methods rather than by direct, but the programme shall not suffer. For instance, in the villages at the front where our leadership is in control I found no orders against the distribution or the use of the popular beverage of France, light wine; _but neither did I find any light wine_. It was not available. [Illustration: A MESSAGE FROM GENERAL PERSHING TO THE YOUNG PEOPLE OF THE AMERICAN CHURCHES] GENERAL HEADQUARTERS AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES. France, March 4, 1918. To the Young People of the Churches of America: