to which they had never before set their hands; their utter
self-sacrifice alike in what they did and in what they gave? Their
contribution to the great result is beyond appraisal. They have added
a new luster to the annals of American womanhood.

The latest tribute we can pay them is to make them the equals of men in
political rights as they have proved themselves their equals in every
field of practical work they have entered, whether for themselves or
for their country. These great days of completed achievements would be
sadly marred were we to omit that act of justice. Besides the immense
practical services they have rendered, the women of the country have
been the moving spirits in the systematic economies by which our people
have voluntarily assisted to supply the suffering peoples of the world
and the armies upon every front with food and everything else that we
had that might serve the common cause. The details of such a story can
never be fully written, but we carry them at our hearts and thank God
that we can say that we are the kinsmen of such.

And now we are sure of the great triumph for which every sacrifice was
made. It has come, come in its completeness; and with the pride and
inspiration of these days of achievement quick within us we turn to the
tasks of peace again--a peace secure against the violence of
irresponsible monarchs and ambitious military coteries, and made ready
for a new order, for new foundations of justice and fair dealing.

PRESIDENT WILSON IN FRANCE

On December 14, 1918, President Wilson arrived in Paris. He had by
leaving North America done something never done before by an American
president; but he was never afraid to establish a new precedent if he
believed his duty called upon him to do so. Very rarely have the
presidents gone in person before Congress to read their messages, but
Woodrow Wilson revived the custom. In leaving the continent, however,
he was not reviving an abandoned custom but establishing an entirely
new precedent.

He sailed on one of the huge American transports, the _George
Washington_, and was wildly welcomed upon his arrival at Brest, the
American base in France.

[Illustration: A photograph of the United States Transport _George
Washington_ taken from an airplane convoying the steamer out to sea.
From the forward mast is flying the President's flag, distinguishable
by the four white stars. At the bow and stern can be seen the naval
gu