lutely set to work to learn French, at least to an extent that
enabled him to understand what was said in his presence and to express
himself to his friends without the aid of an interpreter.

Not long before the raid upon Columbus by Villa and his bandits General
Pershing, in a letter from which the following extract is taken, wrote:
"We do not want war if we can honestly avoid it, but we must not
hesitate to make war if the cause of civilization and progress demands
it. Nearly every step in human progress has been at the sacrifice of
human life. There are some things dearer even than life. If a nation has
set up high ideals either for itself or for others it must be prepared
to enforce those ideals if need be by armies and navies. Of course it
would be better to enforce them through moral prestige." These
sentiments were expressed long before the declaration of war with
Germany or the President had written his famous words about making the
world safe for democracy. They are doubly interesting for that reason
and expressive of General Pershing's innermost feelings when there was
every reason why he should express himself freely. Most brilliant
American fighters have not been lovers of war for its own sake.
Washington was reluctant to enter upon war, although when he believed
there was no escape he fought to the uttermost limit of his power.
General Grant's most frequently quoted words are not warlike, but "Let
us have peace." And General Pershing is not one whit behind the other
two.

Early in July, 1918, Chairman Hurley sent a cablegram to the American
fighting men in France that the shipbuilders at home would launch one
hundred merchant ships July 4th. Promptly from General Pershing came the
following appreciative and defiant acknowledgment: "The launching of one
hundred ships on the Fourth of July is the most inspiring news that has
come to us. All ranks of the Army in France send their congratulations
and heartfelt thanks to their patriotic brothers in the ship-yards at
home. No more defiant answer could be given to the enemy's challenge.
With such backing we cannot fail to win. All hail American
shipbuilders."

His quick sense of appreciation is seen also in the following telegram
which he sent Premier Clemenceau after the hearty congratulations sent
by the great Frenchman on the occasion of the parade of American troops
in Paris in the celebration of the Fourth of July:

"Permit me to tell you how m