Foch the Man.
by Clara E. Laughlin.
DEDICATION
TO THE MEN WHO HAVE FOUGHT UNDER GENERAL FOCH"S COMMAND. TO ALL Of THEM, IN ALL GRAt.i.tUDE. BUT IN AN ESPECIAL WAY TO THE MEN OF THE 42D DIVISION, THE SPLENDOR OF WHOSE CONDUCT ON SEPTEMBER 9, 1914, NO PEN WILL EVER BE ABLE ADEQUATELY TO COMMEMORATE.
Dear MADEMOISELLE LAUGHLIN:
I have read with the keenest interest your sketch of the life of Marshal Foch. It is not yet history: we are too close to events to write it now, but it is the story of a great leader of men on which I felicitate you because of your real understanding of his character.
Christian, Frenchman, soldier, Foch will be held up as an example for future generations as much for his high moral standard as for his military genius.
It seems that in writing about him the style rises with the n.o.ble sentiments which inspire him.
Thus in form of presentation as well as in substance you convey admirably the great lesson which applies to each one of us from the life of Marshal Foch.
Please accept, Mademoiselle, this expression of my respectful regards.
LT.-COLONEL E. ReQUIN.
"THEY SHALL NOT Pa.s.s!"
Three Spirits stood on the mountain peak And gazed on a world of red,-- Red with the blood of heroes, The living and the dead; A mighty force of Evil strove With freemen, ma.s.s on ma.s.s.
Three Spirits stood on the mountain peak And cried: "They shall not pa.s.s!"
The Spirits of Love and Sacrifice, The Spirit of Freedom, too,-- They called to the men they had dwelt among Of the Old World and the New!
And the men came forth at the trumpet call, Yea, every creed and cla.s.s; And they stood with the Spirits who called to them, And cried: "They shall not pa.s.s!"
Far down the road of the Future Day I see the world of Tomorrow; Men and women at work and play, In the midst of their joy and sorrow.
And every night by the red firelight, When the children gather "round They tell the tale of the men of old.
These n.o.ble ancestors, grim and bold, Who bravely held their ground.
In thrilling accents they often speak Of the Spirits Three on the mountain peak.
O Freedom, Love and Sacrifice You claimed our men, alas!
Yet everlasting peace is theirs Who cried, "They shall not pa.s.s!"
ARTHUR A. PENN.
_Reprinted by permission of M. Witmark & Sons, N. Y._
_Publishers of the musical setting to this poem._
CONTENTS
I. WHERE HE WAS BORN
Stirring traditions and historic scenes which surrounded him in childhood.
II. BOYHOOD SURROUNDINGS
The horsemarkets at Tarbes. The school. Foch at twelve a student of Napoleon.
III. A YOUNG SOLDIER OF A LOST CAUSE
What Foch suffered in the defeat of France by the Prussians.
IV. PARIS AFTER THE GERMANS LEFT
Foch begins his military studies, determined to be ready when France should again need defense.
V. LEARNING TO BE A ROUGH RIDER
Begins to specialize in cavalry training. The school at Saumur.
VI. FIRST YEARS IN BRITTANY
Seven years at Rennes as artillery captain and always student of war.
Called to Paris for further training.
VII. JOFFRE AND FOCH
Parallels in their careers since their school days together.
VIII. THE SUPERIOR SCHOOL OF WAR
Where Foch"s great work as teacher prepared hundreds of officers for the superb parts they have played in this war.
IX. THE GREAT TEACHER