Floyd A. White letter to Dr. Henry Milton Whelpley - June 25, 1919

Transcript

1918 Side-Lights on the Battle of Gay Paree. OUT-BURST of ENTHUSIASM continues, following the OFFICIAL NEWS that The Boch will sign the Peace Treaty. [Henry Milton] Whelpley, St. Louis, [Missouri] To fully describe the events for the last two nights, better first explain one thing. On this side of the Big Creek, there are only two countries, PARIS and the others, here you find people from all walks of life and every NATIONALITY that MINGLE FREELY on the BOULEVARDS. When the given time (June 23) was up for the Boch to either sign or else, the News was flashed that they would accept, and with the beginning of “The Tolls of the Bells” about 8:30 P.M., the crowd started to collect in and around the Opera and other Historical and famous centers, extending from Place-de-la-Republic, Madeline, Opera, down the well known Blvd. Itallien to St Denis (Blvd. Strausbourg) then over to the Place-de-la-Concord & Ave Champs-Elysee, of course there were other places that took part in the welcome news that meant so much to the world. But---------- To appreciate that full outburst of enthusiasm, was to be down and around the Opera no matter if you had the Blues or Grouch, If there, you would soon imbide the spirit of the crowd. There were 3 or 4 Army Bands, Drum and Five Corps, each with their following of American, French, [Italian], English and [Japanese] carrying the Flags of the Allies, paradeing up and down the Blvd. singing and danceing, sometimes would stop long enough to get a Beer. (Not one drunk did I see, either night). The captured German Guns, all sizes, that were displayed at the Concord, soon lost their resting place, to be hauled up and down the streets to the merriment of the people. Taxi-cabs, Auto–Busses & Trucks (filled with Red Cross & “Y” Girls, few men) were held up by the mob for their share of the fun. (Saw one car with the wheels off and another with the front and rear wheels chained together). You could see Officers and Enlisted men (Americans & French) also the M.P.’s with a girl, hand and hand swinging down the street like “Pop the Whip” or to either encircle or be circled by the Gang that played “Ring around the Rosies”, the fun of this, ANY ONE that looked Good (Mademiselle or Madame, Ce-ne-fait-rien.), grab her, hug her--kiss her--pass on to the next one. “GUILTY” The “Stars” of the Opera came out on the vestibule and sang to the crowd; Tres-Joli. there was dancing in the streets, throwing of Confetti, paper dusters and ni’ever’ng Beaucoupe pleasantry; if you thought anything of your Cap, best thing to do was to hide it in your pocket, la-meme-chose on any other ornament from an Officers Insignia to a pair of glasses. You could depend on the American Soldier to form the famous “Chain-Step-Line” when they got thirsty--Fun, no name--Simply Wild, so far only two nights, Monday and Tuesday, but from all indications will continue on thru Friday when it is supposed to be the Big Night, dont know what else can be done, seems to me, that, every known kind of amusement has been indulged in. ANY-HOW, am going to stay over for the big show and leave here [Saturday] Morn for that POAT (Port) of Embarkation. If there is anything out of the ordinary takes place will write a short sequel or trust to the rest of the Gang that was with me (Sgt. Hubert Miller of Washington Sgt. Webb of Ruston, [Louisiana],Sgt Omansky of Boston.) to add the finishing touches. The Top Sgt, Sgt Law, W.G. & the Sgt-Maj. were in another party and their experiences are practically the same, except for their good looks, they received more Free-Drinks. That was a serious issue with us for there was not over 5 francs in the crowd. Trust to be home, Toot-Sweet. Regards to all. Sincerely [signature] Floyd. A. White Sgt. 127 Guards Co. A.S.C. A.P.O. 702 A.E.F.