French War Commission at Lincoln\'s Tomb, Springfield, Ill.

On April 6, 1917, Congress declared that war existed between the United States and Germany. We were thus made the allies of England, France, and other countries at war with the Central Powers of Europe. At once England and France each choose a group of men to send to the United States. These war commissions were made up of wise political leaders and experienced officers of the army and navy of each country. Foreign Secretary Balfour headed the British group. Ex-Premier Viviani was the chief of the french commission, and Marshal Joffre represented the French army. These men came to tell our Government how we could be of most help in the conflict. The commissions arrived the latter part of April. They went first to Washington, and later visited Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, Kansas, St. Louis, and other centers. On May 7, the French Commission visited Oak Ridge Cemetery, at Springfield, Ill., where Lincoln is buried. You see them here beside the monument. From left to right they are: Lieut. Col. Jean Fabri, Admiral Chocheprat, Viviani, and Joffre. Lieut. Gov. Oglesby, Gov. Lowden, and Adjt. Gen. Dickson, of Illinois, complete the first row. Joffre looks the staunch soldier that he is. Viviani is the orator of the group. Chocheprat represents the French navy. Fabri, the fighting "Blue Devil of France," stands airily on his wooden leg. Somewhat behind Marshal Joffre and to his left is the Marquis de Chambrun, a descendant of Lafayette. Keystone ID: 18335 Note: All titles, descriptions, and location coordinates are from the original Keystone Slide documentation as supplied by the Keystone View Company. No text has been edited or changed.