Cablegram to John R. Mott from Paris
Title
Cablegram to John R. Mott from Paris
Creator
Young Men's Christian Association (Paris, France)
Identifier
WWP25503
Date
1918 November 15
Description
Passed along report from France on the success of the YMCA in serving the troops, including the popular visit by Margaret Wilson.
Source
Library of Congress, Woodrow Wilson Papers
Publisher
Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum
Subject
Wilson, Margaret Woodrow, 1886-1944
Young Men's Christian associations
Wilson, Woodrow, 1856-1924
Contributor
Morgan Willer
Relation
WWP25504
WWP25502
Language
English
Provenance
Document scan was taken from Library of Congress microfilm reel of the Wilson Papers. WWPL volunteers transcribed the text.
Text
CABLEGRAM TO JOHN R. MOTT FROM PARIS DATED NOVEMBER 15, 1918.
“With the opening of big double YMCA hut at LaTracey, Red Triangle now serves Yanks at fifteen hundred points in France. It is fifteen hundredth under sign of YMCA. This does not include eleven hundred YMCA huts with French Army. On occasion formal opening, President Wilson sent this message. Quote: Please accept my warmest congratulations upon work which YMCA has done for our men in field. Wish I were present in person to take part in significant celebration you are holding. Unquote. Marshal Foch sent this message. Quote: Among all activities which American YMCA is carrying on, that of huts for soldiers particularly merits our gratitude. By wholesome relaxation comfort huts provide for combatants, YMCA has largely contributed to magnificent morale Allied Armies. Unquote. Margaret Wilson singing at dedication, received great ovation. Thousand soldiers, packed auditorium Association hut. Chauffeur driving Miss Wilson from Paris to start round camps under YMCA auspices became badly lost speeding up to reach first engagement, bouncing over rough roads threw Miss Wilson against top limousine, painfully but not at all seriously injuring head. Despite this she kept engagement and is continuing tour along front singing Scotch, Irish songs. Dixie favorite. Leads soldiers in singing. Bishop Hughes in dedication address fifteen hundredth hut said. Quote: YMCA represents home. Here for first time all creeds, faiths gather under greater faith democracy. Unquote. Colonel Finch, Commander Camp accepting hut for Army, expressed appreciation YMCA by Army. Need greater and continued work aid self restraint, self control during trying period demobilization. Time of waiting to go home after establishment of peace most difficult period to entertain and keep up soldiers’ spirits.”
“With the opening of big double YMCA hut at LaTracey, Red Triangle now serves Yanks at fifteen hundred points in France. It is fifteen hundredth under sign of YMCA. This does not include eleven hundred YMCA huts with French Army. On occasion formal opening, President Wilson sent this message. Quote: Please accept my warmest congratulations upon work which YMCA has done for our men in field. Wish I were present in person to take part in significant celebration you are holding. Unquote. Marshal Foch sent this message. Quote: Among all activities which American YMCA is carrying on, that of huts for soldiers particularly merits our gratitude. By wholesome relaxation comfort huts provide for combatants, YMCA has largely contributed to magnificent morale Allied Armies. Unquote. Margaret Wilson singing at dedication, received great ovation. Thousand soldiers, packed auditorium Association hut. Chauffeur driving Miss Wilson from Paris to start round camps under YMCA auspices became badly lost speeding up to reach first engagement, bouncing over rough roads threw Miss Wilson against top limousine, painfully but not at all seriously injuring head. Despite this she kept engagement and is continuing tour along front singing Scotch, Irish songs. Dixie favorite. Leads soldiers in singing. Bishop Hughes in dedication address fifteen hundredth hut said. Quote: YMCA represents home. Here for first time all creeds, faiths gather under greater faith democracy. Unquote. Colonel Finch, Commander Camp accepting hut for Army, expressed appreciation YMCA by Army. Need greater and continued work aid self restraint, self control during trying period demobilization. Time of waiting to go home after establishment of peace most difficult period to entertain and keep up soldiers’ spirits.”
Original Format
Letter
To
Mott, John R. (John Raleigh), 1865-1955
Files
Collection
Citation
Young Men's Christian Association (Paris, France), “Cablegram to John R. Mott from Paris,” 1918 November 15, WWP25503, World War I Letters, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.