THE LAFAYETTE ESCADRILLE.

The glory of the Lafayette Escardrille will not be diminished by its transfer to the American service. Without waiting for the end of neutrality, guided by a feeling of loyalty to the just cause, this band of United States citizens formed a French aviation unit. Their toil and lives were offered to France, while people here rejoiced at our aloofness. They volunteered, as Americans, to serve the nation which for them meant Justice. These men might have joined the Foreign Legion, but they would have lost the distinctiveness of nationality. They might have mingled with French units, but they preferred to remain the sons of their own country. Love of adventure was not so much the incentive as a desire to show the world that the United States was not as apathetic as it seemed. Such men could not be persuaded to neutrality as an answer to insults. Their sense or what was right called for active opposition, not passive submission.

The squadron has benefited us as well as France. The increase in number of experienced aces is not as significant as the bond created between two allies. Furtherance of this union has been a noteworthy result. Active participation of American aviators, and their presence abroad were forerunners of later intervention. The way was made ready for the entrance of the coming soldiers. The French people must have perceived for some time that they had friends across the ocean, that not all were too proud to fight. Hope of our entry was kept alive. The fact can not be disguised, and is openly advertised that this unit was composed of United States citizens, men who owed no allegiance to France. As Lafayette's voluntary participation in our revolution furthered official French assistance, and increased our hopes, so the Lafayette Escardrille urged our entrance and encouraged our ally. The aviators have done their chief work, but the value is only beginning to be realized.