t is the only other American previously taken to this
spot. It was also a part of the directions which Napoleon himself had
left that only a Marshal of France was to remain uncovered in the
presence of the Little Corporal of Corsica.

Naturally the American soldiers followed this precedent and it was
Marshal Joffre himself who led them to the crypt. The door is immense
and heavy, and made of brass. Just before the great key was inserted in
the lock and the massive door was slowly to swing open, Marshal Joffre
and General Niox left General Pershing alone before it. Those who saw
him report that General Pershing drew a deep breath and then without
confusion or delay quickly turned the key in the lock of the great brass
door.

In a small alcove within the crypt was the case which held Napoleon's
sword. General Niox quietly unlocked this case and took out the famous
sword and kissed it. Then he extended the sword to the American soldier.
General Pershing received the weapon, for an instant held it at salute
and then he too kissed the hilt. One cannot help wondering whether the
impressive moment suggested to the General the mighty contrast between
the aims of Napoleon and those which were guiding the United States in
the desperate war in which she now was to share. Brilliant as Napoleon
was, mighty strategist and soldier that he proved himself to be, it is
difficult even for his warmest admirers to defend the principles (or
explain the lack of them) that controlled him in his campaigns. On the
other hand, Pershing was the representative of a nation which was to
fight with its utmost power--not for conquest nor to overthrow its
rivals. Vast sums were to be expended, millions of men were to respond
to the call to the colors--for what? "To make the world a decent place
to live in." The living and the dead met in the crypt of the Hotel des
Invalides, but the aims that animated the two men--one in the early days
of the preceding century, and the other in the year 1917--were as far
removed from each other as the East is from the West.

A ceremony like that with which Napoleon's sword had been extended to
General Pershing was also followed in the case of the cross of the
Legion of Honor, the visitor holding it to his lips a moment and then
passing it back to General Niox. A correspondent writing of the occasion
says: "This was the most signal honor France ever bestowed upon any man.
Before this occasion not even a Frenchman was p