N July 14, 149 years ago, a new France was born.
On this day the storming of the Bastille in Paris marked the rebirth of freedom for a people, oppressed for years by a corrupt ruling class, and little did those citizens of "La Belle France" dream that in future years their sacrifices to throw off the yoke of' tyranny would be celebrated in scattered corners of the globe by their descendants, or that their beloved country would become a leading Power among the great nations of the world, Today, however, France occupies an exalted posit ion among the countries on the earth, and yesterday, her citizens, no matter where they were, celebrated with a fervent devotion those sacrifices made by the first builders of the great Republic.
A spectacular programme of events marked the observances in the French Concession, and with the Tricolor in evidence on all public vehicles, many shops, and all the municipal buildings, the streets presented a gay appearance, Ships on the river were dressed overall in honour of the occasion, and on the Quai de France, gay illuminations on the French Consulate lent a touch of brightness to an otherwise drab thoroughfare. The annual flag-raising ceremony, a brilliant military parade, and receptions and dances were some of the events arranged to celebrate the day.
The day's observances commenced at 7,15 am. with the flag-raising cere-many in the grounds of the French Consulate. Among those attending this observance were:—M, Paul E.
Naggiar, French Ambassador; M. P. Auge, French Consul-General Lieut. Col, Perretier, commanding the French Forces in Shanghai; Capt. Arzur, Senior French Naval Officer; members of the French Municipal Council; M. Brediam, Director General of Municipal Services; M., des Courtils; and M. R. Jobez, All roads then led to Koukaza Park where a picturesque military spectacle attracted an exceptionally large crowd. Here the Naval, and Military forces, the Police and" Fire Brigade, Volunteers and Special Police were reviewed by, Capt. Arzur of the French sloop, Dumont d'Urville, Senior Naval Officer, during the absence of Vice-Admiral lo Bigot; accompanied by M, Naggiar, and M. Auge, After the sounding of "Aux Champs" by the bugles to herald the arrival of the reviewing officer, the Ambassador and Consul-General, th parade was brought to the "Presen by Col. Perretier, and the whole ai sembly stood at attention during the playing of the- Marseillaise.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.