FRENCH MEDALS

Controversies of numerous kinds and of varying importance follow our participation in war. There is at present some discussion as to whether American soldiers and sailors be allowed to wear medals offered by foreign governments. France has given war crosses to those who withstood the first German raid, but the recipients, although appreciating the honor, are warned not to wear them. Instead, they shall evidently be forced to put them in a glass case, under lock and key. No doubt seems to exist that such a prohibition is constitutional. From the point of view of the United States, it may be against law and precedent for a soldier to display the cross bestowed by a foreign nation.

Time, however, works changes on all things, including constitutions. Any notion that our troops would ever fight in European conflicts would scarcely have been foreseen a few years ago. Literal adhierence to any archaic stipulation may be legally correct, but it may be diplomatically wrong. Our prohibitions, where they are not to our advantage, should not appear to lessen an appreciation of France's gifts. The customary practice among our allies is to wear such medals, and we are expected to follow a similar policy. Let not Frenchmen think that we are indifferent to their highly prized rewards. Although we do not doubt the legality of the discussed restriction, yet we believe it is at present archaic and tactless.