French Fete Evokes Ardent Patriotism.

New York Times 100 years ago today, July 15, 1912:
Paris Festival the Climax of a Remarkable Revival of National Enthusiasm.
300,000 SPECTATORS THERE
Witness Army Review at Long-champs, Airship Display, and Brilliant Illuminations.
    PARIS, July 34.— The national fete was celebrated to-day with enthusiasm unequalled in many years. A great review of the garrison of Paris was held at the Longchamps race track. President Fallieres, whose term of office expires this year, attended, and the spectators numbered more than 500,000. It was the climax of the last year's remarkable revival of French patriotism, which has so strongly impressed Europe. The stands were filled with a brilliant assemblage. In addition to President Failures, the Bey of Tunis, ex-Queen Ranavalo of Madagascar, the members of the French Cabinet and Parliament and the Diplomatic Corps, among whom was the American Ambassador, Myron T. Herrick, were present.
    Two dirigible and several spherical balloons and a large number of aeroplanes manoeuvred over the grounds during the review. A third dirigible broke away.
    One of the principal features of this year's review was the presentation before the French public of the new uniform, consisting of a mignonette-colored tunic and breeches, puttee leggings, and helmet. The crowds were quick to appreciate the practical military advantages of the new dress, its invisibility and neatness, and to accord an ovation to the detachment thus arrayed.
    The spectacle was brought to a fitting termination by the ceremony of the presentation of the colors to the newly organized aeronautic corps by President Fallieres amid thunders of applause.
    The customary illuminations in the streets, balls, and fireworks displays closed the day.