We are a democracy.

We must have the consent of the governed.

In the last resort the soldier must be able to say: '_J'obeis d'amitie._'" That great result, according to General Gouraud, was finally achieved by General Petain's reforms.

He gave as a proof of it that on the night of the Armistice, he and his Staff, at Chalons, unable to sit still indoors, went out and mingled with the crowd in the streets of that great military centre, apparently to the astonishment and pleasure of the multitude.

"Everywhere along the line," said the General, "the soldiers were cheering Petain! '_Vive Petain! Vive Petain!_'" Petain was miles away; but it was the spontaneous recognition of him as the soldiers' champion and friend.
Gouraud did not say, what was no doubt the truth, that the army at Chalons were cheering Gouraud no less than Petain.