TAXI IS FAMOUS WAR RELIC.

The New York Times
December 22, 1922

Cab Which Carried Reinforcements at the Battle of the Marne.

Copyright, 1922, by The New York Times Company.  Special Cable to The New York Times.

PARIS, Dec. 21.—Taxicab 2862G-7 was ushered into France's Valhalla of war relics today, there to preserve the memory of the "taxis of the Marne," which bore reinforcements to the French Army in that battle.

The ceremony lasted but a few minutes, but preparations for it began at daybreak, when every Paris chauffeur who participated in the memorable drive began to clean his cab for the event.  People who hailed these glistening taxis were astonished to see them sped past without heeding calls.  They converged on the Invalides, where they were drawn up in formation to await their honored comrade.

At 11 o'clock 2862G-7 was driven through the gates by Louis Goualt, who on Sept. 7, 1914, took it filled with soldiers to the Marne.  It was halted before General Malleterre.  The veteran officer, after receiving the vehicle from an official of its operating company and delivering a stirring address, called for Etienne Germain, a chauffeur.

"Why the devil haven't you preserved your taxi?" he demanded of the grizzled driver, who bore the Croix de Guerre with two palms in recognition of saving a convoy from a German patrol.  "It was that one we should have here."

"It was wrecked by shells and has gone to pieces," the valiant driver replied.

Following the ceremony the relic was removed from the court to the head of the principal stairs, where it will remain permanently.