Cuban volunteers depart Tampa, Florida to participate in the Spanish-American War. The Cuban volunteers carry rifles and their bedrolls as they walk on gangway to board a ship. The first United States troops land in Cuba. View of the pier at Daiquirí, Cuba. Coal dumps and ore elevators from a mining company are seen at the end of the wharf. Soldiers lead pack mules carrying supplies and ammunitions in Santiago de Cuba. The 34th Michigan Regiment under command of Captain Dodd of Troop E, 3rd Regular Cavalry are working with picks and shovels to build a road.
Opening scene shows an honor guard of Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) soldiers lined up in formation in front of the Beirut airport terminal building. As an officer steps away from them, the troops render salutes while right-shouldering arms. The officer walks toward several civilians and an American officer who salutes. Next, a U.S. Major General greets Lebanese army officers. The LAF soldiers march away shouldering their rifles. Several U.S. soldiers are seen boarding a U.S. Air Force C-130 transport aircraft by way of a side door and drop-down stairs. One of them carries a large box. A United Nations DC-3 aircraft is seen taxiing out rapidly for takeoff. It displays the letters "U.N.R.W.A." on its rear fuselage and the logo of The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East on its tail.
U.S. Marines being checked by officers on deck of a transport ship, prior to disembarkation. Sailor operating controls to lower LCVP (Landing craft Vehicle Personnel) from the davit. Boat lowered over the side to transport Marines to the beach at Beirut, Lebanon.
Several cars arrive at residence of President of French National Assembly (Hôtel de Lassay 128 Rue de l'Université, 75007 Paris, France). French political leaders enter the residence. Cameramen take photographs. Members of press interview the men. At a different entrance, a spokesman mentions French President Rene Coty, dissolution of the National Assembly and a new Constitution. A man walks out smoking a cigarette and carrying a newspaper. Reporters and photographers accost French President Rene Coty, as he leaves, dressed in coat and hat, wearing glasses, and carrying a cigarette in his right hand.
At the end of the harness racing season in Yonkers Raceway, a moving car carries mobile starting gate with harness racers aligned across the track behind it. The gate folds up and the starter car speeds away allowing the race to get underway. Spectators in the stands are seen dressed warmly on this cold, damp December day. The horses, and drivers in sulkies,race around the water-covered track. Narrator comments that horses were meant to run, not swim.
General Charles De Gaulle steps from a car and walks through crowd of reporters. (In the wake of political upheaval, De Gaulle was named Premier-designate by President René Coty on May 31 and confirmed Premier by the National Assembly on June 1.) He makes his way to a podium and speaks. According to narrator, he declares a "vacation" from politics in France, while he prepares a new Constitution. He leaves the podium and hall. View of numerous reporters and photographers in the hall. Enthusiastic French people outside the hall, wave as De Gaulle passes standing in an open car. The sidewalks are mobbed with spectators as his motorcade passes. Citizens hold banners, including some referring to the Algerian problems. Confetti is thrown from overlooking apartment buildings in Paris.