Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-06-09
tBy Associated Press.I


LONDON, June s.-Headed by Major
General John J. Pershing. it's COM
mandcr. the first representatives Of
the American army that is to enter
the European war disembarkcd this
morning at British port. after an
unevcntful voyage, of ten days on
board the White Star liner Baltic! The
party was received with full military
hopors,rand Immediately ,entrained for
London, where 1T arrived this after-
noon. and was welcomed by tho Earl
OF Derby. the Minister of War: Vis-
count French. commander OF the Brit
ish home forces. and the American
officials.
General PershinE's personal staff
and the members OF the general stan
who will perform the preliminary
work for the first lighting force ~nun1-
hcr tiftH.s seven officers. and are accom-
panied by about nifty privates and q
large civilian clerical force. ~
The American residents of London
and various British orsaniza tions have
prepared an extensive program OF en-
tertainment Tor the American party,
but 1t is doubtful III much OF it will
be carried out. as General PershinE.
before being informed OF the plans,
expressed a desire that there be. a
minimum OF anything in the nature
of celebration OF a social character.
The entire contingent devoted itself
to the hardest kind OF work of an
organizing nature throughout this
journey.
Among those taking an active part
on the various committees Of enter.
tainmsnt for the American contingent
are Mrs. John Astor and Mrs. White.
law Reid.
PHIyATEs TO BE GUESTS a,t
IN THE TOWER OF LONDON
The Americans were, surprised to
learn Of the elaborate preparations
made for their entertainment by their
countrymen and women. and also OF
the plans made to facilitate their
work. The privatts in the contin-
gent will be the, guests Of the British
ARM: IL. the historic Tower OF London.
At their hotel the American ofdcers
met many British and Canadian of
ticcrs. Everywhere. from the port OF
arrival to London, the American and
British officers scru,inized each other
with professional interest. each. sizing
up the other. .s
There is no atmosphere OF an ex-
cursion jaunt about the trip OF the
American contingent, however 1t has
been work. and work. Of tie hardest
kind. with them since they boarded
the steamer in civilian clothes. aftcr
she had left her pier It an American
port. So
AZ the point of Decentralization Cen.
eral Pershins's party was welcomed
by Rear-Admiral Stilcman., L:eutenant-
General Sir William Pitcairn Campbell
an! the Lord Mayor of Liverpool. The
ship dockcd Rts . o'clock.
STIRRING WELCOME
GIVEN TO AMERICANS
The formal welcome to the Ameri-
cans on the landing stage was st1t-'
ring one. a guard OF honor COM
posed of Royal We:st Fusileers, was
drawn up at the landing. with regi-;
mental band After General PershinS
hnd been introduced TO the military
officer in command OF tho port, he~in.
spectcd the guard OF ronor while the
baud played The Star -SpangIed
Banner go.
General Pershins said TO the Aaso.
ciatcd Press: ., 49,
Tho trip has been delightful, par
ticularly the latter stages. when we
were escorted through the danger some
by our own destroyers Speaking for
myself and my STAFF we are glad TO
be the standard bearers OF America Ill,
this great war for civilization. The
opportunity of LANDING British
port and the welcome we received ara
very significant, and are deeply ap.
| preciated. We expect in tho ;coursS
OF q very short time to be playing our
part. which. hope. will be very big
part. on the. western front. ,sss.a. sfs.
General PesshinE and his statfrpfs-S
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