The Washington herald., 1917-04-09
Greeks Pledge Allegiance
In Outburst of Patriotism
Audiences Stirred to High Pitch of Enthusiasm
by Speakers at Demonstrations Held Here
Offer Services to Adopted Country

"Zito Wilson! Zito Constantine! Zito
wilsonr"
Men and women wept when amid ear
splitting cheering for President Wilson
and King Constantine of Greece. and
rousing patriotic demonstrations the
Greek-American Loyalists' League Of
Washington yesterday afternoon pledged
its allegiance to the United States in the
present war
1t Is doubtful whether this city has
ever witnessed such a display Of patriot
ism as was evidenced at the meeting OF
800 Loyalists held in the Old Masonic
Temple at Ninth and F streets north
west. -
Attorney George T. Thomaides. Of the
local bar, who presided. asked the fol-
lowing question before q resolution of
loyalty to the United States was intro
duced: ..
rs there any one among you assembled
here. no matter what your nativity, no
matter what your sympathies or anti
pathIes. who will not at this time swear
allegiance, loyalty and devotion to the
United States, the faithful keeper and
champion of mankind? If so, let that
person arise
There was a moments silence. No one
arose. Then Mr.. Thomaides said:
Gentlemen I am proud of you. and now
with one voice, with one heart and
common accord we pledge our lives to the
Stars and Stripes and give three cheers
for President Wilson and this great ma
tion.'
Aged Woman Waves Flag.
He had not stopped speaking wSen an
aged woman, who appeared to be in the
eighties. stood on q chair and waving
an American flag shouted, "Zito wilson,"
The entire audience was quickly on Its
feet and wildly cheered for nearly five
minutes as the orchestra played 1.-The
Star Spangled Banner" for the four
teenth time
The aged woman, who wore a small
knit cap and long shawl. was 30 over
come with emotion that she wept. Other
women and men also wept during the
moment of silence which followed the
cheering. Then there was another out
burst Of applause, shouting and the
waving Of American flags which con-
tinued for several minutes.
The unanimous adoption of the resolu-
tion. which was sent to President Wilson,
was the occasion for another demonstra-
ton. Mr.. Thomaides who read the reso-
luton. was so often interrupted with
cheering that he finally continued read
ing amid deafening shouts of approval.
The resolution referred to the friendly
hand which this country gave Greece
during its fight for freedom in 1921, and
expressed the deep gratitude of the Loy-
alists' League for such aid.
The meeting was also a celebration of
the ninety-sixth anniversary of the inde-
pendence Of Greece. Among those who
delivered addresses were 8. Constantin-
idies. first secretary of the Greek Lega-
ton here. All addresses were in the
Greek language with the exception Of re-
marks made by Mr.. Thomaides.
Brothers Against Common Foe,
He declared that men of all countries
at this time are brothers against the
common enemy which is destroying the
progress Of liberty and the rights of
men,"
In reading extracts Of President Will
sons war address. Mr.. Thomaides said:
The Presidents memorable address was
not only the expression of his convic-
tions, but 1t was an enunciation of the
principles which have imbued the great
people of this country since their dawn
of freedom
THE United States is not fighting for
personal gain, nor for freedom, but for
tne rights. honor and liberty of man
kind
MIS- Andrew Dracos, dramatically
pointing to large American flag hang
ing over the stage, pledged the loyalty
OF the Greecian women of Washington
to the United States.
Little Charlie Vasilou. not more than
years old. and who is 50 small that
be had to stand on a chair, that the
palms and flowers on the stage would
not hide him. gave a patriotic recitation