New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-08-16
King Reviews Troops, Cabi-
net Halts Work to
Watch
Streets Are Packed
On Line of March
Scenes Recall Return Of
British Regiments from
South African War
By ARTHUR S. DRAPER

Dg an III N .. bhhi
LONDON, Aug. 15.-To-day's parade
Of American troops through London
amounted to far more than an exhibi
tion. II was really symbol of deep
significance, bringing to England the
first concrete proof of final unity be-
tween the two countries nearly 100
years after their separation.
As the long, straight lines of 1.-THE,
khaki-clad Americans swung between
the deep banks of cheering thousands
they brought home clearly the fact that
America means business" They were
the first visible evidence England has
had that the United States is in the
war with both feet-with man-power as
well as wealth.
In these straight, broad-shouldered,
clean-cut troops England saw the van
guard of the most valuable new ally
an ally who was to bring aid in the
almost invaluable present instead Of
requiring help, as England's other
Allies have throughout the war.
For their part, the English gave the
troops a tremendously warm welcome. !
Perhaps il was not the unbounded, !
fearful enthusiasm of the French, but
as rank after rank marched past to
stirring Guards bands or Scotch pipes
the phlegmatic British thawed out in
an unprecedented manner. cheering
themselves hoarse. while the women,
many Of them weeping, waved thou
sands of little American flags. 1t was
the first time in the history OF the !
war that the troops of any foreign
nation ever marched in London. In
fact, it was almost the first time that
the citizens had had an opportunity
to see armed troops parade.
London Streets Thronged
Despite the short notice, the fact of
the parade having been kept secret
until the last minute owing to the de-
sire of the authorities to prevent the
remotest possibility of an air raid, Lon
odn turned out by countless thousands
The principal thoroughfares were lit
orally seas of humanity, with the troops
marching through narrow lines lined
BY the deep blue of police uniforms and
the lighter blue of wounded soldiers,
who were accorded place of honor in
the front row.
The general appearance and military
bearing of the Americans made deep
impression, despite the fact that they
were really only recently drawn from
civilian ranks, having been in train
ing only about six weeks. Many
Tommies and Colonials among the
throngs lining the streets called greet
ings TO the Americans.
"Are we downhearted? ?" called six
foot Anzac, and the answer came from
a dozen pairs of lungs of the march
ing men, "T guess not!"
To-day's march will go a long way
toward cheering up the English and
making them realize that Americas
help is close at hand. In many in
stances the American ranks, from one
edge of the crowd to the other. were
on the broad grin as the crowds en-
thusiasm rose and unexpected cheers /
rolled out. "Who said London was a /
cold city," was the demand of an /
American soldier when the troops rest /
ed in a green park for a brief lunch .
after passing Buckingham Palace, I
where the King reviewed them !
The men had been warned that the .
welcome might not be as hearty as they
Rad been used to from the crowds at
home. but they afterward expressed
themselves as not only satisfied, but ,
even somewhat fustered by the well /
come.
4 Real American Touch
A real American touch was lent to .
the parade by a small group Of Civil !
War veterans bearing tattered ban |
ner which read "Not for ourselves, but +
for our country" and singing in quav- /
ering voices, "Well hang the Kaiser 1
TO a sour apple tree" This little .
Frazier Smith, Of New Haven; +. Bates.
Of Englewood. y. j.. and the well .
known Ensign Wagg, Of Chicago, (
winner Of a medal Of honor at Gettys- /
burg, were delighted a. the opportu- .
nifty TO participate in an American /
parade once more.
"Thc parade shows England that
America is about to strike a blow for .
freedom like the one We struck back IN /
'6i." Wsgg declared.
All classes in England, from the gov
ernmsnt down 10 the man in the street,
were pleased with the appearance OF
the American troops. whose uniforms, {
faces and general bearing are entirely :
distinct from those Of the English and /
Colonial troops. The Americans are .
generally taller, straighter and broad
cr-shouldered.
The parade has undoubtedly helped !
10 promote a better feeling between
the two countries. II only a small
event, IL was. at least outwardly. a Wis
ible sign Of the cooperation at last.
The best evidence Of this good feeling
was when the troops entrained at Wa
terloo Station Dense crowds jammed /
close 20 the carriages and chered until |
the last trainload pulled out. the Amer
leans returning the compliment with /
three real American cheers for the
British
Whenever English girls could get |
near enough 20 the soldiers they |
pleaded for buttons or regimental |
badges as souvenirs. They got many
Of them.