The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1917-09-17
Pershing's Cordial Reception In Paris
 Told By American


 We'll, my dear, we had this last Fourth of July the very best, the most glorious Fourth lever spent in my whole long life. We had tickets for the historical spectacle in the great yquadaangular Court of the Invalides. Of the arrival and presentation to the Government of France of the first battalion of American troops. We looking down on the memorable pag- cant.
 We arrived at half-past eight Thou sands of people were arriving, and the whole place seemed to throb with patriotic excitement over the living and moving evidence that the great American Republic had cast in its lot with the allies for the rescue of Eu- rone and the world from Hun dornin- ation.
 The President (Poincaire) was there Jofre was there. and Foch; and General Pershing soon appeared the observed of all observers. At nine o'clock exactly a French military band struck up the Star Spangled Banner, sending a thrill through the assembled multitude, who well knew what it ment--our brave boys were at the door; and in they came, squad after squad, four deep in the most ad- midable order, with active step, weap- ons all sloped at the same angle, and with an alert step that showed the elasticity and vigor of youth, they marched in and took their places around the quadrangle amid wave on wave of such enthusiastic shouts IS never in my fife I heard before. Oh, the heart of France was beating then! Tears of joy were shed by many, es- pecially among the heroines of the as- sembly! There was a presentation of flags , TO our dominic, pr. Watson, the duty fell of presenting one-an American one-bearing, the names of Americans Of the French Legion killed in battle. This was delivered to General Niox, Governor of the Invalides Museum. speeches; then the President reviewed the American boys, General Pershing walking by his side. And that was all. $ Now for Scene 2. At half past twelve was given the lunch of the American Chamber of Commerce of Paris, of which for many years I have been a member. We always have a banquet on the Fourth of July (usu- ally a dinner, but in war times it must needs be lunch. else we would have to walk home in the dark-no vehiclesI) So 1t was a lunch, the most notable we ever had. But you read of it, I'm sure, next 4norning i; the noble speech of Ribot, the Minis try present, yiviani and the rest; Mar shal Joffre, Gen. F'och and other not abilities-some 1000 guests present, r ever before so many. Capital lunch } even champagne by a great but ] Cbut alllowable9 exception, flor this time only..'' Then, as I was very near the Table of Honor No. q was at tine Table of Honor No. 2, besides ' Consul General Mackena, a fine man and good friend of mine), and pass ing on my way out, saw one or two ] skiing General Joffre to sign the men, us. Why shouldn't I? And act ually had the cheek to ask him to dc as much for me; he kindly consented and for once I-got the full expression : of his noble face. But there was nc pen. He had to use a penciE But ] was very gratefuf indeed. Encour-
 aged by this success. next tackled General Pershing who had pen i and gave me a good characteristic signature III lnk WiIH as mucn anna !, bility as the Marshal.
 Scene No. was at the fine private residence of Ambassador Sharp--a 1 reception in the afternoon. A crowt
 of the Paris population waited outside
 --of course. to see the hero of tn,
 day, General Pershing, who sure l of the crowd was taken out on a bal. of the crowd, was taken out on a ball ! cony to show himself. (Immenst cheering) J. and I were introduced to the General. I as being the ''Dov l en'' (the Senior) of the American Colony of Paris (Yes. Pm .afeered' that's true enoughl) He gave me z pleasant word or tyyo and a. good gril
 of his hand. He is a very fine speci men of a man. Tall, well set up, fine military figure, and of the agree able manners of a man accustomed | to polite society, as I'm sure he is He has made an excellent impression I here and is exceedingly popular.