Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1918-12-28
Circulation Every 10101
Evening Yesterday i XOxOA i
SATURDAY. DECEMBER IS 1918
Mr.. Wilson'S Reception in England.

OF the reception accorded President
Wilson on his arrival In England, especial
ily in the great city of London, it is said
that nothing OF the kind that occurred
In the past ever exceeded IL in the mag
niicencc and thoroughness Of the cere-
monies. And the spirit that actuated
this grand reception, and drew forth
'from thousands of England's citizens the
most inspired plaudits and most enthusi-
astic words of welcome, was one that
cannot be misunderstood. 10 repre-
srnted real and unfeigned British senti-
mcnt.
from time immemorial London has
been the scene Of mighty demonstrations
upon the occasion OF the reception OF
ROYALTY, of citizens OF high standing, and
especially Of military and naval heroes
There have been many receptions 20
Kings coming 10 London for coronation.
Naval heroes. from Drake Howard and
Frobisher in the DAYS oi Elizabeth, were
acclaimed by the London populace and
received with kingly splendor. in honor of
their great victory over the Spanish Ar
mada Military leaders oi renown-
Marlborough. returning from has triumpbs
over the armies OF France: Wellington,
with victory al Waterloo as his crowning
glory; and later war heroes. Roberts and
Kitchener, have tasted the JOYS and felt
the thrills OF an enthusiastic British re-
ception But no. one Of these or other
notables. received such reception as
WAS accorded the President Of the United
states. No King OF England, even. ever
Was accorded greater or more enthusiastic
vcl,ome 10 the capital Of the kingdom
While President Wilson could not have
anticipated such an oycrv helming rccep-
rion, be no doubt knew that hc would
lie received with great honor. by reason Of
the distinguished POS xion he now oCcu-
pies L Is no wonder therefore. that Ec
yielded 20 the temptation 70 break pre-
cedcnt and 60 abroad th, tirsf Pres dent
OF the nitcd States 70 leave thc country
IN such manner Md no matter what
criticism may be continucd il respect Of
: bis course-snd great deal Of that al
, ready INDUCED 10 has been very hostile
there IS no doubt be will never entertain
the slightest regret for the step nc has
: taken. His soiourn abroad with the
magnificent welcome extended 10 him b,
the French people and the great honors
show cred upon him in England, with other
receptions and evidences f Eigh favor 70
come, will ever remain one of the mott
encos Of his lile
But It l. not believed hat desire for
personal honors and compliment actuated
President wilson IN deter mining 10 enter
upon has venture OF journey 20 Europe
Grave oue4. ions are 10 be consider ed and
decided by the Peace Conference soon to
assemble at Versailles. and In this con
sidefat,on and determination our country
Is bound 20 have a leading and very in
ffuential part. From the beginning OF the
war, and especially from the hour that
our Congress solemnly and deliberately
voted 10 become participant in the great
conflict, President Wilson has been the
, leader, the chief adviser, in every step
that was taken II was only
natural, therefore, that he should
have had a desire to go abroad, 10 meet
and confer with those who will have active
participation Ia the conference, to learn
their desues and their purposes, and 10
clearly SET forth his own, and 10 make
known the position that our country is
likely TO take.
Also. it is equally apparent that Presi-
dent Wilson's visit is most welcome IN
our Allies in Europe They know wha, he
hes done They know what our country
has done-how our naval and military
power proved the deciding factor in the
war and enabled the Allies TO win glorious
victory. They had an ardent desire for
his presence, for the opportunity Of con-
ferrins with him in person, and realizing
all the advantage that may possibly arise
from his presence and his counsel
And this recognition Of what our coun-
try and our President have done TO win
for righteousness In the great war, now SO
happily over, is no doubt the underlying
inspiration for the splendid receptions that
have been rendered our President, the
great LonoTs that have been bestowed upon
him, and the evident manifcs tations Of
admiration and esteem from the people
Of France and Great Britain II is not
mere hero worship, for our President Is
not soldier and bad no personal part in
winning the war on the field OF battle But
the people OF France and Great Britain,
aud OF every other country engaged in
fighting the mighty forces Of German mill
tarism 10 4 successful Issue, are thankful
for the aid rendered By our countr, with
out which they do not hesitate TO admit,