The Chattanooga news. [volume] (Chattanooga, Tenn.) 1891-1939, 1918-12-13


Dor OF Brest on board the steamer
George Washington at o'clock. this
afternoon and precisely at 1924
O'Clock stepped on shore. the first
time an American president had trod
European soil.
President Wilson came ashore with
Mrs. Wilson. who carried an Amer
ican flag and bouquet.
There was a laundering cannon
ade as the presidents launch left the
George Washington and landed at
pier No. 3. 1t was escorted to the
Tribune amid cheers and the notes
of 1.-THE Star Spangled Banner"
President Wilson's progress from
the pier to his train was amidst a
vociferous welcome from the throngs
in the streets.
President Wilson left Brest for
Paris at o'clock this afternoon.
The outer strait leading from. the
harbor to the sea is clearly marked
with its towering black rocks on the
south. where submarines used to
lurk. and land batteries with tho
lighthouse to the north. The ave-
nues and terraces leading from the
harbor are still drenched, but an
army of laborers has been clearing
the mud from the route which Presi-
dent Wilson will cover and wind
torn decorations have been replaced
with new ones. Reports this morn
ing stated that the presidential feet
is approaching short distance off
shore and an suspicious day is
promised to mark the first time an
American president steps on Eu-
ropean soil.
Scene Of Animation.
Within the harbor there is a scene
of animation. With the first break
of day fleets of warships and mer-
chant craft broke out their colors
and dressed the ship with long. lines
of streamers. A group Of French
cruisers. in their war paint, swung al
anchorage with score of French
destrovers about them. Near at hand
Ioomed the big liner La France, used
as a hospital ship, but about to re-
sumo her transatlantic service. Amer
lean destroyers, naval yachts and
small craft glided about the harbol
and further off lay great flotillas OF
merchant ships, transports, freight
ers and quaint Breton fishing craft
Two American freighters were still
unloading army supplies here and ar
American transport was preparing tc
take more American troops home
ward. 1t was a scene stirring witt
activity and one which glowed with
color as by touch Of sunlight.
Airplanes Hover Overhead.
Since early morning fleet of air.
planes has lowered over the entrance
-, - 4n~
the approaching fleet. On shore
there was equal animation, as vast
throngs of Bretons in their pictures
que headgear packed the streets ant
massed along the quays and terraces
overlooking the harbor. Early in the
dav French and American soldiers
lined the streets and took assigned
positions along the Cours Dajot. tho
handsome promenade leading from
the commercial harbor to the city
over which President Wilson will
pass.
About Q o'clock the French cruisei
squadron, consisting of the Admira
Aube, Conde and Montcalm, with 9
number of destroyers, moved out Of
the harbor amid the screech Of sirens
to meet the incoming fleet off shore
Pershing, Bliss, House, Sharpe.
A special train bearing Stepher
Pinchon. the French foreign minis
ter; Georges Leygues. the minister o.
marine, and other distinguished Of,
fcials. officers Of the army and
navy. and the foreign committee o.
the chamber of deputies arrived this
morning, and another train brough'
American Ambassador Saarpe. Col
House. Gen. Pershing. Gen. Bliss, Ad-
miral Benson and other prominent
Americans.