New-York tribune., 1918-02-11
Soldiers Depart to Strains
of "The Star-Spangled
Banner"
Lord Mayor Lauds
American Courage
Irish Rifles Give u. S.
Troops a Rousing
Send-Of

BELFAST, Ireland, Feb. 10-The
Belfast "Tclegraph" says that the
party Of Americans who were rescued
from death in the Tuscania sinking
took farewell of Belfast Saturday af-
ternoon, entraining for the south. Con
tinuing, the Telegraph" says:
"The departure of the Americans was
not generally known, else the crowds
that cheered their progress to the sta
ton would have been many times
ated stir, and the enthusiasm lacked
nothing for it's fervor and good will.
"One contingent of the Americans
left Victoria Barracks and the other
was from Carrickfergus, the home of
Stonewall Jackson's forefathers. Each
contingent had a military escort and
was accorded musical honors. The
parade at Victoria Barracks was under
command of Lieutenant Colonel Nc
Cammond of the Irish Rifles.
"Previous to the parade the Ameri
cans had been the guests Of the Rifles
sergeants at smoker and concert. As
band, they were heartily cheered by
groups Of men Of the garrison who
were off duty. The Americans were
quickly identified in the streets, the
variety of their headgear telling its
own tale. and the crowds, attracted by
the stirring martial music, increased
as they passed through the centre of
the city to the station. There were
eyes right as the little column passed
the Telegraph" office, the men eagerly
scanning the contents of the bulletin
board.
members of the Reform Club raised
a vigorous cheer as the Stars and
Stripes men swung past in their four
deep formation, and at another point
en- route, when the general of the Ul-
ster Division OF Reserves, passing in
has motor car, came to q Standstill, the
general took the salute.
lord Mayor Addresses Troops.
Gone Of the platforms at the station
was reserved for the DEPARTURE and
dressed by Lord Mayor Johnston, who
was attended by the macebearer.
"The Lord Mayor said:
am here on behalf Of the citizens
OF Belfast to give YOU cordial greetings
after the trying circumstances which
you have come through. We rejoice
that so many Of you have been spared
and we are glad to see you looking in
such fine form. We sorrow with yo.
that any Of your comrades have ben
lost and are glad that the news to-day
was more encouraging in the reduced
extent of losses.
You are going in the cause Of lih-
erty and humanity to do your share.
The United States has never peen
backward where liberty was ieopardized
and had to be fought for You are
taking your lives in your hands III
going out to meet foe-the most dc
graded that has ever entered any bat
tlefeld.
Opportune Aid From United States
I'VE know you will bring honor and
glory to yourselves and to the United
States and will hearten ard cheer the
Allies. The United States has conie in
| at, an opportune moment when Russia
has gone out of the fray. We nave
great faith aid sure conGdcna, tina.
with the powerful assistance Of Amer
ica the victory will rest with the Allied
arms. | wish you every one golspec1
and trust that when the war is ovcl
you will be able to visit us under more
pleasant and less trying circum stances
The Americans raised hearty cheer
for the Lord Mayor, who warmly snoch
hands with the departing officers
"Miss Cunningham and her station
buffet staff had busy twenty minutes
regaling the men with tea and sand
wiches and handing around cigarette.
IN liberal measure
"The musical selections from tn,
bands were lively and inspiring. ane
Aud Lang Syne' was a prelude to tn,
whistle of the engine. and as tn, trai1
moved out the strains of The Sta
Spangled Banner filled the Air, tf,
troops standing at attention in The cac
riages.
"Thc men left with grateful cxpres
sions of the hospitality Of Belfasts. On,
soldier, whose sole garb at the time o
his rescue was a shirt, was quite prou,
Of himself in his new rigout, whicl
was that of a sergeant in the Roya
Irish Rifles.
"Bishop Darcy, of Belfast, has re
ceived the following telegram from tn
American Ambassador. Walter Hlne
Page:
"I beg your lordsfip to accept a.
expression of my heartfelt apprccll
ton of the feelings conveyed II. you
telegram. My compatriots join in re
ceiving with deepest gratitude IT,
sympathy which you so generously ev
ton6od