New-York tribune., 1918-11-30
Committeeman Say Mayor
Is Placing Politics Ahead
of Welcome to Soldiers
5000 Will Arrive
In New York Monday
Official Arrangement Lag,
but Private Bodies Hope
to Stage Reception


the hands Of numerous waiting organi
cations this morning, the entry into
New York Monday of the first con-
tingent Of the nations victorious army
abroad will be without official notice
When the Mayor closed his desk and
went home last night he had announced
none Of the plans for which his own
committee has been waiting for two
days. With but half a working day left
to take action, the prospects Of fitting
reception for the 5000 aviators who
will sail up New York Harbor about
noon Monday were not bright last
night.
Voluntary action of individuals, who
expect to extend hearty greeting to
the veterans when they get within hail
ing distance Of the city, was assured
yesterday, no matter what the Mayor
may do. But It was said that In the
few hours remaining it was hardly
likely that an official reception could
be arranged.
Mayor LOOKS IOf voteS
A hint Of che underlying reasons for
this was offered by spokesman of the
Mayors Committee on National De-
fence, which has been unable to take
action in the interests of such re-
ception because Of lack of authority
from tho Mayor.
"The Mayor Is waiting to get to-
yether some busy little vote getters
and unless they are forthcoming there
will be no reception" was this mans
explanation. "This committee has been
non-partisan, and as a consequence,
hasn't made many votes for Mayor
Hylan. So he is going to get up, J, his
own receptions or have none at all"
When it became known that the re-
turn of the 9th Division was a matter
of but a month or more it was ex-
pected that the Mayors Committee on
National Defence, of which Henry Nc
Donald was director general, would i'm
mediately begin its long discussed
plans for great reception. But Mayor
Hylan Immediately announced that he
would place this task In the hands of q
committee Of 1000, to be named by him
at once.
AS far as could be learned yesterday,
only a few of the 1000 had accepted
places on his committee. Meanwhile
Mr.. Mcdonald announced his resigna
ton. Former Congressman George w.
Loft assumed his duties.
eve are waiting for some word from
Mayor Hylan before we can do any
thing" was the word sent out from Mr..
Lofts Office yesterday.
At the Mayors Office In the City Hall
the executives plans. or lack of plans,
were not revealed. His secretary was
not available to persons seeking infor-
nation concerning the proposed recep-
ton.
Plan Private Reception
But the Aero Club of America, the
Send-Of Dinner Committee and other
organizations which have attempted to
cooperate with the Mayor, or some rep
resentative of the Mayor, will arrange
a reception for the men that may be
as complete, even if unofficial, as If
the city had officially extended its hand
TO the returning heroes. Augustus
Post, acting for the Aero Club, said
it had been planned to have big dirigi-
bles sent down the bay to escort the
transport carrying the troops up to the
dockz. If the time is not too short
for the necessary arrangements, boat
will be provided to take a reception
NonfniJtee 70 OdnHy HOOK, WnerG the
men will be greeted.
A parade up Fifth Avenue also is
contemplated. To give such demon
Stration without assistance from the
city officials, however. will be difficult,
though Il Is thought reasonably GER
tain the parade can be held.
We can't let these boys slip in here
unobseryed," said Mr.. Post yesterday.
The plans have not been completed,
Tor various reasons, but / am sure that
there will be reception that will
show the FIRST of our fighters from
over there to come home that we ap-
preclate what they have done and that
they are welcome home.
Hope for Big Banquet
''The military organizations about
New York will provide the airplanes
and dirigibIes, ! think, to escort the
snip up the harbor. After that other
organizations will take charge Of them.
me men VIII have to 20 to camp at
8ineola, whsre they will be dismissed.
and. II left 10 their own devices. will
scatter throughout the city. We want
70 prevent hem from acattering be-
Tore ne haze greeted them properly"
:. ne members Of the Scnd~Of Dinner
committee. who have offered the ma
eninery Of their organization TO Mayor
hyihn. bope to give dinner 10 the re
t9fnia% eiegs shat viii cesipse even the
sreat f~''44et they served TO the de-
parting men. Wv