The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1918-12-04
PRESIDENT LEFT
FOR FRANCE With
BANDS PLAYING
CROWD CHEERING
Military Reception On Pier
When Party Arrives
At 7:30 A. NJ.
CARE FOR HIS
SAFETY TAKEN
After Embarking Ship
Was Sealed Against
Other Admissions
CARE FOR HIS
SAFETY TAKEN

icy A5HoCIALeu EESsG.1
New York, Dec. 4.-woodrow Will
son. President of the United States,
sailed today for Europe to partici-
pate as one of Ave representatives og
the United States to the peace con-
ference to be held in France. The
transport George Washington got
under way at 10:15 a. m.
Establishes Precedent
For the first time in the nations
history a President stepped on board
steamship which was to take him
to Europe, when today Woodrow
Wilson walked up the gang plank OF
the transport George Washington.
berthed at Hoboken pier awaiting
the executives arrival from WASH
ington. The George Washington was
prepared to sail two hours later to-,
France, where the President is tu
take part in the peace conference.
Military Reception
A picturesque military receptions
was accorded the President, Mrsa
Secretary Lansing, Secretary Tu-
multy and others, who were passen-
gers on the special train which
reached Hoboken at 1880 a. m.
The Presidents party included
two other members of the American
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES of State Rob-
ert Lansing and Henry White, for
mer ambassador to France and Italy.
Band Played "over There"
As the George Washington swung
out into the North river on a yoy-
age unprecedented in American his
tory. President and Mrs. Wilson
stood on the flying bridge. the high
est point to which passengers could
climb. An army band on the shore
played "Over There"
President and Mrs. Wilson had
breakfast alone in the private dining
room which is a part OF their suite.
Later they took a short stroll on the
ships deck and were appIauded by
persons assembled on the pier.
Fears Nal de Mer
The President, in high spirits. said
he was looking forward to the voy-
age as a rest-indeed the first real
rest since he assumed Office. He
remarked that IT might be 'an en-
forced rest for a few days." thus ac-
knowledgtng his reputation for being
a poor sailor. The George Washing
ton with its convoy of war vessels
will take the southern route, going
by way OF the Azores in order TO
avoid the colder temperatures which
would be encountered on the north
ern route.
An office desk in one room OF thes
Presidents suite was piled high with
telegrams and official documents be-
fore the transport sailed.
Reception at the Wharf
Between the spur of track on
which the train drew up at the en-
trance to the pier and the North riv-
er terminus of the pier, an archway
Of American flags had been erected.
AS the President stepped from the
train and shook hands with General
G. H. McManus, bugles and drums
sounded and an army band played
the Star Spangled Banner. Army
guards. and girls of the army trans
port service were drawn up in mili-s
tary formation
Accompanied by General McBIanus
and his staff, the presidential party
moved slowly under the archway of
flags and between solid rows Of sol
dieTs. who presented arms as the
President and Secretary Baker pass
ed.
Boards Steamer
Admiral Albert Gleaves, head OF
the GLulScr dIu transport GlNl&IOn Oh
the Atlantic feet. met the President
and shook hands with him at the on-
trance to the gangway. The Presi~
dent said good bye to General Nc
Manus, and accompanied by Admir-
al Gleaves, went aboard the trans
port, where he was introduced TO
Captain McAuley. the commander of
this former North German Lloyd
steamship.
With the transports departure to-
day 1T was disclosed that Secretary
Tumulty had been anxious 10 accom-
pany the President but that he yield
who believed that Mr.. Tumulty b
presence was needed in Washington.
Great Precautions Taken
On the train trip from Washington,
extraordinary precautions were TAX
en- by the secret service. Captain
John J. Henry and his entire WASH
ington staff accompanied the Presi-
dent. Meanwhile 200 secret service
experts had thoroughly examined the
George Washington and the loyalty
of every officer and seaman on board
was absolutely proven.
creeI Nearly Got Left
After the President stepped aboard
the ship was virtually sealed. even
army officers OF high rank being
barred. AS an illustration of the
situation. George CreeI, who did not
20 aboard at the time the President
did, found difficulty In later joining
the peace party de was Obliged 10
exert official pressure in order TO he
allowed TO 20 aboard.
Secretary Baker planned to leave
the George Washington before II got