Omaha daily bee., 1918-12-27

thin the memory of the oldest
The days events constitute trib.
ute to the president and the United
States which will be historic. The
official ceremonials-a reception by
the Dover corporation and the navy;
the welcome at the station by the
royal family and the chief officials
of the empire, and the state prog
ress through the heart of London
were colored with touches of me-
dieval pageantry, even to the crim-
son-coated beefeaters from the
Tower, bearing halberds which the
British people cherish, That the
central figure of the royal process
sion in quaint state carriages. at
tended by a military escort and
household officials. should be a civ
ilian wearing black coat and silk
hat gave a flavor of novelty to the
scene.
Wait for Hours in Cold.
But the assembling of the people
was spontaneous. That was the
chief note of the day. There had
been no time to erect stands and
windows were not advertised for
rent. The people simply .focked i'll
from all quarters, afoot, in motors
and other vehicles, carrying flags
and their lunches, and standing for.
hours in the cold for a chance to
get sight of the president.
1t was a gathering, principally, of
the plain people; the others were in
the country for the holiday. 1t was
diverse and picturesque throng
such as few capitals can muster,
with a large element of soldiers.
among whom the colonials and
Americans seemed conspicuous and
popular, detachment of wounded
from the hospitals, attended by
nurses. getting large share of the
cheers.
1t is estimated that 100000 peo-
pie crowded the two miles of streets
through which the state procession
passed These were canopied witt,
flags and bunting and, amid /. the
thudding of the saluting cannon. the
president of the United States re-
ceiving a popular welcome almost
unprecedented in history.
Salute Fired from Tower.
The presidents trip to Londor
was made on schedule. His train
which left Dover at 1888 O'clock.
arrived at Charing Cross station on
time.
As the presidents train crossed
the Thames and entered the station
great chear went up from the
crowds. A salute OF 41 guns was
fired from the tower of London
and in Hyde park
The parade moved smoothly ac-
cording to program. 1t was wit
messed by such an outpouring of
people and amid such enthusiasm
as London had never known except
upon the occasion OF coronations
and of Queen Victoria's jubilee in
1897. There was general agreement
among Londoners that no visiting
head of state had ever been given
such an ovation as that accorded
the American president
Coaches Drawn by Horses.
The progress of the royal and
presidential party was in semi
stage coaches, each drawn by four
dark horses, with two positions in
scarlet coats, white breeches and
black silk hats and two footmen in
long buff overcoats sitting behind
The coaches were escorted by,
squads Of scarlet-coated outriders.
Enthusiastic scenes marked the
arrival at the Charing Cross sta
ton, AS the president, accompanied
by King George, emerged from the
station the crowds jamming the
streets broke into. prolonged cheers.
At the same time guns began to
thunder out salute and dozens Of
airplanes scared overhead. Ths
bells and chimes all over the city
also pealed a welcome.
During the procession flags, hats
and handkerchiefs were waved. The
president was uncovered throughout
the drive 10 acknowledge the cheers.
Met by King at Station.
The scene inside the Charine
Cross station was not less cordial.
although not so noisy. The recep-
ton party included King George,
Queen Mary, Princess Mary, Pre-
mier Lloyd George and all the men,
bers of the cabinet, the heads of the
army and navy, premiers Of the var
ious dominions, representative OF
India and other officials. There
was a guard of honor from the
Scots guards, while the band OF the
grenadier guards played the "Star
Spangled Banner"
The procession in which presk,