Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-02-11
.BElFAsT's GoDsPEED
ITO TUSCAN|A MEN

Belfast Feb. 10--The Belfast Tele-
graph says that the party of Americans
who We're rescued from death in the
Tuscania disaster took farewell of Bel
fast Saturday afternoon entraining for
the south. Continuing 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 larg-
er. AS it was. their passing created
quite a stir Of interest and the enthu-
,iaSm lacked nothing for its ferVor and
good will
one contingent of the Americans
left Victoria barracks and the other
was from Carrick Fergus, the home Of
StonewaH Jacksons forefathers. Each
contingent had a military escort and
was accorded musical honors. The pa
rade at Victoria Barracks was under
command Of Lieut.. Col. McCammond
Of the Irish Rifles. Previous to the pa :
rade. the Americans had been the
guests Of the Rifles sergeants at a
smoker and concert. AS the TuscanianS
moved out headed by 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 theirs head
gear telling its own tale, and the
crowds attracted by the stirring mar
tial music increased as they passed
through the center Of the city TO the
station. There We're Involuntary eyes
right as the little column passed the
Telegraph" office, the men eagerly
scanning the contents Of the bulletin
boards. Members of the Reform Club
raised 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
Ulster division Of Reserves passing in
his motor car came to StandStlil. the
general took the salute
"One of the platforms at the station
was reserved for the departure and
here the men were drawn up and ad-
was attended by the MaceBearer. The
dressed by Lord Mayor Johnston. who
lord mayor said:
81 am hare on behalf Of the citizens
Of Belfast to give YOU cordial greetings
after teh trying circumstances which
YOU have come through during the past
few days. 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 you that any of your
comrades have been lost and are glau
that the news To-Day was more tncouf-
aging in the reduced extent of losses.
"You are going in the cause OF liberty
ana humanity TO do Your share Inc
United States have never Deen backward
where liberty was ieopardized and had TO
he fought for You are taking Year Tses
in Your hands in going out to meet a foe
the most degraded that has ever entered
any battle field We know you Will bring
honor and glory to yourselves and TO the
United States and will hearten and cheer
our Allies The United States has come
H. an opportune moment when RUSSIA
has gone out of the fray. we nave great
faith and sure confidence that with the
powerful assistance of America the victo-
nv will rest with the Allied arms. ] wish
YOU every one Godspeed and trust that
when the war is over YOU will be able
to visit us under more pleasant and less
trying circumstances.
The Americans raised a hearty cheer
for the lord mayor, who warmly shook
hands with the departing officers.
Miss Cunningham and her station
buffet staff has a busy - minutes regal
ing the men with tea and sandwiches and
handing around cigarettes III liberal
measure
The musical selections from the bands
were lively and inspiring and Aud Lang
Syne" was prelude TO the whistle Of
the engine. AS the train moved out OF
the station strains of The star Spansled
Banner filled the air, the troops stand
ing at attention in the carriages as their
national anthem was played. The men
left with grateful expressions for the
hospitality OF Belfast One soldier whose
sole garb at the time of MS rescue was a
shirt, was quite proud of himself in his
new rig-out. which was that of a ser
geant in the Royal Irish Rifles
Bishop Darcy OF Belfast has received
the following telegram from the Ameri-
can ambassador, Walter Hines Page:
~ beg your lordship to accept an ex-
preston of my heartfelt appreciation OF
the feelings conveyed in your telegram.
My compatriots join in receiving with
deepest gratitude the sympathy which
you so generously extended