The sun., 1918-12-05

with some one here to-day. I always
do. i was just saying to the Presi-
dent, Governor (the former Governor
OF New Jersey and his secretary then
as now, are always Governor" and
Joe" to each other), every time &c
on n trip with you 1 am arrested OF
get into an argument with some one,
Everythings gone finely SO far. bu,
I feel II In my blood I'll get into
some trouble YETI"
The only other untoward INCIDENT on
the pier was tho belated arrival OF
George Creel, chairman of the Com
mittee on Public Information. He al
most missed going to Europe because
IL took some time to convince a con-
siderable part Of the United States
army which tried to stop him that he
really belonged aboard the George
Washington.
Guns Speak the Farewell.
The President. having done his part
In all the official ceremony. including
a meeting with Rear Admiral Gleaves.
head OF the cruiser and transport divl-
sion Of the Atlantic fleet, at the en-
trance to the gangway just before Mr.,
Wilson went aboard, and having
breakfasted, eventually mounted to the
flying bridge Of the ship with Mrs.
Wilson and DR.. Grayson. AS the gang
plank swung in the band offered HAL
to the Chief" swerving to "Over
There" as the vessel swung backed
into the stream. Then a destroyer
roared forth the Presidential salute
and the George Washington's guns
replied. Every sort Of harbor craft
set up whistling that was continued
for long time.
Two camoufiaged destroyers. one on
either side. escorted the transport
down the river, with n navy tug sniff
fing ahead A squadron Of airplanes
which had been lettering in the clouds
and waiting. swooped down, providing
an aerial convoyage.
Down the bay, Off Staten Island. the
Pennsylvania, fresh painted. swung In
ahead OF the Presidents ship. and Ave
destroyers which are to convoy II
across the Atlantic dropped into their
places In making a semicircle around
the George Washington. In the Mar
rows q section OF the net that was set
to catch submarines had been lifted,
and through this widened channel the
growing feet slowly swept. The Rich
mond schools had closed The children,
waving flags and probably singing
THE Star Spangled Banner" were
clustered at the waters edge. especially
at Clifton. where the ships had to pass
within 500 feet OF land.
Four more destroyers fell into line
near Tompkinsville. bringing up the
rear OF the procession.
Waves His Flag 20 the Last.
Throughout all this the President
and his small group on the flying
bridge stood at the starboard side, each
waving q little American flag. Two
airplanes from Hazlehurst Field were
still circling protectingly over the feet
as 1t steamed down the lower bay.
Everywhere along the Richmond and
Brooklyn shores folks were shouting
Good luck" God bless you" and an
occasional Bon voyage" and the
President was waving his little flag
as long as any one could see him.
The ships are moving at ordinary
cruising speed as there is no reason
for haste. AS the French officials will
be taking part In the great celebration
over the redemption OF Alsace-Lor-
raine during the middle Of next week
they want the Presidents arrival so
timed that all the Government heads
can welcome him. Therefore Admiral
Mayo. commanding the convoy. has
laid out a slow schedule. The port OF
destination is not officially announced,
but Is understood TO be Brest, which Is
the chief American army port in
France and where many American SOL
diers will be on hand when the Presi-
dent arrives.
Five Destroyer In Convoy.
Admiral Mayo said yesterday morn
ing that he anticipated no trouble ex-
cept the faint possibility OF encounter
ing a stray floating mine. As the
Pennsylvania Will lead all the way
across, and will be dead ahead Of the
George Washington, the dreadnought
the risk. Five destroyers
are doing the conveying, in wartime
formation. The other that left New
York yesterday were simply a guard
OF honor turning back when the open
sea was reached. The feet is provided
with both seaplanes and dirigible bal
looms, which fly about and over the
navy vessels and are in touch with
them by wireless and other signal
The Pennsylvania Is commanded by
Capt. l.. NJ. Mutton. The FIVE convoy
Ing destroyers are the Wickes, Wool
sey, Lea. Tarbell and Yarnell. Two
divisions of the Atlantic fleet will meet
the ships off the coast of France and
escort them to port. Rear Admiral
II. II. Knapp and Capt. William v.
Pratt arc with the Presidential party
on the George Washington.
The George Washington sailed with
officers and l,O49 men.
The executive officer is Commander F.
NJ. Perkins and the navigating Of
hcer Lieutenant Commander John II.
Peters. Seventy-flve marines, COM
by Major David H. Miller,
form the Presidents guard OF honor.
Among those who sailed on the
George Washington were John w.
Davis. American Ambassador near the
Court Of st. James's. and Mrs. Davis;
the French and Italian Ambassadors,
Brig Gen. W. II. Harris, who will
command the military aids at the
peace conference; Brig. -Gen. Marl-
borough Churchill. chief OF military
Raymond d. Fosdick,
chairman OF the Training Camp Com
mission; Mrs. Gordon Auchincloss,
daughter of Col House. who with