The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-07-05
and France
 Celebrate July 4
 Honoring America
LONDON

London, July 4-No country ever cele- brated the national anniversary of an- other country as the people of Great Britain today are celebrating the Fourth of July Not alone in London, but in cities and villages throughout the kingdom in town halls and in churches, the American anniversary is being com memorated.
 Announcement from Washington that America had sent overseas her first 1,00o. 900 troops kindled immense enthusiasm and gave great impetus to the celebra- ton. Wherever there are American SOL diers and sailors, they are being en- tertained with great hospitality.
 The Fourth began in London on Wednesday night. The theatres and mu- sic halls were decorated with the Stars and Stripes and several thousand Ameri- can soldiers and sailors on leave were entertained at various places.
 American flags are out on official and the second time in history the Stars and Stripes wave above the great tower of the Parliament buildings in Westmin- ster alongside the Union Jack. The American flag is also on the lord mayor s mansion, in the heart of the city, Many English people wearing small Ameri- can flags on their coat lapels.
 The formal celebration began with a fellowship meeting in Central Hall, across the street from Westminster Abbey. Five hundred seats were allotted to American soldiers and sailors. The meeting opened of@ II lletx. ,x.I- playing ''The Star-Spangled Banner
 Viscount Bryce, former ambassador to the United States, presided and spoke of the past and present relations be- tween the two countries. Winston Spen- cer Churchill minister of munitions, then proposed "A greeting to the Presi- dent and people of the United States" This was seconded by N. w. Powell, president of the prvy council of Canada.
 Mai. Gen. George N. Putnam of New York proposed resolution expressing "Profound satisfaction that the two great English-speaking races find them selves for the first time fighting side by side in the cause of justice and lib- erty." The resolution was seconded by Professor Canby of Yale university.
 Vice Admiral Sims. commander of the American naval forces in the war zone, and General Riddle of the Amer lean army, tHcii WCi O tO SPSeN- liio meeting concluded with the singing of God Save the King" All American or ganizatfons in London had representa- lives at the meeting, and blocks of seats were set aside for wounded Brit ish, French. Belgian and Italian col diers.
 At noon the bells of St. Paups and the Douthwark cathedral were rung.
 Virtually all the Americans in Lon don were present in Central hall where yiscount Bryce and Winston Spencer Churchill delivered their addresses. The hall was crowded. all the extra space being taken by Britishers, whose en- thuisasm rivaled that of the Ameri- cans. The audience waved tiny silken flags and responded heartily to some ones shout of Three cheers for Wood row Wilson" From another quarter came the cry, ''For the King" And tne outburst of cheering was no less hearty.
 Enthusiasm was the note of the meet ing. The band of the Coldstream Guards played American airs, including Marching Through Georgia" Dixie" and other popular numbers, bringing cheers from the British as we'll as the Americans The Britishers did not he's itate to applaud even Yankee Doodle"
 There were solemn moments during the meeting when the invocation was given by the Lord Mayor of London. in which he said:
 Prosper the great work they have together and help them
 (Cenfinnea oA Pass Nine)