New Britain herald., 1918-10-22
CHAPTER XVI.

Copyright, 1918, by William Fox) 0N May 8, 1917, Major General ~ Pershing received orders from the War Department to proceed i'm medately to Washington for a con- ference. It was popularly supposed at that time that he would have an active part in the training of the new army.
 No one then believed that the United States would be able to send any substantial force to the scene of the war for a year at least. President Wilson, however, knew that, if Amer ica was to win the war, measures must be taken immediately for effec- tive operation. Her allies, England, and France, were doing noble work, but their resources were becoming depleted.
 A campaign of preparation had to be inaugurated in the shortest time possible. so that the American forces would be ready against the time of need.
 Arriving in Washington, General PerShing was informed of the secret plans of the government, and drafted an outline Of operations in conjunc- ton with Marshal Joffre, commander of the French army, who was here on a special mission for his governm ent. On May 24 Pershing was Summ oned to the White House. The President wished to give him certain instruc- tions. What these instructions were never will be definitely known; but in view of later events it is to be pre- stunned that President Wilson mapped
 
 ment and entrusted him with the vii tally important task of winning the war for America.
 General Pershing was regarded as the only logical man for his work. He had a long list of military victories to his credit. He had the reputation of never attempting a task in which he did not succeed. He had the stick lI-to-it-lveness that always wins. He had the essential ability to lead men and to make them love him. Tn short he was the ideal commander who will take his men through thick and thin, always looking out for their welfare before considering his own.
 Four days later. on May 28, with his entire staff and a number of en- listed men from engineer regiments, he sailed for England on his way to establish general headquarters near the front in France. Great secrecy was maintained about this sailing, for it was evident that Germany would be willing to sacrifice any number of U-boats to prevent the ar rival of this distinguished officer in Europe.
 On June the ship was met by destroyers flying the Stars and Stripes vI, S0I~ h ,Crh h. marine zone. On arrival in port, 8 special train was awaiting the party and soon they were in London.
 Pershing's arrival in England mark ed the dawn of a new epoch. It brought high encouragement and hope to the nations that had been suffering and giving their all for three years in the grim struggle of democracy against autoCracy. Amer ica's entry into the conflict meant a new and mighty weapon against the kaiser Her army. under Pershine, would be the deciding factor in the victory that was sure to follow.
 At the earliest possible moment King George received General Persh- ing and his staff. Simplicity and cor diality marked this reception at Buckingham Palace. General Lord brOOke, COT1I1dnucf Ol ei NdlldoIeIil brigade. presented the American commander. With a warm handclasp the king greeted Pershing.
 Tt has been the dream of my life to see the two great English speaking nations more closely united" said the king. My dream has been realized It is with the utmost pleasure that I welcome you at the head of the Am erican contingent, tc our shores"
 He talked at length concerning the plans of the United States, and took occasion to become acquainted with each mem Der of his staff.
 Leaving the palace, Pershing mo- tored to the American embassy where he had a conference with Ambassa- dor Page, who later took him to the British War Office for a series of inn portant meetings with the general staff of the British army.
 The general was deluged with invi- tations of a social nature while in England. Many of these he was able to avoid on account of important bus mess, but his hosts would not accept all declinations, and every free mo- menf he was feted as a hero.
 On the 18th of June he had an op-