The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-12-26

ton IN scarlet ropes OF Offices cAhcAu-
ed formal welcome.
AS President Wilson walked to the
train a dozen girls wearing the Ameri-
can colors strewed petals OF roses In
his path. As the train bearing the
president left for London the airplanes
cred along the line Of the railway and
stations cileered as the train passed.
In reply to the city's address of well
come. President Wilson said:
I'VE have come thru many serious
times together and therefore can re-
gard each other in a new light as
comrades and associates. 1t is there
fore with deep emotion and peculiar
qualification that I find myself here
afforded the opportunity of matching
my mind with the minds of those who
with a like intention, are proposing to
do the best they can and that can be
done in the great settlement of the
struggle"
The Coolest Day.
Before the presidents arrival it
seemed as tho London was to have
it's coolest day of the winter, There
the rain nor the fog which usually
prevails in December. Before II
o'clock streets in the west end were
filled with holiday thro1gs: Across
st. James street was a huge blue ban
ner with the words 1.-THE citizens of
son." in gold letters.
Sightseers poured in during the
morning from all points. There were
thousands of soldiers anC sailors,
hundreds of school children, shep-
herded by nuns and teachers, burnt
cork Ministries with banjos, costers on
donkey carts, bishops in black CATERS,
generals in various uniforms and
women and girls in Christmas furs.
Many brought luncheons.
From government buildings in
Whitehall British and American flags
were flying from the same staff.
Photographs of President Wilson
were displayed in windows all along
mis- route to Buckingham palace. The
parade was witnessed by such an out
thusiasm as London had never known
except upon the occasion of corona
tons and of Queen Victorit's jubilee
in 1897. There was general agree
ment among Londoners that no visit
ing head of state had ever been
given such an ovation as that accord
ed the American president. The pro-
gress of the royal and presidential
party was in semi-state coaches, each
drawn by four dark horses, with two
postillions in scarlet coats, white
breeches and black silk hats and two
hind. The coaches were escorted by
squads Of scarlet coated outriders.
Cheers for Wilson.
AS the president, accompanied by
king George, emerged from the Char
ing Cross station, the crowd jammine
the streets broke into prolonged
cheers. Guns began to thunder out a
salute and dozens of airpIanes SCARED
overhead. Bells and chimes all over
the city pealed welcome. The presi-
dent was uncovered thruour the drive
to acknowledge the cheers. The scene
inside. the Charipg Cross station was
not less cordial. The reception party
included King George. Queen Mary
Princess Mary, Premier Lloyd George
| and all the members of the cabinet
the heads of the army and navy. pre-.
| miers of the dominions, representa-
| tive of India and other officials.
There was a guard of honor from
the Scots guards. while the band o.
1.-THE grenadier guards played the 'Stal
| Spangled Banner" The king ant
| queen and Princess Mary greeted
President Wilson with cordially, ant
they evidently were impressed mos
| favorably with the general reception
to him. President Wilson, accom-
panied by King George and the Duk,
| of Connaught. inspected the guard o
honor Premier Lloyd George and tn,
members of the reception committe
| were then presented to the president