New-York tribune., 1919-09-09
knowledged Immediately by waving of
hats and hAndkerchiefs.

and amid enthusiastic noise which ex-
hausted the stosm in every harbor
boiler, the Leviathan came to halt
off Pier 4, Hoboken, and was slowly
warped into her berth. The decks and
pier sheds as far as the eye could
penetrate were crowded with welcom-
ing humanity. A khaki band--regulars
of the 2Srd Infantry Regiment-struck
up "Thc Star-Spangled Banner" while
neatly aligned rows of war workers
waved Old Glory and Red Cross ban
ners.
Noted Americans at Pier
Pier 4, decorated with the national
emblem as it has never been decorated
before. formed veritabe color booth
for the liners reception. Meantime
the big general, who had saluted
gravely at first, then gathered the
spirit of the thing, waved his hat from
the bridge, disappeared from that posi-
tion and stood with his staff members
on lower deck ready for dsembark-
alton.
than's last rope was tied to the pier
distinguished party had assembled
on the upper floor Of the pier ware
house anxious to greet the commander
in chief as he stepped ashore. Headed
by Secretary of War Baker, General
Peyton c. March, chief of staff; Lieu
tenant General Robert Lee Bullard
Major General McAndrew, head of War
College in Washington, and fanked by
many other major generals, brigadier
generals and colonels; John D. Ryan,
Rodman Wanamaker, head of the
Mayors COMMITTEES; Champ Clark, w A.
McAdoo, Mrs. D. M. Butler and Miss May
Pershing, sisters of the general, from
Lincoln, Neb., this party expected Gen
eral Pershing to come ashore at once
However, they were disappointed
when newspapermen and photographers
first boarded the liner and Immediately
engaged the general. "All right" he
agreed, and leading a hurrying pro-
upper boat deck where he posed for
nearly two score clicking cameras. A
woman reporter approached the gen.
eral and begged for Gust few
words" "l've been up all night, now
please say something" she begged the
general.
General is Overwhelmed
you're looking as fine and fresh as
a morning rose" he replied. Then his
manner changed. Emotion seemed tc
sweep over him. He gestured with
his shoulders slightly - like one
might unconsciously learn to do when
long in France. His eyes moistened,
his voice was husky. He sad
What can l say? What could +
say? Of course, there is nothing for
me to say under such circumstances
as these. 1t is simply overwhelming
simply overpowering. To say that
am home would be entirely superf1u-
Gus. I accept this welcome in the
name of the brave fellows who came
over and served to the best of their
ability and helped make our success
possible. l thank you"
With these words the general hur-
RED away from the group and down
the stairs.
1t was only a matter Of minutes
until he set foot on home soil With
long strides he stepped across the
gangplank into the pier shed. Sec
retary Baker was the first to shake
his hand. A few words passed between
them and others eagerly pressed for
ward. The general was fairly over
whclmed for moment until he
reached his waiting sisters, and then
greeting.
Master Warren Pershing, the gen
erals son, sprightly curly blond
haired boy. who has been with his
father several months in France. came
down the gangplank after the staff
members hau disembarked.
Aunts Embrace Warren
He Immediately fell into the wait
ing arms of his two aunts who almost
devoured him with affection. War
rem is the generals only child. Mrs.
pershing and three others persisted
in fire at the Preside, California,
while General Pershing was in Mex
co several years ago.
While a guard of honor stood at
rigid attention within the warehouse,
the party walked to small platform
which had been erected. Over it hung
the flag bearing four stars of q full
general and behind it and in front
of it draped the Stars and Stripes
of the national banner. A small group
of people were seated in chairs facing
the platform. On the front row sa,
Warren Pershing and his two newly
claimed aunts. Secretary Baker took
place, standing on the platform. The
general mounted and was seated Then
the Secretary read his formal address
of welcome. The general sat motion
less through it all.
Following the rather brief welcome