Evening star., 1919-09-18
PERSH|NG PRAISES
!. WORK OF POLICE
Says He Never Saw Better
Arrangements-PracticaIIy
No Disorder-FeW Thefts.

Gen. Pcrshing Immediately after the
finish of his ride up the Avenue yester-
day and again at the conclusion of the
great parade personally requested the
major and superintendent to con-
gratulate the members of the whole
department for their efficient work
during the day. He said that he was
anxious that you should know that he
had never seen better execution of
what appeared to him as perfect po-
lice arrangements.
The major and superintendent
wishes to thank every man for his in
telligent performance of duties and
for the snap and team work in car
rying out every one of the many de-
tails in the police plans for one of the
greatest paradeS ever held in the Ma
tionS Capital"
Mai. Pullman had copies of the fore
going congratulatory message sent to
the several precinct commanders, to be
read at the roll calls today. In addition
to personally thanking members of his
command for the successful efforts to
protect the crowds on the streets and
the homes of residents of the city, the
superintendent of police made it
known that he fully appreciated the az
sistance rendered by the public ord>r
committee Home Defense League, Boy
Scouts, national guardsmen and 9TH
ers.
Was Practically No Disorder.
Reports received at police headquar-
ters last night made it plain that there
had been practically no disorder, COM
paratively little stealing and few ac-
cidents. Several persons failed to obey
police injunction against overhaul
gence in spirituous liquor and landed
behind the bars. Several automobile
theftS were reDOrted,
Spectators along the line of the pa
rade ignored Maj. Pullman's oroer
against the use of boxes. chairs and
other obstructions on the sidewalk.
Many persons, chief yboys, were along
the line selling boxes or renting chairs
and the police deemed it advisable not
to attempt to stop them
Compelling persons to abandon
boxes or chairs would only cause con-
fusion" remarked a policeman. whose
attention was called to number OF
such distractions on one crowded cor
ner.
Known Crooks Watched.
Police captains moved about the
areas assigned to them and person
ally supervised the work OF their
commands, while Inspector Clifford L.
Grant, chief of detectives, was In
evidence on the streets looking after
members of his command and visiting
detectives known crooks and sus-
pected persons seem in the crowds
were warned or compelled to leave.
Detectives said they were surprised
that more crooks did not come here
from other sections, the welcome
celebra ton having been so widely ad-
vertiSed.
This mornings Police Court van list
contained total of only twenty-six
names. two dozen men and two
women.
Pershing Aids Wounded Man.
Walking with Maj. Pullman at the
close of the parade, Gen. Pershing no
ticed one of the wounded soldiers,
who had lost a leg in battle. trying
to photograph him. He Immediately
stopped to assist the amateur pho
tographer and then engaged him in |
conversation, learning of his identity |
and war service.
Many of the visiting detectives re-
turned home last night. Several re-
mained until today. however. to as
sist in any "clean up that might be
necessary. There was nothing for
them to do today, and they departed
on early trains.