The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-09-11
CONGRESS FRAMES
PERSHING TRIBUTE
Joint Committee Completes
Detailed Plans for We'll
coming General.
Special Despotch 10 Tnr srN.

Speciuf DeSpdtch 10 IHE sun.
WASHINGTON, Sept. 10.-One OF the
most notable official receptions ever 40
corded an Americal military hero has
been arranged by Congress in honor of
Gen. Pershing.
Detailed plans for the Conversational
welcome to the commander in chief OF
the American Expeditionary Force were
completed to-day by the special Joint
committee OF the two houses appointed
for this purpose.
To express the appreciation of the
American people and the Congress for
the Generals distinguished service a
joint SESSION Of the Senate and House
has been called for o'clock Thurs
day, September is, in the House cham
Der.
At that time Gen. Pershing has con-
sented to make a brief address in re-
Spouse to the several speeches of Con-
gressional leaders. Gen. Pershing will
be welcomed In behalf Of the Senate by
Vice-President Marshall, and Speaker
Gillett will speak for the House As an
indica ton that partisan politics will have
no part in the reception, the honor OF
presenting TO Gen. Pershng a gold sword
in behalf of Congress has been extended
to Champ Clark. the Democratic leader.
Mr. Clark was selected for this honor
because he is the senior member from
Gen. Pershing's home State-Missouri.
II is also probable that the rank OF
General for life recently accorded Gen
Pershing by Congress will be officially
conferred on him during the welcome.
General Reception Planned.
After all the speechmaking and official
ceremonies are over the Joint session
will be converted into a round of hand
shaking such as would be found in any
little country town on the return OF
favorite son from journeys afar. Each
member OF Congress will be given
chance to meet the General informally
and chat briefly with him.
The only shortcoming to the brilliant
welcome viii be the absence of the
President from Washington. 1t was de-
sired that he be on hand TO welcome
Gen. Pershing in behalf of the nation
and because OF his official position to
present the military leader with his per-
manent Generalship. 1t is also probable
tho official resolution of Congress tender
ing to Gen. Pershing and fighters of the
American Expeditionary Force the
thanks of the nation and Congress can
not be presented during the reception
as Mr. Wilson is too far away from Wash
ington to be able to sign 1t in time.
The resolution also carries the ap-
for the sword OF honor, but
leaders to-day said the sword will be
presented whether the resolution IL
signed before the Joint session or not
Invitations to attend the joint SEES
sion have been sent to all the high OF
heials of the Government.
A special reservation has been made
in the galleries for Gen. Pershing's rel
atives.
Although the joint committee arrang-
ing the reception has decided to hold the
Joint session in the House chamber,
some members are urging it be held on
the Capitol Plaza that more people can
attend The House galleries can ao-
fewer than 1000 people
Resolution of Thanks.
The resolution OF Congress extending
the thanks of the American people To
Gen. Pershing and providing for the
gold sword, was introduced in the House
to-day by Chairman Kahn (Cal) OF
the House Military Committee. 1t readSs
RESOLVED, by the Senate and House
of Representatives In Congress as
sembled, that the thanks OF the
American people and of the Congress
Of the United states are due and are
hereby rendered to Gen. John J. Per-
shing for his highly distinguished
services as Commander in Chief OF
the American EXpeditionary Forces
in Europe and to the officers and men
under his command for their unwav-
ering devotion and heroic Valor
throughout the war
THAT there IL hereby appropriated
out OF the money in the Treasury not
otherwise appropriated the sum OF
$4,000. or so much thereof as may
be necessary, for the purchase OF
sword OF honor to be presented to
Gen. Pershing on behalf of the Amer
lean people by the Congress OF the
United States"