Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1919-09-25
CONGRESS THANK S
GENERAL PERS HIM
Gratitude of the American Peo-
pie Is Formally Expressed to
Distinguished Commander of
Overseas Force
A DRAMATIC SCENE
Champ Clark Explains Resolution of
Thnnks--GenernI Pershing Responds
and Tells In Modest Language what
Our Army Did Abrond

Washington, Sept. 1o.--Reachine its
climax la a scene in the House cham
Der that drew added dignity from the
simplicity of the setting the nations
welcome to General John J. Pershing
came to an end to-day when the thanks
OF Congress and of the American peo-
pie were extended to him and to the
army he commanded.
There were no military bands or
ranks of soldiery. But one flag, that
draped on the wall back of the speak
er's chair, was displayed. The warmth
of the greeting he received, coupled
with the fact that few Americans ever
have been similarly honored, could
have left no doubt In General Perish :
ing's mind that it was the heart of
the nation that spoke to him.
After the Senate membership, accord
ing to custom. had marched into the
House chamber to find seats in the
front benches. the senior officers OF
the general staff. headed by General
March, took their places on the benches
to the right while Admiral Benson lead
the bureau chief of the navy to similar
seats on the left. Members OF the Pres
idents cabinet filed in to take seats
In the semi-circle before the speakers
DESK leaving vacant a score of chairs
in the center for General Pershing and
his staff
Mr.. Speaker" announced the sergeant
alarms John Pershing, general of the
| armies of the United States. and his
staff"
Senators. representatives and the hun
dreds in the galleries rose to face the
main entrance to the chamber. The
door swung back and the joint reception
! committee. headed by Chairmen Wads-
worth and Kahn of the Senate and House
military committees. respectively, and
their ranking democratic colleagues, and
including Representative Mondell ma
Jorty floor leader, and former Speaker
Clark came in. Behind them walked
Genera; Persh!ng at the head OF his
| staff. A roar of applause punctuated with
| 2 rebel yell'' greeted him.
| Marching like a soldier on parade the
general strobe to the chair in the very
center before the speakers desk re.
served for him. The tumult OF welcome
| subsidized only when Speaker Gilett rap
ped for order.
Senator Cummins of Iowa president
protein of the Senate, from his place
| beside Speaker Gilett. gave the first
greeting. His references to the valor OF
| the troops in France brought frequent
bursts Of applause.
Speaker GileLt employed ighte,
touch. Prefacing his own remarks, he
said that the committee of arrangement
having provided for the address in behal
of the Senate. had thought it fitting to
provide also for n few plain and homeiy
words from the representatives of the
people, the House" His remark wa.
greeted with a roar Of laughter by sena
| tors and representatives alike.
! The former speaker. Champ Clark oil
| Missouri, General Pershings home State
had been assigned the privilege of ex.
planning to the general the resolution
OF thanks Congress had adopted.
When General Pershing rose to repi
and faced the House deafening applaus,
greeted him, the whole assembly stand
ing with him. Handclapping, cheering ant
yells of greeting continued for severa
minutes while Speaker Gillett pounded
vainly for order.
In firm voice that carried to eveSy
! corner of the big chamber, the genera
/ told in modest language of what tn,
army had DONE Of its realization that i
was the sustaining courage of the Ameri
can people that had made possible tn,
victory. He showed deep feeling as h,
spoke Of The graves in France and wher
he referred to the MANNED and crippled
men who have come back to the nation
as grateful charge, the outburst of ap
plause was deafening.