Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1919-09-18
Congress on Behalf OF
Nation Greets Comman-
der of u. S. Armies.
JOINT SESSION OF
SENATE AND HOUSE
Senator cummins Extends First Greet
ings and Thanks Pershing, His Off
GERS and Enlisted Men For Victory In
World War-Speaker Gillett Also
Speaks-Cabinet and Foreign Diplo-
mats Attend Ceremonies.

Washington, Sept. 1s.-Congress. on
behalf of the nation today, extended
to General Pershing, and thru him to
his officers and enlisted men, formal
expression Of 'the country's gratitude
for their "unwavering valor and devo-
tion in the war"
The senate repaired to the house
chamber where the exercises began at
o'clock. Senator Cummins and
Speaker Gillett delivered addresses OF
welcome and Representative Champ
Clark presented the joint resolution of
thanks. General Pershing spoke in
reply. Cabinet officers, supreme court
justices and foreign diplomats at
tended.
cumn,ins Extends Greetings.
Standing in the chamber of the
house with the full membership OF
senate and house about him and with
galleries crowded, General Pershing
received the formal thanks OF con-
gress. Senate and house assembled IN
their respective chambers and then inc
senate marched in pairs to seats on
the front benches Of the house. Sena-
tor Cummins,, as president pro tenn :
pore, sat with Speaker Gillett, and
when General Pershing had been es-
corted to the; floor facing q great
American fias. Senator Cummins ex-
tended. the first greeting.
General Pershing, it is my high
privilege to extend to you the sincere
and Cordial greeting of the senate OF
the United States. The message
have the honor to bear Is not q greet
ing alone, but an earnest welcome ana
hearty congratulation upon your sare
and victorious return to your native
land. Nor Is 1t a welcome only. for
it is full Of deep appreciation OF th's
task YOU have so wonderfully and
\ worthily accomplished. You were
called upon TO assume the responslnii-
y ity OF commanding the greatest pody
of soldiers ever assembled under the
American flag, and you led this oody
OF our bravest boys to the very sum-
init Of national glory. While our tears
are flowing and our hearts are break
ing as we remember the tens OF thou
sands who sailed away and who Will
return nevermore until God calls US
on his Judgment day, we receive with
unbounding 10y and undying gratitude
those who have passed unharmed thru
the greatest peril Of the world.
Pershins Makes Reply.
Acknowledging the honors conferred
nv congress General Pershing, said:
pf tho nrfvilaR9
of appearing before you as a repre-
sentative Of the expeditionary forces
and am filled with emotion at the SEN
timent expressed In receiving at your
hands an expression OF the gratltuoe
of the people am fully rewarded. "A
final report will be made to the sec
retary Of war. The manner In Wnlch
this great force has been developed Is
well known to you. The burdens have
been heavy and the way beset by many
obstacles. but faith in the righteous
ness Of our cayse and trust In God mas
y given us inspiration.
'"The trials OF battle demanded Spar
tan endurance and self-sacrifices.
Never have troops shown a finer spirit
OF willingness nor more resolute pur-
pose. Tho might Of America lay not
I only IN their wealth but also In theli
spirit. While every man who went &c
France did his part, behind him were
millions eager to follow all supported
by loyal people who deprived them
selves to sustain our armies. Wheth-
er billeted In France or Belgium or
England our young men have left be-
hind them a standard Of frankness and
hopefulncss which will give the other
nations OF the world true UNDER
q standing Of America.