Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1919-02-24
Our Great Country Is
Trusted Throughout the
World" Says President
Monster Crowd Packed Mechanics Hail. Boston To Hear
Wilson's Message After Returning From Europe
Said He Was Not Prepared To Report Details OF
Conference For That Would Be Premature
By Robert ]. Bender

Omitted Press Staff Correspondent
Mechanics Hall, Boston, Mass, Feb.
24.-Following tremendous reception
by the people of Boston today, Presi-
dent Wilson came to Mechanics Hall
this afternoon to take up the battle for
a league Of nations.
His speech, the first answer to op-
ponents of the league of nations in
the senate, was planned to lay the back
ground for American support Of his
program Its preparation followed a
long conference on the George Wash
ington last night and today with Sec
retary Tumulty, Pending his audience
with congressional leaders, the prcsi-
dent is not attempting 10 go INTO De-
tails Of the leugte--buf merely N5.lI
show why he regards it necessary and
what he believes will be its ultirate
effect
The old building was crowded to the
top gallery before tho president arriy-
ed. A band of soldiers PLAYED while
the audience waited Wilson's coming.
At the head Of each aisle stood an
army officer, naval officer and a
Red Cross nurse, silent and solemn and
most Of the music was Of d subducd
nature so there was an atmosphere OF
gravity rather than Of patriotic excite
ment. Mechanics Hall was surrounded
by troops and credentials Of all these
entering were carefully watched by
half a dozen guards. Automobiles were
turned back block from the building.
Pictures of Lincoln, Washington,
Roosevelt and Wilson were hung over
the platform,
Tho presidents s place was beneath
sounding board. Red white end bluc
predominated in the decora ions.
Gave Speech Of Welcome.
Before the president started talking,
Mayor Peters made brief speech of
welcome.
A salute was fired as Wilson enter
ed the hall at 2.40 He was given q
ovation, rising from his seat
to bow a response,
John Mccormack sang, "The Sar
spangled Banner", the president ap-
plauding vigorously
Governor Coolidge greeted Wilson im
the name OF the state Of Massachusetts,.
During his address the audience cheer
ed wildly at mention Of the Twenty
Sixth (New England division and
Major Edwards. The president joined
in the applause. The Battle Hymn OF
the Republic and Onward, Christian
Soldiers were then sung.
Tho president began speaking at
o clock.
'ot warns my heart" the president
said in opening, "to see my fellow cisi-
zons again. Because | have at times
felt very lonely in recent weeks with
out your counsel.
was Greeting To People.
'0The extraordinarily generous recep-
ton given me on the other side seem
ed to be call Of greeting to you, rath-
er than to me. had the crowning
pride of being your representative. Men
everywhere felt that your hearts beat
with theirs in the cause of liberty
The plaudits Of the European crowds,
he said, were calls to America for .
union across the seas in peace Of JUS
tice and right.
"Thc proudest thing ] have to re-
port to you'' he said, 'sis that our
great country is trusted throughout tho
world -
He said he was not prepared to re-
port details of the conference on a
peace not yet completed. There is com
mon agreement, he said, that q new
order must be set up in the world.
'.The settlement Of this war affects
every great nation and sometimes
think every small nation in the world.
No one decision can be made without