Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1919-09-14
CHIEF OPENS
QUARTERS; FACES
CHEERING CROWDS
Gen. Pershing Compelled to
Fight Way About City;
Sees Ball Game.

Experiencing practically every dis
comfort attending popular recogni-
ton of heroism. fighting his way
through cheering crowds and re-
establishing headquarters OF the A. E..
F. here, Gen. Pershing yesterday be-
came. temporarily. at least, a citizen
Of Washington.
Through the whole day he was fol-
lowed by cheers and plaudits. His ap-
pearance at each public gathering he
attended was the signal for an out
burst Of enthusiastic applause.
And everywhere that Pershing
went the crowd was sure to cheer"
declared one Of those who accom-
panied the general.
Attends Meet and Ball Game.
After locating the headquarters Of
the American expeditionary forces in
the old Land Office building at noon
Gen. Pershing promptly took advan-
tage Of the half holiday to attend the
interdepartmental meet at the Central
High School Stadium at o'clock and
the base ball game at 4.
He closed his fifty-ninth birthday
anniversary with a quiet dinner last
night at the homo Of his father-in-
law, Senator Warren Of wyoming.
From the start Of activities at the
War Department yesterday niorning,
when he was obliged to elbow hisfway
through nasssd girl employees OF the
department, to- its close last night.
the day was strenuous one, even
for the man who served as commander
of American troops in France for two
years.
Conference and Inspection.
The only Official events of Gen.
Pershing's first full day back in tie
city, which probably is to be here
after virtually his permanent home
as ranking officer of the Army. were
his brief conference with Secretary
Baker and his inspection of the Of
fees set apart for him. where the af-
fairs Of the American expeditionary
He was eagerly hailed throughout
the day, whenever he was recognised
ON the streets or elsewhere, but the
most tumultuous greeting given him
was at the War Department, where
clerks fairly mobbed him. clinging
to his sleeves and thrusting eager
hands to greet him.
The general fought his way
through manfully. but smilingly, and
seemed to enjoy the battle and the
warmth OF the reception by these
fellow workers.
Gals and fellow officers to let the re-
turned soldier on very lightly. He
has been the center of receptions. pa
rades and other functions for weeks,
and in their opinion has earned a rest.
Ahead of him looms his most signif-
cant parade, the march up Pennsyl-
yania avenue Wednesday at the head
of the LIST Division. Until then his
comrades in arms here are determined
not to trespass on his time.
Brief Official Call.
Gen. Pershing's conference with
Mr.. Baker was merely an official call.
It was brief, but later he joined Mr..
Baker at the interdepartmental track
meet.
He was glad, Mr.. Baker said to the
crowd that filled the big stadium and
heartily cheered Gen. Pershing on his
arrival. that the hundreds of federal
employees in the stands should have
this opportunity to see ''the knightly
figure of the man who embodies for
us all that Army for which we have
worked"
From the stadium Gen. Pershing
went to the ball park. where Gen.
March awaited him and hundreds of
men from the LIST Division stood at
salute as he entered the box. Again
cheers and handclapping greeted him.
Meets Base Ball Leaders.
Just as Gen. Pershing was about to
take his seat Clark Griffith, manager
of the Nationals. was introduced to
him. Mr.. Griffith made a short ad-
dress of welcome. Umpire Owens
also shook hands with the general.
At the beginning of the fourth in
ming mick" Altrock, with "Hughey"
manager Of the Detroit
Tigers, in tow, entered the box.
General" said Nick. this is Mr..
jennings
The Pershing smile broke forth. He
shook Jennings hand long and
conversing about the game.
As Altrock left the box for his place
on the coaching lines he gave the.
crowd an imitation OF a twentieth
century Napoleon. Gen. Pershing
with the crowd. He watched
the game with keen interest. When