Evening star., 1919-05-06
LIBERTY DIVISION
|NV|CT0RY MARCH
New York FranticaIIy Cheers
25,000 Men of 77th, Its
Own "MeIting Pot"
DRAWN FROM FIFTY RACES
DRAWN FROM FIFTY RACES
By the Associated Press.

By the Associated Press.
NEW YORK, May 6.-Twenty-fv
thousand men, drawn from fifty ma
tionalities among the polygIot popu
lation of New York who less than
two years ago were engaged in
humber pursuits unknown to fame.
returned to the metropolis today As
heroes of the bloody battles of the
Argonne forest and a million or more
fellow citizens frantically cheered
them as they marched triumphantly
UP 5th avenue as the 77th or
Liberty Division. It was the only
division in the American Army re-
cruited entirely from ono city and It
included greater number than any
other division of men of foreign birth.
OF all the divisions that fought
under Pershfng in France none was
moro democratic, Army officers said.
Gen. Robert Alexander. decorated for
bravery on the field of battle, rose
from the ranks. Tho 45 officers and
| 112 privates who were awarded the
distinguished service cross included
all nationaltties and untried, hastily
trained soldiers. many Of them never
before knew a real patriotism for
their adopted country. proved their
stalwart Americanism under fire, and,
officers said, justified the melting
pot"
Marches Through Solid Lanes.
The division marched through solid
lanes OF humanity from Washington
| square to 10th street in battalion
formation. sixteen abreast, with onoy
| four feet between the companies. II
was style OF marching new to Nav
York and tho forest Of glistenin1
bayonets moving rhythmicaiiy up the
nag at,z., hsdecksd .vsnue Presented q soul
were in light marching order and
wore their jaunty overseas cans with
campaign tin hats" slung from tho
back.
Originally it was planned to hav.
but three thousand Of tho division
were on tho transport General Grant,
which did not arrive in time for the
parade ana over two thousand more
Of replacements from other stater
asked for and received their muster
diers, most Of them casuals ana for
NOR membsrs Of the division, rode In
automobiles At the end OF the pro-
eeosion ana they received the Same
warm.hesrted cheers from the crowds
that ware accorded their more fortu-
nate brothers in khaki.
The division httingly remembered
its fallen heroes. Ahead Of the column
was 4 solemn, gripping procession Of
companies of the dead carrying ten
red-bordered white nags each bearing
about ESQ gold stars-tor the 2.a6s
men who gave their lives for their
country. A golden statue OF liberty
tho emblem Of the division--folloved
and representatives Of the lSS draft
boards deposited wreaths Of honor at
the foot Of the roll Of tho division in
trout Of tho public library.
Hush Gives Way TO- Cheers.
Tho hush that fell over the vast
crowds as the remindees Of supreme
sn szd f Ii. :
osme into sight. The ovation was con-
tinuous Throughout tho five miles Of
| march. The immense grandstand,
stretching tho whole eastern length Of
Central Park-a distance Of two and
| hags during the entire time the mon
marched by. This stand was reserved
\ largely for tho relatives and friends Of
the soldiers. Flags bearing tho golden
e.. &. .sss soio.. vsysH sUs quite = :.
banners.
Secretary Of War Newton d. Baker.
tust returned frona France: Franklin b.
Roosevelt. acting Secretary Of the Navy:
ess,oas high emeiais q * tSs % Arny 11ay ana ana
Navy Eevtsvsd the psoesssioa q 1Sd
street
| Cen. Alexander reviewed h.s men for
| tho last time at d1oth street. Tonight
city and by next Monday it Is expected
they. will be demohilixsd and become
civilians again.
Y1NANCE WORKERS TO RALLY