The sun., 1919-09-09

was in progress the boy wiggled his
| fingers, making some sort Of a sigma
which the father apparently understood
Secretary Baker began:
about two and half years aeo, By
the Presidents direction, had the
honor of designating you to lead the
armies OF the United States In France
To-day you return. your mission accom-
plished; with victory written on the
banners Of the greatest army the nation
has ever had and with the priceless
foundations OF liberty and freedom saved
for us and for the world as the result OF
our participation In the world war. The
task entrusted to you required all the
energy and all the genius Of a great
commander. From the first YOU had the
complete confidence Of the President and
the Secretary Of War. This confidence
remained mistaken to the end"
The Secretary spoke of the devotion
and self-sacrihce OF the American people
and how 1t must have inspired the army
as in turn the exploits Of the army in
spired the people at home.
'"rhe great victories are now won"
Mr. Baker went on. Your magnificent
marched through the thickets of the
Argonne are citizens again. filled with
high memories of great deeds and carry
Ing into life the inspiration which mem
bership in that great company and sac
rifce for that great cause engendered.
Your return closes the history of the
American Expeditionary Forces.
Il bid you welcome gratefully, in be-
half of the country you have served
and in behalf Of the people whose sons
you have led. The confidence with
which we sent you away you have
sacredly kept. Wherever there Is n
soldier or a friend of a soldier, wher-
ever there Is a lover of liberty. wher-
ever there is heart which rejoices
at the deliverance of mankind from
Its hour of peril you and your great
army are remembered and loved. You
return not only to American soil but
to the heart of the country"
Message From President.
Mr.. Baker then read this message
from President Wilson:
MY dear Gen. Pershing: am dis
tressed that l cannot greet YOU in per-
son. 1t would give me the greatest
pleasure to grasp your hand and say
to you what Is in my heart and in the
hearts of all true Americans as we hail
your return to the home land you have
served SO gallantly. Notwithstanding
my physical absence. may I not, as
your Commander in Chief and as spokes-
man of our fellow countrymen, bid you
an affectionate and enthusiastic well
come-a welcome warmed with the
ardor of genuine affection and deep
admiration?
You have served the country with
fine devotion and admirable efficiency
in a war forever memorable as the
worlds triumphant protest against in
Justice and as it's vindication of liberty,
the liberty of peoples and of nations.
We are proud of you and OF the men
you commanded. No finer armies ever
set their indomitable strength and I'M
conquerable spirit against the forces
Of wrong. Their glory is the glory OF
the nation. and 1t Is with a thrill OF
profound pride that we greet you as
their leader and commander. You
have just come from the sea and from
the care Of the men OF the navy. who
made the achievements of our arms on
land possible and who so CALAMITY as
sisted to clear the seas. Of their lurking
peril. Our hearts go out to them. too.
TT is delightful to see you home
again. well and fit for the fatigues you
must endure before we are done with
our WELCOMED I will not speak now of
our associates on the other side of the
sea. 1t will be delightful on many &C.
casions to speak their praise. speak
now only of our personal Joy that you
are at home again and that we have
the opportunity to make you feel the
warmth OF our affectiopste welcome
Commissioned Full General.