The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-02-16
PRESIDENT SAILS
FOR HOME PORT
Guns Salute Wilson as He
Bids Good-by.

BRESr, Feb. 15.-President Wilson left
Brest on his return to the United States
on board the George Washington at
IL 10 o'clock this morning.
When President Wilson departed 1t
was announced he would make an ad-
dress, which would cover the work per
formed at the Peace Conference, on his
arrival in Boston. II was said that It
was most probable that the President
would make another speech before finally
returning to Washington.
BIDS Farewell to France.
Before his departure President Wilson
issued this farewell message to the
French people:
cannot leave France without eN-
pressing my profound sense of the
great hospitality OF the French peo-
pie and the French Government. They
have received and treated me as |
most desired to be treated, as friend.
a friend alike In spirit and in purpose.
I am happy to say that ] am to re-
turn to assist with all my heart In
completing the just settlements which
the Peace Conference is seeking and
I shall carry with me during my alb
sence very happy memories of the two
months I have spent here.
have been privileged to sec here
at first hand what my sympathies
have already conceived-the sufferings
and problems of France-and every
day has deepened my interest in the
solution OF the grave questions upon
whose proper solution the future pros
per!ty of France and her associates
and the whole world depend. May l
not leave my warm and afrectionate
farewell greetings?
Salute the only Ceremony.
The President arrived In Brest from
Paris at 10 80 O'Clock and went direct
to the dock, where he embarked on a
French gunboat. which took him and
his party to the George Washington.
The President was received at the
Brest arsenal by Admiral Moreau OF the
French navy, Gen. Helmick, the mill
tary commander OF Brest Charles NJ
Schwab and civil officials. There was
no ceremony except for handshaktng and
a salute of twenty-one guns. whicf
Numbered forth as soon as the Presi'
dent embarked on the gunboat.
From the railroad siding to the doci
were drawn up a battalion of American
soldiers and a French marine band
played Tho Star Spangled Banner" as
the gunboat left its moorings' All tho
ships In the harbor displayed the
American flag and all traffic was sus
pended while the Presidents party wai
transferred to the George Washington
N. Roosevelt Also Coming.
A French naval escort, consisting o.
the cruiser Conde and several torpedo
boats, acted as a guard of honor for the
George Washington. This escort witt
the American battleship New Mexico
will escort the President out to sea ane
then return. The New Mexico was ac
companied by four American torpedo
boats Georges Leygues. the French
Minister of Marine. and Andre Tardieu
French High Commissioner to the United
States, accompanied the President OF
board the George Washington to bid hin
good-by
Franklin d. Roosevelt. American As
sietant Secretary OF the Navy. arrived II
Rrest shortly before the President board
ed the George Washington. and wa
taken aboard the liner on special nava
craft. The weather was misty an
cloudy with a moderate temperature,
When the President alighted from tn
train he was smiling. He shook hand
with Admiral Moreau, Gen. Helmcl
Admiral Halstead and Mr.. Schwab. Tn
President talked for a few minutes wit
Mr.. Schwab. Mrs. Wilson smiled as sh
followed the President and receive
from NJ. T,eygues handsome bouquet O
flowers Mrs. Josephine Lewis OF Gin
cinnati presented the President with
bouquet OF violets, which he accepte
with bow.
After exchanging greetings the Prcsl
Continued on Second pd0e.