The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1919-09-09
D0UCHb0Y BEST
SOLDIER, SAYS.
CEN. PERSH|NC
Greatest American Feat of
War Was Cutting Line at
Sedan, He SAYS.

NEW YORK, Sept. 9.-"The Amer
lean doughboy is the finest soldier in
the world, and it didn't take the Ger
mans long to find it out" declared Gen
eral John J. Pershing in an interview
granted to newspapermen today.
I'VE boasted a little. probably, Of
the peculiar qualities of the American
fighting man, but his aggressiveness,
initiative and devotion as a member
of the American expeditionary forces
give US every right to boast and to be
proud of him." the commander said.
Il suppose 1t is because of'the way
the American boy is raised, due to the
fact that he is encouraged to develop
his initiative and that he feels at any
crisis of his life that he is master Of
his own destiny"
The interview, brought about in the
hope that the General might be willing
to express his views upon such sub
jects as the League of Nations, the
situation in Europe and in Mexico,
what he intended doing when he en-
tered civil life, when he expected to
retire from the army, and similar
questions, was preceded by general
handshaking and remark by General
Pershing that all such topics were TIA
boo"
Il am still on duty" he said. and
It is a pleasant duty, but very strenu-
GUS" The General had just finished
luncheon after a brief rest to refresh
himself after the arduous hours of the
morning, and he said that while he
was glad to meet all the newspaper
men, he could answer only such ques-
lions as properly came within the
range of his profession.
Growing Achievement.
The question was asked: General
what do you consider to be the crown
ing achievement of your service
abroad" to which he replied:
Cutting the German lines at Sedan
on November G."
WAS that more difficult operation
than cutting the Hindenburg line?" he
was asked.
Cutting the Hlndenburg line was a
start toward cutting the line at
Sedan. 1t was hard to tell what might
have become Of it under different cir
cumstances. 1t followed the final eff
fort Of the Germans to force their way
through, but their armies were beaten
before they started.
General, will you say few words
about Marshal Foch?"
ciatively, lis a very great strategist.'
question was asked as to his i'm
preston upon his departure for France
27 months ago and his return, to which
he replied
When we left the day was foggy
We could not see the Statue of Liber
tv There were no bells ringing, ne
whistles Except fog horns) blowing
and no ships gayly decorated. Why
there was as much difference between
our departure and homecoming a!
between midnight and MONDAY.
Wouldn't Talk Mexico.
II anticipated, while on the othe
side, some kind of welcome on ou
return home. but nothing I thought o
then could equal my impressions to
day. I find difficulty in expressing m,
sentiments, but suppose it's the wa.
New York always does things"
Before the General stipulated TIL
kind Of questions he would answer
some one asked:
What do you think about the crisi
in Europe?" to which he responded
Il don't think we had better get int
European affairs at all AS to affair
in Mexico, General Pershing decline
to talk, saying he was too busy Over
seas TO read about them