Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1919-09-12
PHILADELPHIA MAKES BRILLIANT FESTIVE

Grams of some of the wars hardest
engagements.
The troopers wore glittering helmets
topped with buzbys, black coats with
silver lacing and white pipe -clayed
belts, white breeches and high jack
boots.
The troop faced the north exit of the
North Philadelphia station as the re
ception committee climbed the stairs
TO the station platform.
In the archcd passageway leading
from the train floor steps to the north
driveway stood a double row of vet
Grams, tunics laden with the Distin-
fuished Service Cross
Red Cross on Hand
On the train floor itself twelve uni-
formed workers of the Ncwbold Aux
iliary of the Red Cross were formed
In a single line. They held baskets
filed with sigarcttcs and candy because
troop trains were due to pass.
1t was precisely 9 30 O'Clock when
the special slipped into the station. The
Generals car was near the rear ana Il
hurried movement was made in that
direction. Even Governor Sproui ran,
And then Pershing, 1.-the as youth
of twenty. n miracle of nCatncss, step |
ped from the car.
Aside from the four silver stars on
his shoulders. his olive drab uniform
was devoid of decoration. He wore
no service stripes. \ black seal ring, |
relic of his West Point days was
on the ring finger of his left hand
The generals hair is nearly white,
his moustachc very gray. His face isl
smooth and slightly tanned. His chin
is jutting, his jaw the jaw of a born
leader.
Mayor Smith was first to greet the
general. In few words he welcomed
the distinguished visitor and was an
swered briefly but smilingly.
Governor Greets General
Governor Sproul then claspcd tho
generals hand. spoke a few words and
introduced Mrs. Sproul.
whereupon Mayor Smith assumed
the pleasant task Of introducing other
members of the reception party. He in
troduced his wife and the general
bowed and smiled Then it was Mrs.
Barclay Warburton turn.
''I am very glad 10 meet you, Mrs.
warburton," the general remarked, II
remember your husband very well. The |
general was equally gracious with Mrs
j. Willis Martin.
AS the general advanced man thrust
h bouquet of roses into his hand.
Pershing appeared surprised but
game. He turned and handed the
bouquet to Mrs. Sprou, VINO carried
it with her over the entire route.
There was no stiffness, no formality
about the commander in chief as he
walked forward on the platform. flank
ed by the Mayor and the Governor.
"HeIIo, Atterbury!"
Suddenly he caught sight of General
Atterbury. who directed the American
military railways abroad. Mr.. After
bury was in civilian clothes.
"Hello, Attcrbury," the general
called. As he grippcd both of the
railroad experts hands he said, "1'm
glad to see YOU" with the glad"
strongly emphasized.
\ Down the steps went General Per-
shing, hundred persons in his wake.
As he stepped into the arched pas
sageway he paused. The two rows of
Distinguished Service Cross men. wait
4 ing there for him. were as statues, eyes
front, right hands to overseas caps.
Pershing strodc a few PAGES ahead of
his escorts.
His keen eyes swept each rank. He
stepped up to one decorated veteran.
looked into his eyes, glanced at his
medals and campaie~ ribbons.
He crossed over to TnotN,r Young
hero, and took the mans service cross
between his fingers.
''TheSe Fellows Are Heroes
"These fellows are heroes" remarked
General Pershing. turning to those
about him.
The general then walked forward and
spoke to Joseph Dunn. corporal. and
TO Lieutenant Edward Smythc, lO0th
Infantry, who bashfully told tho hcad
of America : armies that his bit" in
the war was to capture a German
machine gun nest. He wore the u. S.
G. and CroiX dc GuPrrr.
Then Prrshing spoke to Captain
Thomas Bailey. 11lth Infantry. He
shook hands with many of the men and
then proceeded to the north exit where,
with the officials and his aides, he en-
tered an automobile. Before he stepped
into the machine, however. he inspected
the thirty members Of the First City
Troop in their helmets and gay at
Rtire. He complimcnted Captain George
r Thayer on the appearance of the men
and expressed pleasure when he heard
that all the men present served during
the war.
Buck Private Shakes Hands
As he took his seat in the automobile
a buck, private, Walter G.. Hawthorne,
2239 West Somerset street, advanced
and shook the generals hand.
''That's the fourth time I've done
that" said the soldier proudly as he
walked away. He was a Second Div-
sion man.
The police band was blaring out
"Hail to the Chief" as General Perish
ing stepped briskly into his red faggrc
motorcar. the flags adorned with the
four stars of Americas supreme army
rank.
Pershing seated. Captain Thayer. O
the First City Troop, shouted an order
the troopers wheeled by fours and gal
loped down the driveway into Broat
street.
Directly in their rear swung tn,
generals car four troopers separating