Great Falls daily tribune. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1895-1921, 1919-09-19
C0NCRS5 GIVES /.
GEN. PERSH|NC
THANKS Of ]. :.
Ex-Speaker Clark Tells
Hero He Cot His Great
ness From Missouri.
COMMANDER PASSES
TRIBUTE ON To MEN

Washington, Sept. 1s.--Reaching its
climax in scene in the house chamber
that drew added dignity from the
simplicity of the setting, the nations
welcome to General John j. Pershing,
came to an end. today, when the thanks
Of congress and Of the American people
were extended to him and to the army
he commanded.
There were no military bands or
ranks of soldiery. But one flag. which
was draped on the wall back of the
speakers chair, was displayed The only
other touch Of color was in the uniforms
Of the high officers of the army and
navy.
The house assembled early. But al
ready the galleries we're crowded with
members, families and guests and every
doorway framed wall of faces peer
ing down into the chamber The pre-
sence- on the floor, of a score or more
of children. sons and daughters of army
officers, added to the almost informal
character of the gathering
After the senate membership had
marched into the house chamber, to
find seats in the benches, the senior
officers of the general staff headed
BY General March. took their places on
the Z benches to the right, while Admiral
Benson led the bureau chiefs OF the
navy to similar seats on the left.
Members of the presidents cabinet filed
IN to take seats in the semi-circle be-
fore the speakers desk. leaving vacant
a score of chairs in the center for
General Pershing and his staff.
Cheers and Rebel Yell Greet Him.
Mr.. Speaker" announced the serge
ant alarms. John j. Pershing, general
of the armies of the United States and
his staff
Senators. representatives and the
hundreds in the galleries rose to facs
the main entrance to the chamber. The
door swung back and the reception COM
mittee headed by Chairmen Wadsworth
and Kahn, of the senate and house
military committees. and their ranking
democratic colleagues. and including
Representative Mondell. majority floor
leader, and ex-Speaker Clark. came in.
Behind walked General Pershing at the
head of his staff. 4 roar of applause
coupled with a shrill rebel yell'' greet
ed him.
Marching like a soldier on parade. the
general strode to the chair in the center
before the speakers desk reserved for
him.
The tumult of welcome suhsided onlr
when Speaker Gillett raped for order
Speaker Draws Laugh.
Senator Cummins, Of Iowa. president
protein of the senate. gave the first
greetings. His reference to the valor OF
the troops in France brought bursts OF
applause.
Speaker Gillett employed a lighter
touch. Prefacing his own remaks. he sald
that the committee of arrangement hay-
ing provided for the address in behalf
of the senate. had thought it fitting IN
provide also for a few plain and homelv
words from the representatives OF thu
people, the house" His remark waa
greeted with a roar Of laughter.
To former Speaker Champ Clark. OF
Missouri General Pershing's home state,
had been assigned the privilege of ex-
planning to the general the reason Of
and representatives stood to honor Mr..
Clark as he rose to stand directly in
front of General Pershing. talking in
conversational tone.
Pershing Shows Deep Feeiing.
When General Pershing rose to reply
and face the house. deafening ap-
plause greeted him, the whole assembly
standing with him. Handclapping, cheer
ing and yells of greeting continued for
several minutes while Speaker Gillett
pounded vainly for order.
In a firm voice, that carried to every
corner of the big chamber. the general
told in modest language of what the
army had done, of it's realization that
it was the sustaining courage of the
American people that had made possible
the victory. He showed deep feeling ss
he spoke of the graves in France ami
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