The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1919-09-12
GEN. PERSHINC IS CHEERED
BY THE MULTITUDE
Handed Commission as Full General
by Secretary of War Upon Set
ting Foot Upon Land.

PerShlng, after TWO years IN com
mand of the greatest army America
ever sent to battle, returned to the
United States today. AS he. stepped
ashore from the huge liner Leviatha1
he was handed a commission as gen
eral, rank previously held by only
three Americans-Grant, Sherman
and Sheridan.
The stern-faced soldier was not
proof against the tribute of praise
and gratitude which was roared from
hundreds and thousands of throats
of his fellow citizens.
His voice trembled with emotion
as he responded to the greeting ex-
tended by Secretary of War Baker
in his own behalf and that Of the
president, as well as the welcoming
addresses of representatives of the
senate and house, the State and city.
AS his car passed slowly through
the cheering multitudes which JAM
med Broadway from the Battery to
the city ball, Gen. Pershing attempt
ed in vein to maintain his composure.
At first he replied to the cheers with
the stiff salute which military eti-
quette demands, but he was soon
carried away by the storm Of ap-
plause which swept in great gusts
about him. Rising to his feet he
waved his cap about his head with
boyish gesture which told how deep
" he was stirred, while the grim
lines of his bronzed face broke into
a smile. New York did not exhaust
it's welcome today. Wednesday he
will ride down Fifth avenue at the
head of the First division of the reg
ular army, the first to 60 and the
last to leave, victors in the first bat
tie ever fought on European soil by
American soldiers. Surrounded by
comrades humber in station, but
who had offered their all just as
freely in the cause Of liberty. Gen.
Pershing first reglimpsed his native
land. When the huge Leviathan
nosed her way through the mists off
the Jersey cost the general stood up
on her deck with the famous 'com-
posite" regiment, 5000 picked Amer
lean soldiers known as ''Pershing's
own"
Sergeant Pershing There Too.
Just after the general walked down
the gangplank at Hoboken, Secretary
of War Baker handed him his COM
mission as full general in the Ameri-
can army.
Standing behind, and completely
hidden by the imposing figure Of the
general, was a little boy trying to
look very dignified and soldierly. He
is the commander-in-chif' only sur
viving child. When the general re-
ceived his commission he turned to
his son and handed him the document
with an INDUCTION to keep it safe. The
sergeant" kept it safe all right, but
later on, in the great crowd at the
city hall, he got separated from his
father, much to the dismay of the
general. When the boy was recover
ed his father asked anxiously:
Warren, have you got the COM
mission?"
eyes, Sir" replied the sergeant"
promptly.
"Well, see that you hold on to it. F"
Among little army Of welfare
workers who greeted Gen. Pershing
were fifty girls, three of whom were
decorated for bravery under fire
while serving with the First division.
But it was reserved to. New York
to begin the real ovation to the re-
turning hero. For hours before the
arrival, 'the Battery" was thronged
with patient thousands. AS the little
boat with it's distinguished party
steamed up to the pier an uproar be-
gan such as Manhattan probably
never had heard. From thousand
factories and vessels steam sirens
shrieked out a raucous welcome, but
vainly tried to drown. the roar of
cheers which rose and fell and rose
again.
Seems Embarrassed.
At first Gen. Pershing seemed to
be suffering more from embarrass.
ment than any other emotion. He
walked swiftly from the landing
stage to his gaily decorated autom".
bile and settled himself down in his
seat like a man who has an import.
ant journey to make and wants tc
get it over with as quickly as possi