Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1919-09-13

WILL V1SlC Track Meet at CeuLTdl
Stadium and Go to Ball Game
This Afternoon.
Gen. Pershing is celebrating the
greatest birthday anniversary in his
career of fifty-nine years today. The
celebration is characterized by SIM
plicity on the part of the celebrant.
and by elaborate preparations for an
epochal reception by the public.
Gen. Pershing rested at the Shore
ham Hotel this morning until shortly
before 10 O'Clock. receiving Secretary
of the Interior Lane as his first caller.
He did not leave the Shoreham until
after IL o'clock, when he went to the
War Department.
Crowds Outside of Hotel.
Long before that hour crowds of
spectators had gathered outside of the
hotel. Before 10 o'clock the crowds
had formed a small avenue of APP
proach from the curbing to the en-
trance, and were packed on the OPP
posite side of the street waiting for
glimpse of the leading soldier of the
United States.
A steady procession of senators
and representatives also kept Gen.
Pershing's staff busy during the morn
ing considering invitations to cities
and towns throughout tire country
eager to pay tribute to the returning
hero.
Siege at War Department.
Almost fighting his way through hun
dreds of admirers gathered at the War
Department, Gen. fershing officially re-
ported to Secretary Baker his return
from France. with his mission-vic-
tory over ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The cheering crowds had waited
long to see the mar who captained
the American armies in their greatest
struggle. and would not be denied.
By actual physical effort, aided by
two of his staff officers and finally
guards of the building. Gen. Pershing
got through into the Secretary's ROOM
The final step was the most difficult
Woman and girl clerks of the depart
ment shrilIy crying their greetings,
closed in about the general and. his,
aids at the door. He was for several
minutes unable to force his way
through. Finally the watchman
caught him by the arm and really
hauled him out of the clutch of the
crowd.
Pershing "Hits the Line"
The general shot through almost
breathed a sigh of relief.
There were no ceremonies attend
ing Cen Pershlng'S reception at the
War Department. He came as any
other high officer would come to re-
port, and 1t was only the enthusiasm
of the crowds. who cheered and waved
him along on the way from his hotel
mat marked an unusual event.
Goes to Headquarters.
At the conclusion of his conference
with Secretary Baker Gen. Pershing
departed for the old land Office build
ing, which is to be the headquarters
Tor the American expeditionary forces.
The rooms which Gen. Pershing and
his staff will occupy are the same as
were used by Provost Marshal Cen
eral Crowder in conducting the draft
which supplied the man power of the
forces.
4 quiet luncheon this afternoon and
the interdepartmental meet in the
Central High School stadium at 3
o'clock are on the generals birthday
program. Gen. Pershing will be at
present plans. but will leave before
the conclusion of the meet for the
base bail game.
Clark Griffith, manager of the Ma
tionals, announced that the general
had accepted an invitation to be pres
emit at the game, although he inti-
mated that the general would be late.
Will Dine With Senator Warren.
Tonight quiet birthday dinner
with Senator Warren of Wyoming,
father of the late Mrs. Pershing, will
close the day. The entire program be-
speaks a desire for simplicity on the
part of Gen. Pershing.
Yesterdays reception of Cen Per-
shing when he arrived in Washington
made a high bid to blast the reputa-
ton of "blase" Washington for re-
ceiving home coming warriors. The
outbursts had all the earmarks of
genuine hospitality and gratitude.
A din of cheers, applause and vocal
greetings went up spontaneously as
the erect figure of the American COM
mander stepped off his train.
As he walked down the lanes of
pretty girls. women. children and
men there was a smile on his face
which said more plainly than words,
"Ah. but it's great to be home"
That smile remained until he was
officially welcomed back in the name
of President Wilson in the Presi-
dents room at the Union station. Vice
President Marshall delivered the well
coming address. And as he started
on his remarks the smile left the gen.
erdl 1dCc anu Tie duulcuCe Sd" the
set cast of jaw and immobility of fea-
lures which characterized Gen. Per-
shing on the other side.
Welcomed by Vice President.
general" said Vice President Mar
shall, you are not only welcome to
the Capital city of your own repub-
lie but you are welcome back to the
land of your nativity. Your COM
nander-in-chief bids me in his behalf
and in behalf of the American people
to greet you.
1T is a glad duty to be inadequate
ly performed, for human expression
has not yet found the way to voice
in language the deeper and finer
sentiments of our natures. Perhaps
you can gain some slight conception
of the real joy with which we hal
your Homecoming when / tell you thai
you occupy the most unique position
ever guaranteed to a man in arms
in all the worlds history
Depicts Unique Position.
"Unnumbered and aforementioned
conquerors have returned from for
eign lands bearing, chained to theil
chariot wheels. the writhing human
evidences of conquest and supremac,
over alien people. To you it has beer
vouchsafed to lead the greatest ex
peditionary force of all time through
perils of sea, perils of land, and peril.
of air, to the ultimate accomplish
ment of your country's purpose and
CONTINUED on Second Page.)