Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1919-01-03
London Tenders Wilson Ovation
without Equal.

without Equal.
The great moment of President Wilson s
first day in England was when he stood
with the King and Queen and Mrs. Wilson
in the balcony Of Buckingham Palace on
Thursday of last week. facing a multitude
which stretched down the Mall to the
Admiralty, half d mile distant, and over
flowed St. James Park on one side and
Green Park on the other.
Only a corporals guard could hear the
Presidents brief speech, but the people,
who had demanded that he show himself,
gave him greeting more clamorous than
any other guest of the nation has COM
manded within the memory of the Oldest
Londoners.
The days events constitute tribute to
the President and the United States
which will be historic The official cere-
monials-a reception by the Dover Cor
poration and the navy the welcome at
the station by the royal family and the
chief officials Of the empire, and the State
progress through the heart of London
were colored with touches of medieval
pageantry. even to the crimson coated beef
eaters from the Tower, bearing halberds,
which the British people cherish. That
the central figure of the Royal procession
in quaint State carriages, attended by a
military escort and household officials,
should be civilian wearing black coat
and silk hat gave flavor Of novelty to the
scene.
When King George shook hands with
President Wilson as the President descend
ed from his train, he said
Il am very glad to greet you to Eng
land"
Il am very happy to come" the Presi-
dent replied.
AS the Presidents train crossed the
Thames and entered the station a ereat
cheer went up from the crowd. A salute
of Al guns was fired from the Tower of
London and in Hyde Park.
There was splendid cooperation among
all concerned for the carrying out of the
arrangements planned for the Presidents
reception. The parade moved smoothly
according to program. 1t was witnessed
by such an outpourine Of people and amid
such enthusiasm as London had never
known except upon the occasion of coro-
nations and of Queen Victoria's jubilee in
1897. There was general agreement among
Londoners that no visiting head of State
had ever been given such an ovation as
that accorded the American President.
The progress Of the Royal and Presiden-
tial party was in semi-state coaches, each
drawn by four dark horses. with two pos
tilions in scarlet coats, white breeches and
black silk hats and two footmen in long
buff overcoats sitting behind. The coaches
were escorted by squads Of scarlet-coated
outriders.
Enthusiastic scenes marked the arrival
at the Charing Cross station. AS the Presi-
dent, accompanied by King George, emery
ed from the station the crowds jammine
the streets broke into prolonged cheers.
At the same time guns began to thunder
out a salute,and dozens of airplanes scared
overhead. The bells and chimes all over
the city also pealed welcome.
During the procession from the station
flags, hats and handkerchiefs were waved.
The President was uncovered throughout
the drive to acknowledge the cheers.
AS the procession passed through Pail
Mall. Dowager Queen Alexandra, Queen
Maude of Norway. Princess Victoria and
Prince Olaf came out Of Marlborough House
and stood on the pavement. The crowd
fell back. AS the Presidents carriage
passed, he leaned forward to salute the
royal group, who waved welcome to him
The same act Of welcome was repeated
when the carriage with Queen Mary and
Mrs. Wilson passed.
AS soon as President Wilson and his
party entered Buckingham Palace, the
crowd outside, including several hundred
wounded soldiers in the palace yard, be-
gan cheering. Then came shouts of I'VE
want Wilson We want Wilson r.
In response the President and Mrs. Will
son, together with King George and Queen
Mary. soon appeared on the second-hooI
balcony. Their appearance was the signal
for renewed cheering and the crowd. espe-
cially the wounded men. began calling for
a speech.
President Wilson laughed and waved
his hand. indicating that he would rather
not speak. The crowd. however. insisted
on speech. so the President waved the
chorus of voices to silence and then ad.
dressed himself especially to the wounded
soldiers.
Il do not want to make a speech, he
said. but do want to tell you how much
honor you men who have been wounded
In this fight for freedom and to thank you
all for the welcome you have so generously
given me. hope every one Of you will
come through safely to enjoy the fruits OF
the victory for which you so couraeeously
fought"
Mrs. Wilson received round of cheers
when she appeared on the balcony, and
during the first few minutes Of the demon
stration she waved the small union jack
which she carried in her hand at the
wounded.
AS soon as the Presidents speech was
concluded the party re-entered the palace
where King George received large group
Of American newspaper correspondents,
including those who preceded President
Wilson to France on the steamer orizaba.
Shortly after the President reached the
palace King George showed him through
the apartments allotted him. the Belgian
suite"