New-York tribune., 1921-10-31
Greet
ch,Speeding
Into the West
Trip to American Legion
Convention a Triumph,
With Cheering Crowds
at Every Place on Route
Pershing Avoids Publicity
Stays i'll Background While
Marshal Creets Throngs,
Winning All by Smile
From, a Staff Correspondent

| PITTSBURGH, Oct. 3O-ON BOARD
MARSHAL FOCH'S SPECIAL TRAIN.
Ferdinand Foch, Marshal Of France,
is among his own people. America has
embraced the Allied commander in chief
as her own son, and since the train left
Washington at $3.50 o'clock this morn
ing on the Pennsylvania Railroad, en-
route for the annual convention of the
American Legion at Kansas City, his
| tour has been marked by a series of
demonstrations such as President Of
the United States might envy.
The simplicity of this great man,
whose smile and manner have been COM
mented upon so often, seems to grip
his American friends from the moment
they set eyes upon him. Perhaps the
most eloquent testimonial he has yet re-
ceived came this afternoon, when the
train stopped at Altoona, and it was
voiced by feeble veteran of the Grand
Army of the Republic. who had Just
shaken the Marshals hand.
I'D fight for him myself" he said.
his eyes glistening. "What a soldier!
He has the confident carriage of Grant
and the gentle manner of Lee" And
the veteran, who was J. D. Hicks, past
department commander of the Pennsvl-
vania q. A. R., led in a cheer for the
visitor.
Pershing in Background
General Pershing is accompanying the
Marshal, but he has relegated himself to
the background at every opportunity.
content to act as an escort rather than
be one of the principals on the tour. At
HARRISBURG, when a speech was demand
ed Of him, General Pershing said:
The Marshal will make all the
speeches on this trip"
1t was at Altoona that Marshal Foch
received the finest ovation he has been
accorded since his departure from New
ork last FRIDAY afternoon. Thousands
OF persons, virtually the entire popula-
tion of the city, according to nolice
official, crowded the railroad station
and packed the streets surrounding it.
AS the Marshal stepped to the plat
1orm OF his car, his hand rose TO salute.
the crowd sent up roar of applause
after several enthusiasts had crowded
forward and greeted the soldier the
band played the Frnch and American
national anthems. Then there were
ye1is for General Pershing. The Cen
eral stepped out Of the car and waved
to the welcomers.
~ " -. az A.ol Is OuIR Lldt JNe gentle
disposition OF Marshal F. h was per
haps, better illustrated than at any
time during his tour. There was an
emo rmous throng in the station, and
when they crowded about the train,
with the American Legionnaires of
Harrisburg in the van two little
French-born girls, Loisette and Mar
guerlte Richenpurg, came forward to
present their Marshal with a houquet.
Loisette made the presentation
speech, but she forgot her lines and
was much chagrined. But with ~har-
asteristic gesture-a slight wave Of
the right hand-Marshal Foch leaned
over the railing and kissed the child
On the check. She Immediately forgot
her embarrassment and smiled her
gratitude. Marguerite was not for
gotten, either.
Cheess Follow the Tain
THIS human touch made profound
oppression on tnoae ho saw it. and
as tae train solle4 out 0 the station
cheers followed il from the crowd.
At harrisburg Marshal Foch respond
fr