The Washington herald., 1921-12-29
People for Blocks Stand
Wedged in Mass at
Station.
WIFE COLLAPSES,
BUT GREETS HIM
Banners in Parade Call
Him 10th Century
Redeemer.

TERRE HAUTE, Ind, Dec. IS
Eugene V. Debs was welcomed
home tonight with red fire and
blaring bands. Fully $4,000 men,
women and children - the home
folks of Terre Haute and the work
ers in mine, shop and mill from the
surrounding towhs.-indulged in a
demonstration such as probably
never before greeted the return Of
a man from Federal prison.
Twenty-six years ago Debs was
greeted by his followers when he
returned from prison. but that de3n-
onstration sinks into insignifieance
beside the one accorded him TO-
night.
wedEed In Mass.
For more than three blocks peo-
pie were wedged together in a solid
mass. Men fought to protect wom-
en- from being crushed against the
sides of the railway coaches. Pho
tographers set up their cameras,
but were swept off their feet. Po-
lice were helpless to hold back the
throngs
Onto the truck Debs was lifted,
his bald head cleaning beneath the
torches. He kissed his hand to tine
cheering crowds as they streameo
along behind. bearing white plac-
ards on which various legends were
inscribed in brilliant red. Every
body Smiles Now" read one: Prison
and President Can't Scare Me" reac
another. There was whole sea OF
them study the Constitution
The Twentieth Century Redeemer."
THE Great American Great
Lover" The Great Humanitarian. :"
He Served the Working Class"
A band led by two men carrying
long streamer with the words
Welcome, Home, Comrade Debs.'
struck up Hail. Hail. the Gangs
All Here" and the procession
moved through crowded streets TO
the Debs home. an old frame resi-
dence at 451 North Eighth street
There another throng had gathered
that stretched from building line to
building line of the wide thorough
fare.
Mrs. Debs Collapsed.
Mrs. Katherine Debs--Kate Debs,
Terre Hauters call her-stcod si-
lently. grimly on the wide veranda
During her husbands absence she
has lived alone in the old home
with heI aged mother, Mrs. Kath
crime Baur. now almost blind.
Mrs. Baur's prayer has been that
she might live long enough to "see
Gene come home When told that
he had stopped over in Washington
and would be delayed she said, "If
Gene has gone to Washington he
must be right. Gene is always
right
Mrs. Debs has suffered from heart
trouble and it was feared the shock
of the home coming might prove
TOO much for her. She expected her
husband on Thanksgiving and then
Tor Christmas dinner, and recently
relatives had attempted to keep the
news from her until it was def
nitely assured when Debs would be
home. But a few days ago she
went shopping and heard from
others in the store that he was
coming.
Today as the hour approached
she collapsed and Is reported under
tie )ctor's care. but she steeled
neFSelI lOI tne OTuedl anu StOOn De-
fore the cheering throng, her lips
quivering. her white hair peeking
from under a black bonnet.
AS the torch-lit truck paused in
front of the home, a band played
Home, Sweet Home" Debs stand
ing bareheaded and Mrs. Debs wait
ing ct the head of the steps, sup
ported by her brother. Arthur Baur,
and Mayor Charles r Hunter A.
Debs buffeted his way TO the porch
his hand was grasped again and
again. Finally no one stood be.
tween him and his wife.
He flung his arms around her.
kissed ner and bowed his heao
against ner cneek as she bur ed
hers upon his shoulder. Thus they
stood for moment as tears
st rea med dnrun thair cl anlcx