Evening journal., 1921-11-12
STATESMEN LOST
IN TRAFFIC TIE-UP
Utter Confusion Prevails as
Notables Fight Way
Through Crowds
HARDING'S CAR
is DELAYED

WASHINGTON. Nov -. .- While
thousands were paying their tribute
to the unknown American al Ar
llngton yesterday, almost as many
more we're fighting hopelessly to
make their way to the amphitheatre
through the worst traffic jam the
national capital has seen in many
years.
The te-up, which reached its
greatest density on Highway Bridge.
across the Potomac. compelled Cab
met members and major-generals to
go part OF the way on foot and al
most prevented President Harding
from reaching the amphitheatre in
time to take part in the two minutes
Of silent tribute. Twice before il
reached the bridge the Presidents
limousine had to mount the curb and
circle through the grass plots OF
Potomac Park and the needles eye
of the bridge itself was threaded
only by the assistance Of a flying
/ squadron Of special policemen.
Police officials blamed the army,
which had nominal charge OF the
Armistice Day program. and the
army in turn blamed the police. AS
J a result of the argument, not only
many Of the general public, but
some high officials and foreign digni-
taries missed the amphitheatre ser
vices entirely and sat In their auto
mobiles for hours, unable TO proceed
OF turn back.
/ Along with many others Secretary
Hughes deserted his automobile on
the bridge. made his way forward on
I foot through the neck OF the bottle
and was picked up on the Virginia
side by "A more fortunate motorist
Mainline. a tie-up Of almost equal
proportions was on at Aqueduct
bridge. the only other means OF
travel between Washington and Ar
nngton. Boat houses and canoe clubs
at the Aqueduct crossing were be-
sieged by those who had despaired Of
getting through the bridge and were
battling for an opportunity TO beg
OF buy a way over by water.
Stalled electrict cars complicated
the jam at the highway bridge, and
a half dozen sightseeing busses and
army trucks helped 10 make the
unscrambling process more difficult
The troubles Of those who were
trying 10 get everybody in his place
on time were multiplied by an army
Lieutenant. who had been given
charge Of an important entrance 70
the amphitheatre. The White House
/ Secret Service men. who always 90
in advance OF the President were
unable to get past the officer ever
after they had shown all their ere
dentials, and only the Intervention
Of Secretary Weeks prevented som'
OF the distinguished guests from be
ing turned away. A quartet whicl
; was TO help furnish music was KEEP
5 out by the Lieutenant until after tn
, services were under way.
NJ. BRAND, the French Prime Min.
b ister. and several Of his associate,
after the ceremonies at Arlingt.r
. could not find their automobiles
and were jostled about in the pres.
! sure Of persons. The Premier, VI. anc
= Nine. Viviani. NJ. Sarraut and Am.
( bassador Berthelot walked to the
gates Of Arlington and for at leas
b half an hour sought in vain theii
{ machines. and the American and
French secret service men assigned
] TO them.
Finally NJ. Albert Gobart. Of Paris
met the secretary Of a Cabinet Of
hcer who proffered the use Of hii
automobile to the party. NJ anC
Nine. Vivisni and NJ. Sarraut tool
q his machine and another American
gave a place in his automobile e
NJ. BRAND. while Ambassador Ber
thelot also found a seat in a passinl
car.
NJ. BRAND laughed last nigh
over what he considered an anus
ing episode.