Evening star., 1921-11-11

"The armistice was signed this
morning"
These words from President Will
son burned themselves indelibly into
history three years ago today. They
est war.
Word had reached the State De-
partment at 2.45 am. In five min
utes the wires from coast to coast
were carrying the message to all
sections of the country. In half an
hour newspapers throughout the ma
ton were turning out extra editions
informing the American public Of the
event.
The government departments open
ed in the morning for the regular
routine. But there was to be no
work on that day. One after an
other department opened their doors
and sent their workers into the
streets to celebrate. Department
stores and business houses closed
down, From the board Of education
were sent orders releasing children
from classrooms.
Wilson Message Issued.
President Wilson's message to the
American people announcing the
termination of the war was issued
during % the morning TnMn{,vmene IL reaq The arm,-
stice was signed this morning. Ev-
erything for which America fought
has been accomplished. 1t will now
be our fortunate duty to assist by
example, by sober. friendly counsel
and by material aid in the estaonsn.
fhrnll0h0ut
The first evidence Of concerted
celebration came at noon. Led by
Vance Mccormick, groups gathered
in front Of the executive mansion
and sang patriotic songs TO the ac-
companiment OF q large pane. Ina sena,s
heard the terms Of the armtstice,
which had been signed in Paris by
delegates of the allies and the en-
tente. President Wilson went to the
Capitol and read the eventful mes
Senate. He was cheered wildly along
Pennsylvania avenue en- route to the
Capitol and also on his return to
the White House.
President Reviews Parade.
During the afternoon the President
and Mre. Wilson reviewed the parade
which was staged as the initial fea-
ture Of the united war work drive.
Through a singular coincidence the
signing Of the armistice had been
set aside previously for the opening
Of the campaign of seven welfare
organizations for national budget OF
$17O.5OO 900 for war work. Washing
toms quota had been set at 100000.
Americas military and civilian life
marched in the parade. Huge floats
were in line.
Meanwhile America speedily turned
from war to peace at the executive
departments: Orders were issued
croyder. eao m in s Charge 'efU Of the draft halt.
ing a movement OF $4,000 men sched-
uled for overseas duty. The next an
nouncement from this source was that
the November call for 100000 men had
been set aside. In the Union station
sSo selecsive service Sot m men from the
Camp Greene. N. c.. when the order
reached them. It arrived in the nick
Of time. and they did not leave their
homo city.
Great Celebration.
Through tho entire day Pennsyl-
vania avenue was filled with cele-
brants. At night the celebratory hre-
works were cut loose. On the Ell
forty-eisht huge bonnres were kim
dled-one designated for each state.
President and Mrs. Wilson reviewed
the celebration. The Monument and
Capitol were illuminated by batteries
Of .searchlights. Restrictions which
had been imposed on electricity were
lifted. Pennsylvania avenue, high
way Of history in America, blased
with light. Starting early in the
evening. ,throngs Of soldiers. marines.
civilians, girls, women and children
started marching UP and down the
Agsnsn HoIn.. tin pana. eovhel,s. huge rot.