The New York herald., 1921-08-02


from where Miles Standish and the rest
Of the little band first set foot IN the
new country another historic event was
written on the old colony scroll, one OF
the longest In the New World. IL was
the first time President Of the United
States had visited Plymouth.
The whole countryside. verdant with
midsummer blooms. was converted into
vast garden with garlands. streamers
and flags
Plymouth Ifarpor was even more pic
turesque. When the modern Mayfiower
sailed In this morning with an escort Of
three big dreaddoughts Pennsylvania.
Delaware and North Dakota, a fleet of
destroyers and other naval craft, the
harbor was crowded with gaily deco
ra ted vessels.
With Mrs. Harding the President was
on deck at o'clock. when the ship en-
tered the canal. Both sides OF the wat
erway were lined throughout its length.
and the President was kept busy an
swaring the salutations Of the crowds.
The Mayfiower dropped anchor off the
Point OF the Gurnet shortly before 10
o'clock ard the President with his party
came ashore Immediately on submarine
chaser 40S. They were greeted by Gov.
Cox of Massachusetts and Mrs. Cox. SEN
ator Lodge of Massachusetts,. vice-Presi-
dent and Mrs. Coolidge and other off,
cials.
The official party were put imme-
d.ately into automobiles and driven to
Homestead. where they fell in at the
head of a parade which the President
led to the pageant field, where review
ing stand IN the centre of the huge am
phitheatre had been put up.
AppIauds Historic Floats.
The parade was one of the big fea-
lures II was in four divsions-mili-
tary. naval. civic and historic floats.
President Harding stood through its
passing, applauding number of the
historic floats.
There were many lighter touches In
the contingents that represented every
one OF the eastern Massachusetts town.
ships. The Pilgrim sisters in Puritan
garb at close range looked somewhat
unnatural. They were made up quite a
bit. Miss Liberty, on one of the floats,
was in for a fine coat of tan on at least
one side and one arm.
The historic features of the parade
were remarkably done, holding the close
interest of an official party which has
seen many such pass In review. The
President gave particular attention to
the Immaculate Conception band OF Ev-
not more than three feet high who per-
formed remarkable salute. A float
depicting the first Thanksgiving at Ply
mouth brought his applause
All of the official party were enter
tained at luncheon at the Samoset
Hotel. and following that the President
returned to the Anphitheatre to address
the crowd. When the President was in
troduced by Gov. Cox a great hush fell
over the hillside. Ffe stood with his
back to the sea. looking toward the
first log cabin erected by the settlers, In
which the women were housed and Pere-
grine White was born. Hundreads OF
small craft crowded close inshore. flags
swapping In fresh breeze that took the
edge off the hot sun.
Charge De Beaufort of the Neither
lands legation. spoke after the President.
His nation, with Great Britain, partici-
pated In the celebration because of their
association with the early history Of the
Pilgrims 1t was from the Netherlands
that they set sail for america
Capt. Bailey. r. N. attache of the
British Embassy. spoke for his country
Lodge Makes Address.
This ended the speaking programme,
but the crowd was hungry for more
oratory. They shouted for Senator
Lodge, and he addressed them. They
shouted for Vice. President Coolidge. and
he addressed them, and then a great
cheer went up for Major-Gen. Clarence
Edwards, member Of the official party
Gen. Edwards said he was grateful for
the occasion to thank the Vice President
for predicting that shortly after March 4
he, the General. would resurn to New
England.
President harding and his party were
taken to the Pilgrim Hotel for an hours
rest and informal dinner as guests of the
tercentcnary committee.
At O'Clock they were taken again to
the amphitheatre for huge historic
pageant. 1t was remarkably done, given
in four episodes and twenty scenes.
After the pageant President Harding
said: 1T is a beautiful and impressive
spectacle, but to every American man
and woman who sees 1t this pageant
must. think, mean so much more than
mere historical spectacle. magnificent
as the spectacle Is.
1t Is we'll that we should be reminded
at times like these by celebrations in
honor OF stirring incidents in our rich
history of the debt that we owe to those
who have gone before us and laid the
foundations of this great fabric which
Is now nation of more than 100000, 900
shows In Vivid spectacular form how
much we of to-day owe to that sturdy
pilgrim spirit which the first founders
OF our nation brought with them from
across the seas. ] believe most firmly
that that stern, indomitable spirit with
which the Pilgrims faced the perils of an
unknown land for sake of conscience
represents that which is truest and best
III the America Of to-day.
What impressed me most OF all about
the pageant, apart from the sheer beauty
OF the spectacle and the artistry with
which II was presented. was the fine
manner In which the spiritual signifi-
canoe Of this tercentenary celebration
was brought out.
For me the pageant. as indeed this
whole day. has been an unforgettab BILE
experience
The performance did not end until ii
O'Clock and the President was taken
Immediately aboard the Mayflower
which got under way for Portland, where
the Executive will land tomorrow morn
ing to go to Secretary Weeks's summer
home at Lancaster ". IL.
The pageant will be continued for two
days and will be shown again for four
days beginning August 10.
The official party sailing on the May
flower included in addition to Presi-
dent and Mrs. Harding George Chris
tian, Secretary OF War and Mrs. Weeks.
Speaker and Mrs. Gillette, Senator Hale
and Senator and Mrs. Frelinghi ysen.
HARDTNG,S YACHT RUNS