Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1921-08-22
.W|STER OPPOSES
RETURN OF BODIES
Philadelphian, Back From Tour
Of France, Wants Soldier
Dead to Stay There
GERMANY RECONSTRUCTING

Owen wister. who returned to the
city today from France, says Americans
are the only ones returning their SOL
dier dead to their homeland from the
soil Of France. Mr.. Wister arrived on
the Finland yesterday In New York,
He said he met no one abroad VINO
did not feel American soldiers should
be left buried in the same land where
they had fallen. He advocated bring
ing home only one body-that of one
Of the unknown dead to be buried at
the foot Of the Lincoln Monument in
Washington.
Much of his eight months sojourn in
Europe was spent among the oattlc-
fields and in the cemeteries OF France
viewing progress Of reconstruction since
his trip Of almost two years before.
Mr.. Wister said the German people
were more united in their efforts 10 re-
turn to prc-war status than the
French or the English. In Germany;
he said. the rate Of exchange was sun
80 low meal could be purchased for
twelve cents.
Didn't Visit Germany
81 spent four months in France. and
though I did not visit Germany l met
many who did," Mr.. Wister said.
'aThey told me that the Germans are
working hard and that they are more
united than either the English or the
French. They are eyincing a very hrm
recuperation.
'f saw the battlefelds Of France two
years ago and my recent trip there
was to see what progress had been
made by the Government. They are
undoubtedly the saddest sight that /
witnessed, but next in sadness were the
American cemeteries. During my entlre
visit did not come in contact with one
person who advocated the return OF our
hero dead to these shores.
"The graves are exceedingly well kept
in the military cemeteries. This IS par
ticularlv true Of the British graves.
Each one has a headstone with the name
OF the soldier lying beneath 1t, as well
as the name of his regiment and his
insignia. These English cemeteries ar"
the most beautiful have ever seen IN
France, with their well-kcpt grounds
profusely decorated with flowers and
shrubbery.
French Are Faithful
eve are the only people who are
taking their soldier dead home. The
English. the Australians. the New
Zealanders and all other Allies have left
their bodies in the care of the French
peoplc and the latter are faithful To
their trust. | have never met any one
who does not feel the same as our
allies that the men, who have sacrificed
their lives, should remain undisturbed
in their present resting places.
"But am in favor of bringing home
one unknown soldier whose body should
have nations tribute paid TO 1t as
symbolCal of all those whose identity
will never be known. England and
France have honorcd their unknown
dead. in this manner. the former at
Westminster Abbey, the latter at the
Arc de Triomphe
"Marshal Foch is coming to this
country in the fall. His visit should
be made the occasion of the greatest
3 celebration in our history to our un-
known heroes. He will be accompanied
by some of the greatest men of France.
What could be more fitting if we
brought one of our boys, whose name
will never be known. TO this country
at that time and reinterment be made
at the foot of the Lincoln Monument
in Washington with fitting ceremonies?
Wants Legion TO Act
Il SeleCt tne Lincoln MOuuluent, loT
it occupies one of the most venerated
spots in America Mount Vernon is also
appropriate. but II is too inaccessible
to the public The Nations capital is
the proper city for the last resting
place of one Of our unknown heroes,
who will symbolic the thousands Of
those who lie in graves beyond the
seas, unnamed but equally honored.
''In my opinion the American Legion
should take this matter up and arrange
the celebration so that it can take place
when Foch and the other distinguished
visitors to America this fall"