The Washington herald., 1922-11-12
VISITS HERO'STOMB
Veterans, War Mothers
And Diplomats Observe
Armistice Day.
SIMPLE SERVICES
AT NATIONS SHRINE
Pickets Urging Release of
Prisoners Fail to
See Harding.


sive and significant. paid to the Un-
known Soldier by President Hard
ing. when he placed a wreath on the
dead hero's grave in Arlington
vance OF Armistice Day yesterday.
Special services by civic organi-
cations. pilgrimages to the Arling-
ton shrine by war veterans. gold
star mothers and representatives of
foreign governments. and exercises
by the office Of the Register of the
Treasury. marked the fourth ami
versary Of the cessation of hostiiities
between the Allies and Germany.
Last night. dances and social affairs
contributed the only carnival spirit
a deep contrast to the celebrations
Of previous Armistice days in Wash
ington.
Urge Release Of Prisoners.
One hundred and fifty men and
women came to Washington 10 join
District residents in an Armistice
Day appeal 70 President Harding for
release of the 6t wartime prisoners
still serving sentences under the es-
pionage act The delegates stood
outside the White House gates with
banners bearing Inscriptions which
urged immediate consideration Of
the question of amnesty. Partici-
pants included clergymen. women
Unidentified with many progressive
activities and representatives OF Ia
Dor bodies.
Following the picketing during the
noon hour. an open air melting was
hAl IN. sx.lv n
the Lafayette monument at which
the speakers were pr. John A. Ryan.
Of the Catholic University: Rev.
Smith O.. Dexter. rector Of Trinity
Church. Concord. Mass. and Miss
Helen Todd. of New York.
Barred Frora Grounds.
The committe members. carrying
banners, had planned to circle the
Executive Mansion seven times. Po-
lice, however refused to allow the
march on the White House Grounds.
because 1t is a Federal reservation.
In Lafayette Square Park they at
tempted to hold a meeting, but were
blocked by the police. Later, the
committee presented a letter at the
White House asking for an inter-
view with Mr.. Harding. but Secre-
tary Christian declared he would
take up the question of an interview
with the President next week.
simple Service at Tomb.
The ceremonies at Arlington. in
which the President participated.
were simple, in contrast with the
elaborate memorial exercises a year
ago, when military leaders Of world
wide fame, comradessin- arms of the
dead hero. mothers who lost sons
in the war. and. thousands of his
countrymen Joined on the same spot
in a momentous demonstration In
honor OF the Unknown Soldier boy.
The vast amphitheater. where
thousands sat in awed silence a
year ago. was empty save for a
crowd on the steps. There was
no sound except the occasional
whistle of a cool autumn wind
as it swept over the brown Vir-
ginia hills and played about the
white pillars.
battery Fires 81 Guns.
Shortly before 10 o'clock the
booming of twenty-one guns from
the battery at Fort Myer. rever-
berating across the beautiful wood
ed slopes of Arlington. announced
the approach of the President.
Shortly afterwards the small par
ty, which included the President.
the Secretary OF War and the Sec
retary of the Navy. entered the
gates preceded by "a cavalry escort.
and moved up the winding road to
Americas Shrine"
President Harding walked slowly
down the steps, advanced to the
tomb and laid the wreath upon it.
A brief silence followed. The GER
emony was over.
As the procession passed to the
rear of the amphitheater a troop
of Boy Scouts who had also come
to pay tribute stood at attention.
Diplomats Pay Tribute.
From early dawn to dusk. a pill
grimage of distinguished officials
gave homage at the grave. A party
from the British Embassy stood at
attention with heads barred, shortly
before noon.
Battle-scarred and MANNED vet
Grams of the world war. now pa
tients at Walter Reed Hospital. also
visited the cemetery and laid a
wreath upon the tomb. At noon.
led by Watson B. Miller. vice COM
mander of the American Legion. the
officials of the District department
of the legion placed a wreath at
the base of the tomb. Vice Comdr.
Miller spoke a few words express
ing the deep reverence in which
the fellow soldiers Of the Unknown
held their comrade.
Adjutant Lew s. Mohler, on be-
half of George Washington Post.
also placed a wreath and read .
poem written by Mrs. Nancy North,
vice president of the Women's Civic
League. He also placed a wreath
received here from Coos Bay Post.
No. II. of Marshfeld. Greg. the
most westerly post of the legion.
Cadets Lay nay state Wreath.
About fifty Washington high
~rhrol naaaf~ r,,tf ~.