The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-09-14
GENERAL PERSHING

The name or rerSning IS associated in the mlnds ot the Amerlcan peopIe with stern ana trying perlod. lr brings to l4Ilnu the anxlUus eItorIs of a nation to make up Tor prevlous unpreparedness and to meet on the tleld or battle the seasoned troops Of veteran army train- ed from it's youth Tn the art Of war. 1t recalIs a perIou of heroic seiI-sacrlfice, or nIgn purpose, of united activity and of unconqueraDie purpose. 1t makes vIvld agaln the picture o1 brave youths sminng4y marching away to nobody could Ioreteil what eventuaiity. It paints anew the picture of attack and counter attack, of disappointment and of success, of bravery, ot death, and of final vic tory. It causes again to pass before our eyes the long ranks of marching heroes ss they passed through the streets of our cities on thelr triumphant homecoming.
 It is idle to compare the ability of Per shing with that of our other generals. He stands out against the most solemn background of modern times. He is in- |separably associated with the greatest war in history as the supreme com mander of American troops overseas. He has the distinction of having com manded more men than any other Ameri- can general. Whether he is greater or less in capacity annd military skill is beside the question. What all know is that he had the greatest military oppor- tunity of modern times and that he measured up to that opportunity in a highly commendable degree. In the councils of the greatest commanders of the period his voice was heard with re- spectful attention, and on more than one occasion his counsel was accepted. Just how important a part his advice played in shaping the final successful maneu- vers cannot be known until the records are carefully studied. That he shed lus- ter upon the record of American military leaders is unchallenged.
 And so, when General Pershing relin- quished his command on September 12, the people of America experienced 8 sentiment of regret that his services have officially terminated. For his efforts in behalf of peace have been continuous His strong advocacy of the civilian re- serve forces trained for military service him as the champion not of war but of peace, not of military establishment, but of defensive preparation. In spite of those who pretend to fear militarism, even the lifelong association with our national army has not succeeded in in- clining to militarism those who are most deeply imbued with its traditions.
 There are those who feel that the gov ernment should find something for Per shing to do. However much the Ameri- can people would like further to enjoy the benefit of his services, yet it must be apparent to all that, after forty years of faithful devotion to duty, General Pershing should now be free to employ the remainder of his time a. he pleases. Fortunately, his retired pay is sufficient to provide him with means to gratiffy any reasonable ambition. The people may be assured that in any emergency he will be constantly at his country s call At all other times, why should he not pursue the path that best pleases him?
 The American people extend to Gen. eral Pershing their sentiments of heart felt appreciation for the life he has lived and for the credit he has brought upon the American army and the American nation. They extend to him their best wishes for his success and content in whatever he may undertake, and they hope that his health and vigor will long sustain him and keep him among us