Evening star., 1924-09-13

and called in succession points in a
5000 mile stretch from Washington
to New York and thence to San Fran
cisco. The responses were instantan-
eous and then he called the roll of
corps area headquarters back from
West TO East. The major general in
command replied in person. Morton's
voice from San Francisco coming
booming in over the wire. then Dun
can from Oma ha. Hale at Chicago and
Bullard from New York.
Bu.Inrd Essays n Song.
Bullard sought to recall to his chief
A song he declared Pershing had sung
in their cadet days at "the Point
Faint Heart Ne'er Won Fair Lady"
he said the title was, but Pershing
laughingly disclaimed knowledge of
the tune and Bullard sang il Justify
over the wire to remind him.
But Pershing's heart was wrapped up
in the defense test, and from each
general he sought news of the day
They answered with encouraging re-
ports, each enthusiastic. zsnd to each
Pershing gave his persorrss thanks and
congratulations.
Then Pershing hade them farewell
sad mt Breaking Old Ties.
There was nothing to regret in honor
was something of sadness in the break
ing Of old ties and comradely assoca-
ton of long years in the service. But
he reminded the generals that they,
too. soon would pass the age line, ad-
ding cordially:
And remember. my latch string will
be always out. for YOU
That was Pershings spoken fare
well to the Army.
Pershing with tribute to the serv-
ices rendered to his country by the re-
firing general of the Armies.
II present to you the Nations fore
most soldier whom We delight to honor
tonight Mr.. Weeks said. This is
an appropriate occasion for me to ex-
press by personal thanks for the sup
port l have received from him while
at the head of the War Department.
Regrets Loss Of His Services.
at is source Of the utmost regret
to me that / am about to lose his serv-
ices as chief of staff. 1t is a great
qualification to me. however. that l will
be able, hereafter, to obtain his valu-
able advice, even though it be given
in an unofficial capacity.
"All the world knows the value of
the services the general rendered to the
country in France. Only a few of us
have been privileged to know the real
value of the services which he has
rendered since the war. Those of us
who have that knowledge consider him
as valuable to the country in peace as
he was in war"
AS Secretary Weeks concluded,
Gen. Pershing rose from his seat to
microphone, plainly showing the
emotion stirred in him by Mr.. Weeks
remarks. He moved slowly to the
microphone, his head bent a little
and his lips drawn in to bite back
the sign of emotion they gave.
General Calmly Voices Message.
Then he Strengthened his figure to
soldierly erectness and picking up his
manuscript, began his address in
calm, controlled tones. by declaring:
"Whatever credit may be given me
must be equally shared by the loyal
and efficient officers and men with
whom 1 have been associated, and
especially those who served in our
armies in the World War. 1t is the
patriotic and aggressive spirit of the
young manhood of America that car
ried our banners to victory on the
battlefields of the Old World 1t is
| to them, my comrades, to whom the
praise should CO."
The general then went into the
| argument for adequate national pre-
paredness that he has made familiar
all over the country in the years
| since the war by his unceasing efforts
to put into execution the defense
plans that were first tested today, on
the eve Of his retirement from active
service.
Defense Day GratifyinE.
1T is very gratifying to report"
the general told his radio audience,
that this Defense day exercise has
been most successful. 1t is to be
hoped that these exercises will be
held annually, as it Is only by such
practice in actual performance of
these duties that we can ever pre-
pare our officers as leaders.
"As I see 1t, the defense of ones
country is a religious, as well as a
patriotic duty. No man can be faith
full to his religious obligations and
fail In his duty to the nation.
THE system Of defense that We