Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-10-19
GUNS ROAR SALUTE
AS HOOVER ARRIVES
President Bows From Bridge
as Arkansas Steams
Into Yorktown.
BY J. Russell YOUNG,
Stan Correspondent of The Star.

BJan correspondent OF The Star,
ABOARD U. S. S. ARKANSAS,
YORKTOWN. Va. october l9.-The
guns of more than a score Of mighty
fighting craft, forming an impressive
gray line Of nearly five miles, fred the
presidential salute of 81 guns as the
Arkansas, bearing President and Mrs.
Hoover, arrived at Yorktown today
The firing of these salutes with s.
pound guns was upon a signal given
from the battle cruiser Augusta by Vice
Admiral Willard. commanding the
scouting force. The rails of each of
these proud ships of the Navy were
manned by bluejackets, and the ccm-
manding officers and their respective
STATS in dress uniforms stood at atten-
ton on deck. The answer to each salute
was the playing Of The Star Spangled
Banner"
The two French cruisers. Duquesne
and Suffren. which brought Marshal
Petain and his distinguished French as
sociates to Yorktown to represent their
government at the celebration, and the
restored frigate Constitution, hero of
many sea fights in the early days of this
republic, which formed a line in the
harbor opposite the American naval
vessels. joined in the firing of the presi-
dental salute. The Arkansas band
played the "Marseilles" as each French
ship was passed.
President Bows From Bridge.
Through this ceremony President
Hoover, with head barred, stood at the
rail of the captains bridge of the Ar
kansas and bowed as each ship in the
long line was passed. This spectacle
made fitting setting for his triumphant
entrance to Yorktown.
The Arkansas pushed her prov into
York River at 8 o'clock this morning,
after having ridden at anchor for the
night in Chesapeake Bay, short dis
lance from the mouth OF the river.
This spot had been picked as berth
for the night by Capt. P. w. Foote,
commander of the Arkansas, so as to
make sure of reaching Yorktown
Harbor on scheduled time in the event
of fog The vessel steamed CALAMITY
up the river with the Presidents pen
nant flying, and into Yorktown Harbor
at a speed of 10 knots. The rails of
this ship. were manned. but it did not
return the salute from the line of
fighting craft.
The Arkansas dropped anchor at $50
o'clock, about 1000 yards out from the
Yorktown dock and about half that
distance away from the Constitution.
From this position President Hoover. as
he looked out on the colorful Panorama,
could see the Yorktown battle monu-
ment dedicated by President Chester
A. Arthur, concentrating the victory,
towering over the cliffs at Yorktown.
On the opposite shoreline. beyond the
line of naval ships, could be seen
Gloucester Point, which figured so con-
siderably in the seige of Yorktown and
tho tl1tiroa Vipfnry
Scene ImpreSses Party.
For some time after the conclusion of
the roaring salute and the Arkansas had
come to a safe anchorage, the President,
with Mrs. Hoover and other members
Of his party standing about him on the
bridge, gaZed abcut at this inspiring
and impressive setting. At precisely
80 minutes after the Arkansas anchored
Mr.. Hoover entered upon a series of
formal receptions as his part OF the ar
rival ceremony. The first of these was
when Vice Admiral willard. as the
senior naval officer present, was piped
over the side of the Arkansas with full
honors. which included a salute OF Is
guns, and was presented to the Presi-
dent in the sitting room Of his suite.
One-half hour later Marshall Petain
was formally received. He received the
full honorS or his rank, Whlcn called
for a salute of 10 guns.
This distinguished French officer re-
nowred as the hero Of Verdun. was ac-
companied by Ambassador Claudel of
France. who introduced him to the
President. and Rear Admiral Descottes-
Genon, commanding the French first
light cruiser division; Capt. Brohan.
commanding the French cruiser Du
quesne, and Capt. LacroiX. commanding
the French cruiser Suffren.
President Goes Ashore.
After the departure of these visitors.
the members Of the Presidents York
town party and the newspaper CORE
spondents and photographers accom-
panying him, went ashore to be fol-
lowed by him 20 minutes later.
Enthusiastic crowds lined the river
from Yorktown and the cliffs beyond to
catch a glimpse of the Executive upon
his arrival and to acclaim him with
cheering and applause. Gov. Pollard of
Virginia. with Senator Swanson and
Representative Bland of Virginia, were
on hand at the wharf to officially well
come the President and First Lady. in
the name Of the Sesquicentennial Cele-
bration.
Clothes Worth $50 Stolen.