UNKNOWN WARRIOR.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 November 1921, Page 5

UNKNOWN WARRIOR.

AMERICAN CEREMONY. A MEMORABLE TRIBUTE. ALL NATIONS PARTICIPATE. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright Washington. Nov. 11. America’s unknown warrior was laid to rest amidst scenes of extraordinary impressiveness. As eajly as five o’clock this morning crowds gathered along the route of the procession. Shortly after 8 o’clock the casket was borne from the Capitol, placed on a gun carriage drawn by eight black horses, sixteen of the nation’s greatest soldier heroes acting as pall bearers, and Admirals and Generals following as honorary pall bearers. President Harding and General Perching followed on foot, accompanied by the Naval, Military and Congressional delegates. Then came various delegations from the Armament Conference. In an open victoria came ex-President W3«m. thunderous cheers for whom broke the silence of the throngs. He was , the chief centre, next to the coffin of the unknown soldier, of the crowd’s attention. The ex-Presidents face was drawn and worked with emotion as he atruggled to keep back his tears as the people strained to see him, greeting him with cheers. On arrival at the White House the procession halted. President Ha r ding members of the Cabinet, and others taking carriages for the drive to Arlington National Cemetery, where immense crowds gathered to witness the buria*. MEDALS OF ALL NATIONS. Before leaving the Capitol the highest medals of seven nations were pinned on the flag that draped the casket. President Harding conferred the United States Congressional Medal of Honor. Ixird Beattie Britain’s Victoria Cross, Marshal Foch France's Medaille Militaire. General Diaz the Italian Gold Medal for Bravery. Minister Stepansk the Czechoslovak War Cross, Prince Lobomirski the Polish Virtuti Miiitari.

President Wilson left the procession at the White House and returned to his residence. He «aid he felt embarrassed that there should be applause on such M» occasion. At Arlington, crowds overflowed the •mpitheatre to a distance of a mile. To the strains of funeral marches the casket was borne to its tomb. Prayers were then offered, after which the multitude joined in singing “America” and “0 God Our Help. in Ages Past.” The bier was flanked with a helmet, palm wreath, American shield and a figure of Liberty, the gift of the President of China. In the crypt below were the international floral tributes, including the British Government’s set piece inscribed: ‘"With the sympathy of the British people.” Mrs. Julia MeCndden. representing British war mothers, had a place of honor near the bier, and presented the war mothers’ wreath, which was composed of flowers from all parts of the British Empire. THE PRESIDENT’S SPEECH. President Harding delivered an Armistice Day speech beside the bier of the unknown soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. He said they met to pay «in impersonal tribute to one of whom all they knew wa« that his death marked him for everlasting glory as an American dying for his country. lie might have come from one of millions of American homes. Hundreds of mothers to-day were wondering, each finding solace in the possibility that she might have given him ove and tenderness and cherished hopes for his future. He died for the country, > ind greater devotion hath no man than this. He died, unquestioning and uncomplaining, with faith in his heart and the hope on hie lips that the country should triumph and civilisation survive. He fought and died a typical soldier. This representative of democracy, the American soldier, went forth to battle without hatred of any people, but hating war, cherishing national rights, abhorring th? threat of armed domination. The President declared that it was lhe people’s duty now to make a better . republic for the living. He wished he might be able to say that no such sacrifice would ever be asked again. He did not speak as a pacifist, fearing war, but as one loving justice and hating war, believing the highest function of Government was to give its citizens security, peace, and the opportunity to acquire happiness. The nation must work to put mankind cm a higher plane. New York. Nov. 11. President Harding’s speech, as it was delivered at the Arlington cemetery, at Washington, was conveyed by wireless telephone, giant amplifiers making it clearly heard outside the building. A vast throng gathered to hear the President's speech and tlw churches throughout the citv held memorial services. All flags were half-masted. A MOVING SCENE. TRIBUTES FROM THE NATIONS. DECORATIONS CONFERRED. Received Nov. 13, 5J5 pan. Nov. 11. President Harding’s speech preceded lhe decoration ceremonies. The President was visibly affected, and his voice, which was heard for miles around through amplifiers, broke -several times. Mrs. Harding broke into tears. Following the President’s address the Metro- • politan Opera quartette sang “The Supreme Sacrifice.” Then President Harding pinned the Congressional Medal of Honor on the coffin. Baron Jacques followed with the Belgian Croix de Guerre, and then came Lord Beatty, who silently placed the Victoria Cross. The Earl of Cavan presented a sheaf of lillies and palms— King George’s personal remembrance — ■which had the place of honor on the casket itself. Marshal Foch spoke briefly in French when conferring the Medaille Militaire and the Croix de Guerre. General Diaz followed with Italy’s tribute, and then followed tributes from the Roumanian Minister (M. JBibe«co‘, the Czechoslovak!an Minister <M. Stepansk), and the Polish Minister (M. Lobomirski)). The chaplain ■ yecited the twenty-third psalm, and ■RgsX Ponselle sang “I Know That My Redeemer Liveth.” Then followed the 1 scripture lesson, “I am the resurrection 1 Mnd the life.*’

The casket wa® then placed in the Barcophagus. President Harding and Mrs. Carding following. To the strains of the Dead March the procession then passed by. the end trudged an aged and wrinkled Indian chief named "Coos'’ a blanket and feathers.