The West Virginia News

GENERAL PERSHING REVIEWS C. M. T. C. CADET CORPS.

Monday July 4th, was a red-letter day for the Citizens' Military Training Camp at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Ind. It was an ideal day for the exercises which marked the eternal gratitude of all American citizens for the courage and steadfastness of our forefathers who made this glorious country possible.

Early in the morning the C. M. T. C. regiment was formed and entrained for Indianapolis, where they paraded with and were reviewed by General John J. Pershing, the commander in chief of the American Expeditionary Forces of the World War. The parade was one of the most impressive ever witnessed in Indianapolis and practically every spectator commented upon the soldierly bearing and the splendid marching of the C. M. T. C. regiment. General Pershing, himself, said it was one of the most inspiring sights he had ever seen. He was amazed that so much progress could be made in so short a time and, as a personal tribute to the young men, who were voluntarily giving this service to their country, the General saluted each platoon of the regiment as they passed the reviewing stand.

Immediately after the parade the regiment boarded the cars which returned them to the camp where a good meal was awaiting them. The candidates, whose parents had already arrived, were permitted to invite them to dinner with the company and most of them were surprised at all the good things they had to eat.

In the afternoon a number of noted and prominent men were present for the review and exercises which were held at three o'clock. Stirring and inspiring addresses were delivered by Mr. Paul V. McNutt, commander, department of Indiana, American Legion; Hon. Arthur R. Robinson, U. S. Senator, and Hon. Ed Jackson, governor of Indiana.

At the conclusion of the exercises the C. M. T. C. band, composed of one hundred and four cadets, played several selections, the last of which was "The Star Spangled Banner."