National Affairs: Gold Star Sailing

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As the U. S. sea and air fleets entered New York harbor last week, the S. S. America, with bunting and flags, sailed out of the same harbor bearing the first group—234 strong—of Gold Star mothers whom the U. S. Government is sending at U. S. expense to battle graves in France. The day was an anniversary. Thirteen years prior the Orduna had slipped out to sea from New York bearing the first units of the A. E. F.

Ceremonious was the Gold Star leavetaking. Airplanes dropped poppies. Ziegfeld chorus girls sent a great wreath. Mothers carried forget-me-not nosegays, waved little U. S. flags. Bands played. Chief of Staff Summerall read a parting message from Acting Secretary of War Davison ("Go, therefore, not in sorrow but in pride").* Tiny stars of real gold were distributed by Paul Chapman, head of U. S. Lines. Tugs tooted and forts banged out salutes as the America put to sea.

A proud and happy day was it for Mrs. Mathilda Burling, 55, of Richmond Hill, N. Y. According to Army records her son, Private George B. Burling Jr., of the 52nd Coast Artillery, died of disease in France, is buried at St. Mihiel Cemetery. Alert, energetic Mrs. Burling long ago conceived the idea of having the Government send mothers who lost their sons in France on a pilgrimage to their graves. She organized the Gold Star Association (now disbanded) to promote this scheme. Five years ago she appeared in Washington, got New York Congressmen to introduce her bill for the trip. At first there was no sentiment whatever for the project.

Almost single-handed Mrs. Burling agitated for her bill. She lobbied openly. She worked hard. She mustered witnesses for Congressional hearings. She enlisted the aid of other War organizations. Her irrepressible efforts were more responsible for enactment of this legislation than any other individual's.

As president of the reorganized Gold Star Mothers of America Mrs. Burling had rivals. The American War Mothers Association of which Mrs. Virgil McClure is president, criticized her tactics. Petty politics bred bad feeling. But last week it was Mrs. Burling, beaming with delight, who led the Gold Star trippers to New York's City Hall, received there for them the greetings of municipal officers, admirals, generals, Congressmen, officially responded to the welcome.