Page:America in the Struggle for Czechoslovak Independence (1926).pdf/61

RV 57 slovaks to self-determination. On October 28, 1918, the Republic was proclaimed in Prague.

Woodrow Wilson, who so emphasized the importance of the army, without which Czechoslovak independence would have remained but a dream, was afforded an opportunity to review a contingent of these men passing through the United States in July, 1919. The review was to take place from a stand erected before the White House especially for the purpose. Owing to a heavy rain the reviewing party assembled and watched the parade from the White House portico. One of the group was Adolph J. Sabath, Representative from Illinois, himself born in Bohemia. When Mr. Wilson concluded his remarks (see ) he invited Mr. Sabath to address the troops in their native language. Probably this is the only time an address in a foreign tongue was delivered from the White House portico. As to the occasion itself, this was certainly unique, and, it is easy to predict, will never be repeated.