The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1898-05-19
THE MAINE MONUMENT.
Thursday May 20, 1895, Has Been Fixed as
.- ssMaine Day" zZ
NEy1r 1oooE

..:. New YORK, May, 7, 1898.
CHAs. A. D1CKEY, ESQ,
Co. Supt. of Schools, Princeton
Dear Sir:-The national committee
having in charge the erection of a ma
tional monument to the men who went
down with the battleship Maine, has
decided to construct, underneath the
monument, a special vault, in which it
is desired to place the signatures of all
the pupils in all the schools of the
United States, or as nearly all as it is
possible by any means to obtain.
The committee believes that this
plan will go far towards intoxicating in
the school children the patriotic
spirit which constitutes the basis of
all free institutions. In many cases,
classes and even entire schools have
sent substantial contributions. Should
the total of the scholars subscription
be found adequate to the purpose, the
committee will have some part of the
memorial, probably the base or
pedestal, constructed from the chill
drens' contributions alone and record
thereof made in the inscription. 1
But whether that be possible or not,
1t is most desirable that the proposed
collection of signatures should be
made. It is the belief of the commit
tee that the best and in fact the only
way to secure these is to place in the
hands of every teacher in every school,
in every State throughout the Union,
blanks for signatures by the children.
To accomplish this purpose it was
decided to place the matter in the
hands of the chief officer Of educationin
zach State. These gentlemen have
taken tire proposition up with much
warmth and at this writing we have
already secured the active co-operat ton
of 81 State super1ntendents Of educa-
ton. Among the number is the Hon.
w. W. Pendergast of your State sgHe
has given the plan his hearty indorse-
ment and at his request we send YOU
herewith by express prepaid blanks for
distribution among the schools in YOU r
county. Additional blanks will be
cheerfully furnished if needed.
1t is desirable.to have all the pupils
sign as nearly at the same time as pos
sible. In order to accomplish this,
Thursday, May 26, has been fixed on
as ''Maine Day. in the schools
throughout the United States. We
trust this date will be satisfactory to
you. If consistent with regulations,
the Committee suggests that the teach
ers in submitting the blanks for sigma
ture, hold some exercises of a patriotic
character, and explain to their scholars
why a grateful nation unites to pay
tribute to the memory of the sailors
and marines who were slain in Havana
harbOr while in the service of their
country. "
In case the children desire to make
contribution to the fund, simultan-
eously with the signing of their names,
the amount of any Individual contribu-
tion must be limited to TEN CENTS.
The children need not give a penny
unless they so desire. The essential
object is to secure ALL the signatures.
Hoping that you will give the matter
the kindly ane active consideration
which the nature Of the object war
rants, we are,
Very sincerely yours,
NELSON A. MILES,
THos. 0. SELFRIDGE,
/ SHELDON JACKSON.
CHAUNCEY M. DEPEW.
FREDERICKD.s GRANT.
To the Teachers, Pupils and Citizens,
Of Mile Laos County:
i The foregoing letter will explain it.
self. l trust that this matter will re-
ceive the attention it merits and that
the parents and patrons Of our schools
will do all in their power to encourage
the pupils and teachers to comply with
this request. We cannot too earnestly
and persistently inculcate love Of coun-
try and love of our flag, and should at
all times and in every possible manner
. honor those who give their lives in
its defense.
Very truly yours,
CHAs. a. DIcKEY,
County Supt. Schools.
Rev S. II. Jones, Tacoma, Wash
says: y have suffered for years with
/ constipation and indigestion. One me
81 bottle of sGrarnc, 4. Ia 6,in NJ E;l1ss1