The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1898-03-18
Open Meeting of the G. A. r. and w.

members ana invited guests. lneSe meet-
ings are held monthly and are the means of
bringing together the old soldiers and their
wives and the citizens generally for few
hours of friendly and patriotic interchange
of ideas.
All visitors, civilians as well as old vets,
are cordially received and made to feel at
home at once. And further on, one whose
patriotic spirit has been smouldering, per-
haps, for need of some quickening cause,
can not fail to catch the glow soon famed
into the fire of patriotic enthusiasm.
The meeting was opened by the long
roll by Comrade Courtright and his drum,
and the singing of the opening ode.
A quartette Of young men sang the Ma
tional anthem, when Mrs. Wiley, in few
well selected words introduced Rev. Carey
V. Northrop, who warmly praised the old
soldiers and considered them his very best
friends. He said some one had asked him
a short time ago il he had ever served in
the late war. He had replied that he served
during the years 1s61-65 in Michigan in
fant(ry), but had nevertheless inherited
patriotic spirit. The speaker paid an elo-
quent tribute to Gen. Custer and his brave
followers. He spoke of his early child-like
patriotism and warlike patriotism and war
like experience with his companions in
charging nest of hornets, the quick retreat
of the young soldiers and the impressions
they carried away with them. Ever since
he had been trying to understand why it is
that hornets never know when to quit
when they have done enough.
Mr.. Northrop, in the course of his re-
marks payed just tribute to the love and
courage of the mothers, wives and daughters
of the war times. His reference to the pres
ent critical condition Of things between
Uncle Sam and Spain and the call to arms
If it came was enthusiastically received by
the old soldiers.
A selection of music by Comrade Jacobs
wife and daughter.
The meeting was intended as memorial
for the lost sailors of the Maine.
Miss Nora Brewer read selection en-
titled "The Good Ship Maine.n
The young mems quartette we'll rendered
"Uncle Sam, What are You Waiting For?'
Flossie butcher, little miss of 10 sum
mers, in a very self possessed manner, tolt
the soldiers and friends of the experience o.
a man and his wife with st. Peter. Little
Miss butcher made 1t appear that st. Peters
experience with the woman inclined hin
towards the man and that in consequence o.
this he sent the husband in one direction
and the wife in the other. In doing so tn,
husband was not sent to domain OF Pluto.
Upon request Judge Smith made som,
remarks of general character, speaking o
the great privileges we enjoy in this coun
try.
Nellie Crane, daughter of Comrade A. B
Crane, little miss only seven years old
spoke of the Banner of Freedom, and did
we'll.
A we'll rendered song, "Just Before tn
Battle, Mother" by the young men then fol
lowed.
Comrade Duane G. Cooper being detained
in COrunna, Mrs. Cooper appeared to rea,
the memorial paper prepared by Conrad
Cooper, who at one time served In the navy
This paper was really interesting and tn
appreciation Of its contents was shown b,
the applause ELECTED. President McKine,
was praised for his calm judgment and firm
dignifed manner under the pressure of pub
lie opinion. 1t was claimed that the Presi
dents attitude in trying to avert the awfu
results of war, was the true attitude whcl
a good man and great nation should as
sumo. Referring to the Maine disaster
Comrade Cooper said: Comrades, on
country may be standing on the perilou
edge of war, and 1t behOoves us that W
possess our souls In patience and do nothin
to bring blot upon our national honor
The choice of war is not to be made light
except by those who know nothing of 1t
awful realities. 1t is fitting, IL not ou
bounden duty tu lay aside the busy affairs O
life to consider and commemorate the hero
ism of the sailors who lost their lives in th
Maine disaster. It Is not in battle alon
that heroic deeds are done, nor is 1t only Ii
time Of war. Every man who stood be
meath the flag of the Maine had, by his pre-
sence there signifed his willingness to dl
in the defense Of his country, and the main
tenance of its honor, and when death cam
IN the awful manner In which 1t did. tn
dead were no less heroes than II they ha
fallen before the guns of an enemy.
is but fair, Comrades, that great natio
like ours should recognize the tragic, bu
heroic death of their brave men. Our ns
ton is generous in this respect and has bee
ready at all times to recognize true braver
and devotion to duty"
In closing, Comrade Cooper said: "Shir
mates of the Maine, farewell. Your storm
voyage is over, and your brave spirits ar
at rest. Safely may you be anchored In th
heavenly harbor of that unknown country.
Col. Moyses, In his usual humorous mar
| - L.. h..