Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1898-07-13
THE WAR-SONG CONCERT.
An Enthusiastic Attendant Writes of It
A Successful Achievement for
Noble Cause.

An Enthusiastic Attendant Writes of It
Successful Achievement for
Noble Cause.
Editor Republican: At last we can
feel that Watertown is on an equal
footing with her sister. cities in lending
noble efforts towards a noble cause,
and we can in truth say that last
/ Thursday evenings entertainment,
considered infinitely or in it's entirety,
unqualifiedly earned the verdict of
well and superbly done. The good
and faithful loyal and true servants to
our protecting flag demonstrated not
only their willingness to give time and
talent to raise fund for those who
breast rain of bullets in our stead
(whO, alas! may soon need a helpful
remedy, but attested by their trained
voices and enthusiasm that their
hearts were attuned to the necessities
of the hour and would as readily lend
their aid again for a future patriotic
treat. Music indeed reaches the heart,
1T sOOthes our sorrows and helps to
heal our wounds, and is withal a
beautiful way of expressing loyal stead
fastness to the most peaceful and GEN
erOuS government in the whole world.
The right OF might must not prevail,
but the might of right is mighty and
shall prevail
The War-SOng concert was conclusive
proof that WatertOwn is at least on
par with, if not little ahead of, other
places of its size for musical talent,
wit and grace, and can challenge
greater cities in the galaxy of beauti-
full faces of both sexes beaming with
the spirit Of patriotism. Watertown's
beauty and chivalry had gathered to-
gether for a loyal purposes thank
Heaven! the lannon's opening roar did
not. break in upon US, and nothing
heavier than the beating of the mar
tial drum filled the interludes.
The adjoining and draping Of the
hall, the arrangement of the floral
decorations on the stage, and the pro-
fuse display Of our ''Stars and Stripes"
all gave evidence of the artistic taste
of those having the decorations in
charge. Another very effective idea
was the sudden floating out above our
heads of ''Old Glory during the sing
ing Of ''America''-an episode that
started an enthusiastic burst of APP
plause from the vast audience.
A feature Of the evening that no
doubt greatly impressed all was the
arrival of Watertown's military citi-
zenship, represented by the organiza-
tions of the German Old Soldiers and
the Grand Army of the Republic. The
former, in full uniform, entered the
hall first, and, marching up the center
aisle, separated into two columns fac
ing each other and allowed the veter-
ans Of 1S61-what few are left-tO pass
slowly through to the seats assigned
them. This spectacle could not help
being solemn reminder of grim war.
1t is hardly necessary to say that
the concert program was given with
great satisfaction. The solos and quar-
tettes of the ladies and gentlemen
were rendered exceedingly well, being
received with loud applause and many
encOres demanded, while the large
chorus came in grandly and with tell
ing effect. Not alone to the singers
and the four young men who were
burdened with the entire arrangements
is high praise due, but also to the
Sinnissippi band, who graciously con-
tributed their services and furnished
several enjoyable numbers. Two es-
pecial pleasures to the program were
also afforded in the splendid selections
of the young and gifted reader, Miss
Blanche Webb, and in the fine rendi-
ton of Himmels impressive tBattle
Prayer by Mr.. Hawley. And last
but by no means least, much credit is
to be bestowed upon William Sproes-
ser for the marked ability he dis
played in arranging the program and
conducting the concert. 1t is evident
that he excells as a director, as we'll
as being an accomplished singer.
The opening remarks of Mayor
Mulberger were ''short but sweet"
while the eloquent and able address of
our friend and neighbor, Judge George
Grimm, of Jefferson, who kindly lent
his time and voice in the cause, was
right to the point. | think that overy-
body agreed with him when he said
we all would 90 away feeling better
and more patriotic for having met
together that evening, and for having
given time, talent, taste and money to
help bear the burden and encourage
the noble sons of our free soil who
rushed to the front of battle; that
while we are left to watch and wait
we are not idle and careless, but stand
with ready hands and willing voices
to aid those who respond to our coun-
try's call
The members of the Woman's Relief
corps have reason to be grateful for
the abundant assistance offered and
the successful termination OF the war
song concert. In closing, a word of
communication should be said for the
neat programs and flag souvenirs.
Three times three for dear old Wa
tertown, who comes proudly to the
front in our country's crisis with Spain!
| ''Bellum, horridum bellum!n III. L. S.