The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-02-28
Great Crowd Turns Out and
Cheers the Queen.
WAR ENTHUSIASM RUNS HIGH.
Strong Pro-British Speeches Made
Audience Cheers Chamberlain,
Roberts and BulIer at Every
Chance-ResoIution of sympathy
for British Columbia Passed-S723
Is Raised for the Relief Fund.

The big turnout at the meeting OF the
British-American League, held at the
Acme Business college last night, was a
great surprise to every one. II was ex-
pected that not more than 100 would be
present: instead over 400 packed the hall
Enthusiasm ran high when the names of
Joseph Chamberlain, Lord Roberts and
Gen. Butler were mentioned. When some
Of the old English war songs were rem
dersd. the audience Joined vigorously in
the chorus, and cheered to the echo at the
finish.
After listening 70 the speeches. some of
which were very witty. and indulging in
song. the league effected permanent or
ganization, with the following officers:
Grifiith Davies; secretary, Austin Griffith,
and treasurer. David Mckenzie. Resolu-
tons were passed expressing sympathy
with the people OF British Columbia for
the heavy losses among their soldiers in
the Canadian contingent In South Africa.
The meeting was called to order by John
w. Pratt. who briefly explained the OBJ
1ect Of the organization. He said its pri-
mary object had been the raising of funds
for the benefit OF the families OF the Brit
ish soldiers killed and wounded in South
Africa. higher purpose. he declared.
had arisen from this. namely, the cement
Ing of tho bond between the United States
and Great Britain.
After MFR. Pratt's address Walter Will
Jams sang Hearts OF oak receiving ire
mendous applause. James Gillison. ir..
the temporary treasurer, reported that
the league had collected t723 for it's benefit
fund, and that an additional $3.50 had
been promised. He expressed himself as
being confident that the 81 900 mark would
be reached. A constitution was then
adopted and permanent officers elected
SOLDIERS OF tho Queen" sung by Walter
Williams, followed. and aroused great en-
thusiasm. those present joining In the
chorus and cheering at the end of each
verse.
The resolutions expressing coincidence
and sympathy with British Columbia for
the heavy mortality among her volunteers
prefaced them with stirring tribute to
Canada and the colonies Of Great Britain
IN general He said; They have risen
ana integrity OF the British empire to
maintain the supremacy OF that flag which
for 1000 years has braved the battle and
the safeguard Of liberty, Imperial unity
IT. no longer a dream, but reality"
r. d. Hughes. who seconded the rpsoli-
tions. was the next speaker. He said: ~
werc not married / would rather be
serving the queen In South Africa than sec
onhing these resolutions here tonight
tCheers) have been happily married for
greet II for the first time He then lis
cussed Canada's loyalty to the British ON
pfre, showing that she had been so by cit
Ing the case OF the first and second Rie
rebellions.
After the resolutions had been passed
Philip Ashton rendered the "Old Brigade
and was given an ovation by the audience
which Joined In the chorus. Mr. Pratt then
related an incident OF the Kaffir war in
which he took part.
The last speaker was Rev n n Gowen
who made great hit by declaring that
a VA M oil h.H IL,
bifureated garments. one leg being robed
In the Union Jack and the other in the
Stars and stripes. MIR Gowen dealt at
length with the question Of how a man
could be a loyal Brltisher and American
At the same time As both countries stood
for the same principles. ne said, there was
no difficulty He was frequently applauded
The "Recessionalr rendered By Alfred
Fisken followed. and then the programme
ended with a recitation by r. r. McLaron
which WAS greatly appreciated