The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-09-12

ers of Phillips county have become so
prosperous in the last few years that
thew came TO the reunion in fine car
riages this year. There was a time
wher they came in lumber wagons
OPENING OF THE REUNION.
Phillipsburg, Kan, Sept. 2--The
twenty-first annual reunion of the old
soldiers of Phillips county is being held
here this week, and like the one held
last year. is a complete success. This
reunion and the one held in 1902 were
mostly planned and successfully car
ried out by the younger crowd And TO
the credit of the young fellows, the re-
union is entirely free from gambling,
takers and numerous other gratis
which have been so frequent here and
elsewhere in the past A mere good ma
tured throng of people never before
visited a Phillips county soldiers re-
union and seldom has there been a
larger turn out than was seen in Phil
lipsburg the last two days Of the re-
union. Entire families came from every
part of the county and to quote the
remarks of several of the heads OF Fam
lilies: Phillips county farmers can give
work at this time to not less than 400
extra hands. The entire crops of the
county are the largest and best we have
ever raised"
The Phillipsburg girls band. dressed
in their pretty gray uniforms and black
hats, played their best music both day
and night and the colored Quartette
from Topeka was also an entertaining
feature of the reunion. Flags are float
ing everywhere. and a people couldn't
be more patriotic than those of Phillips
burg and Phillips county.
To the Phillipsburg orchestra of about
forty voices, praise is due for the splen-
did part it took in entertaining the old
soldiers and the throng of visitors with
their sweet songs. This orchestra is
great drawing card. and deserves all the
good words said of it.
During their two days visit in Phil
If u IL
were the guests of Mr.. and Mrs. John
O. Royce, who have been warm personal
friends for many years.
In the camp the w. c. T. u have a
large tent. Mr.. Hoch was their guest
for a forenoon. In the presence of a tent
full of these worthy women and large
number of the old soldiers, he made
them a beautiful address along the line
of their work. which was loudly APP
plauded.
The speakers at this reunion were to
be Commander A. W. Smith, Senator
Long and E. w. Hoch in the order
named. On account of sickness Senator
Long was unable to be present. Com
mander Smith was the principal orator
the first day. The day was quite rainy
and the regular programme was de-
ferred until evening and the commander
spent the day with. his comrades at
their tents and headquarters. His adj
dress in the evening was delivered to
large audience and was enthusiastically
received. He was in good voice and his
address was both eloquent and patriotic.
The second day Hon. E. W. Hoch of
Marion was the principal speaker. Mr..
Hoch is a great favOrite in Phillips
county and has visited the county sew
eral times before. The audience which
greeted him Thursday afternoon num-
bered fully 5000 people. and for nearly
two hours he held their closest attention
while he drew beautiful word pictures
of the great war and the great lesson
of patriotism taught by the sacrifices
made by the boys who wore the blue.
His address was eloquent, patriotic and
greatly enjoyed by the audience who
gave expression of their approval by
frequent applause
The principal speaker today was DR..
J. H Lockwood of Beloit. He spoke
from the platform in the public park
to an audience nearly if not quite as
large as the day before. Mr.. Lockwood
is a very interesting speaker and seems
to be especially at home at an old SOL
diers' reunion. His address was all that
could be desired. full of beautiful senti-
ment. and was fully enjoyed by all who
heard him.
DR.. G. H. Woodward. pastor of the
Phillipsburg Methodist church. ana
Rev. H. J. Hassard of the Baptist
church, also delivered interesting adj
dresses which the people fully enjoyed.
Thursday evening a regular old fash
Toned campfire was held, at which many
dresses and related much of the unwrit-
ten history of the war. The pleasure of
the evening was greatly augmented by
the girls band, the orchestra, the To-
peka colored quartette and by local
singers.