Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1905-06-27

parade was headed by the La Crosse
police force followed by Dana's band.
The hcGrath drum corps of Ailwau-
kee were also in line with the parade.
Immediately after the parade we
assembled at the church, where we
were called to order at 2:45 p. m.
The delegate at large then read her
report, after which COMMANDMENTS.
chief VIM. Blackman and two past
commanders we're introduced. The
Commander-in-chief gave a short ad-
dress in regard to his Office, it's duties,
and his travels. One of the past COM
manders then made few remarks in
which he praised the grand, noble,
good work which the w. R. C. are do
ing throughout the state.
We next proceeded to march to the
high school building where Mrs.
Weatherby with an appropriate ad.
dress presented the high school of
La Crosse with beautiful large silk
flag, said to have cost S26. Mrs.
Weatherby delivered her address from
the school portico. .......
The principal then made few re-
marks after which the high school
girls and boys sang Star Spangled
Banner" and "Columbla, the Gem of
the Ocean," After the presentation
OF the flag we went to the reception
where We were introduced personally
to the reception committee. The
high school scholars sang three songs
for us at the banquet after which
MIS-. Smith corps lady delivered a
recitation entitled "Bennie's Pardon"
We were then served to coffee, sand
witches, ice cream, cake and punch.
Tuesday evening camp fire. The
camp fire was held at the theater
building. A large crowd was in at
tendance, the building being packed.
The meeting was opened by Dana's
band delivering several selections Of
old war songs ending up with Yankee
Doodle. .-
Mr.. Norcross explained the origin
of the camp fire after which he
introduced Commander-in-chicf w.
w. Blackman, who is very interest
ing speaker. Mr.. Blackman began
his speech by paying the band q COM
pliment, and said that he considered
a good band, playing the old patriotic
airs as one of the best and most
effective means Of educating the
younger people il patriotism and
loyalty. He told of how he was In
Japan few years ago and heard q
band playing Marching Through
Georgia" He said a nation that
could produce musicians to- play such
stirring music as that could win In
any fight and he was not surprised
that they whipped Russia, He spoke
of how much more interesting the
camp fires Of today were than the
camp fires of 81 for in those camp fires
the girls were always missed. Mr..
Blackman said he had enjoyed this
day immensely for it had been so rest
fuf to him having been called on to
deliver only five speeches during the
day. A quartette rendered songs
during the evening after each address.
The next speaker was Past Depart
ment Com mander, A. G.. Weissert, of
Milwaukee. His subject being
"Flags." His address was followed
by a solo entitled, "Tenting on the
Old Camp Ground" by Miss Ethel
Scott. The next speaker was Phil
Cheek, of Baraboo. He proved TO be
an interesting speaker. He said that
the other day he asked soldier what
he thought was the hardest service
during the war. The soldier replied
this, (going inside Of his vest and
scratching his body.) Phil said that
the greatest bereavement of his during
the war was the lack of women. In
eighteen months he didn't have the
privilege OF seeing white woman,
and what in Gods name was worse.
He also spoke of the girls Of 81, With
their starched calico dresses, hoops,
and old shaker b0nnetS. Phil said
| that there were 100000 ssiuler
survivors of the war of 81 and that they
were good for Is years to come.
Punch Robertson rendered "Sheri-
dams Ride" and was encored and then
delived, Fighting Joe."
Past Department Commander J. A.
| Watrous, of Milwaukee, next delivered
a speech, after which the camp fire
closed by all joining in the song
America" G. 81
Wednesday Morning.
Meeting opened at 8:45 by song.
The minutes of the previous day were
read and approved, after which q roll
call OF the delegates was taken.
It was decided that the department
of Wisconsin furnish the Anderson
vile PRISONS dining room regardless
of cost. ....
A report from the matron OF the
Wisconsin Veterans Home was read.
Her report showed there were twenty
five deaths at the institution since
January /. She thanked the different
corps throughout the state for the
many gifts and furnishings that have
heen donated tn fha home The