The Chanute times. [volume] (Chanute, Kan.) 1897-1913, 1907-01-18

lips, the rise and fall OF linen crossed
on the happy bosom-all made plain
what words could only weaken.
The exercises would have bored any
but such an audience. The people,
mentally starved were pleased with
anything that even parodied thought,
and speeches., dialogues and songs
were applauded with an impartiality
which made up in fervor what it
lacked in discrimination. The last
speaker chose patriotism for his
theme, and waved an imaginary BAN.
ner of stars and stripes for the edifica-
ton of his hearers. To most OF these.
however, patriotism was but name;
national pride a dead letter. For love
of country could have no firm hold
upon people when the very name OF
that country was for months a matter
of doubt: when much of the time, it
was a moot question to what flag they
owed allegiance. The standard raised,
and as often lowered to give place to
another, cheapened each until, through
rapid changes, the pioneers managed
well enough without common mead
RELYING each upon its own sturdy set
tlement.
However, this was more especially
true of the French and Spanish in the
new territory; there were stalWart
sons of the new republic east Of the
Mississippi, to whom the sight OF the
standard of freedom was inspiring;
who felt yet a glow of patriot fervor
at the faintest flap of eagle wings. To
one of this kind was allotted the clos
ing speech. He was tall, loose
jointed individual whose hair might
be charitably described as sandy, but
whose whiskers were undeniably red.
The arms which he waved seemed bor-
rowed for the occasion-so little their
gestures savored of familiar use. he
raised his voice to a patriotic shrek
at the peroration: MY friends, have
said all this to prove that there yet
live patriots about us. Because we
have journeyed far, let us not forget
that we have a country; let us not for-
get, either, that our country has enc
mics. Indeed, we have had recent
news of the activity of one SUCH His
Vaccinations are even now being dis
cussed in a court of law at Richmond
where, let us hope, justice and truth
will be indicated, and by it's orders
may Aaron Burr suffer the doom of
traitor to his flag"
He waved his arms again, and with
a jerky bow took his seat. The ap-
plause that followed was intended less
in praise of the oratory than gratitude
for the relief of tired muscles.
When it had died away, Winslow,
pale, but with eyes glowing, came to
the center of the platform. There was
an expectant hush, and he began:
1T is not my purpose to speak in
justification of the distinguished pris-
oner at the bar to which our friend has
just alluded, but my personal acqualnt-
ance with Aaron Burr makes it hard
TO keep silent. Even so great soul
as he may reach depths where the
faith of the humblest is priced. You
will forgive me, therefore, if | add a
moiety of favor in the balance which
threatens to weigh against him. My
own connection with his expedition
am prepared to explain fully to all in
whose minds there may Turk a doubt
of my honesty lin the nalf-defiant
pause which followed nobody spoke
nor moved, but for Aaron Burrs
cause I am not here to ask for your
sympathy; the verdict of the court
must decide for us. | have only to
suggest that in the meantime all
criticism be withheld. The country
at large is the jury which will later
sit in deliberation upon the result.
Indeed, it is more than likely that the
whole truth will not be known until
the Judgment. On that day let us see
that we bring to that Greater Bar un-
prejudiced minds and hearts all free
from bias that we may escape peremp-
tory dismissal at the hands of the
Great Challenger"
There was a pause, while his hearers
were undecided whether to applaud or
not. Winslow settled the point for
them by a sudden change of tone and
manner. Coming forward and insensi-
bly, edging closer to where-a little to
the right-sat Lavender, he began
anew lightly:
II have an announcement to make
which may come as a surprise to
many here"
The audience craned their necks, and
those at the windows stood a-tiptoe to
hear. Il am going back east as soon
as" involuntarily his head swerved
to the right-"as soon as possible.
There are urgent reasons calling me
away now. fear that all of you who
remain mere to work in the vineyard
will liken me to the spies of Canaan
who only carry home punches of
grapes to show the fairness of the land.
But, indeed, l go with grateful regrets
which must ever follow such Kindness
as | have met here-here, in this gar
den spot of the new land of our new
country"
And he bowed amid loud cheers.
Then: But in order that the work
here be not lost, but carried on better