The National tribune., 1908-08-13
Capt. Wallace Foster Celebrates His
Birthday.


The legion of friends which Capt.
Wallace Foster. of Indianapolis, Ind,
has made by his genial kindness do
not need to be told of his patriotic
work.. which is now of National pro-
portions, but the story of the manner
in which he recently celebrated his 10th
birthday will interest all who have the
privilege of his acquaintance. 1t is not
the first time he has celebrated in a
similar manner. If all stOriesNre true.
On the day in question. attfred in his
best, his handsome face aglow with en-
thusiasm and bearing a large silk flag,
he marched into the Office of leading
newspaper of Indianapolis. Coming to
a halt and saluting, he announced that
it was his birthday. and because OF that
fact he wished to place the flag in the
custody of the newspaper, to be dis
posed of, to the highest bidder the pro-
ceeds to go to the Fresh Air Fund, to
secure outings for the poor children OF
the city. This was repeated at another
newspaper office, the total realized for
the flag being S65. Capt. Foster has
long realized the force of the text, 1T
Is more blessed to give than to receive
and his pathway down the hill OF life
is strewn with many kind acts. He Is
always ready to contribute to the hap
piness of others, and when recently the
she wished to present her husband on
his birthday with an SKIS bunting flag
of her own making he Immediately en-
tered into the conspiracy. and secured
the materials for her-Stripes, field and
stars-ready to be put together When
she had completed her task she or
dered" the Captain to come to her home
at Anderson, Ind, to make the pre-
sentation speech. Like the good soldier
hn 10 mr.
the evening In question reported for
duty at the home of Comrade and Mrs.
George L. Springer. 1t vas the Goth
birthday of the comrades and in his
absence some SO friends assembled. The
home was darkened Until he arrived in
the midst when the electricilights flashed
forth, reveaI ing the merry company, to
the astonishment of Comrade Springer.
Capt. Foster was called upon, and gave
a short talk upon the significance of the
occasion and of the nag. Then the wife
placed before HIM a box about the size
Of half bushel neaisure,qbuilt in tiers
of red, white and blue, with little cam
dies. 1t was thought by the guests to
conceal a birthday cake, but Capt Fos-
ter, quoting Henry Dr1imffiond's defni-
ton of 1.-THE greatest thing in the
world" stated that the Wife thru love
had prepared a gift for her soldier hus-
band. Here he lifted the lid from the
box and revealed the beautiful flag.
which was hailed with cheers by the
guests, only the husband remaining ST.
lent, too much surprised for speech: but
when he recovered his voice he made
his response with his strong arm about
the flag, with his wife inside. Aftef
the congratulations and celebrations the
company adjourned to the lava. which
was Illuminated, and a lo5g table spread
with good things awaited shrrS. Capt.
Foster. as always in his u ode utter
ances, referred to ths tDie I'd work
which has been accomplished by the
patriotic societies of American women,
giving especial credit to the Woman's
Relief Corps as the pioneer. The Ma
tionaI Tribune and all friends Of Capt.
Foster wish him many more years Of
happiness and usefulness.