The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1910-07-26

This was Woodman day at the fair
and the members of that order turned
out by the thousand. In addition to
the big membership in Fargo, hum
dreds Of woodmen from all parts of
the state were in evidence and the
exercises at the grand stand were in
consequence most interesting, being
enlivened by speeches by the governor
and other distinguished men in and
out of the order.
The parade formed promptly down
town and reached the fair grounds a
little after 10 o'clock and proceeded at
once to the grand stand where the
speech making took place. The stand
was we'll filled, while several hundred
occupied seats on the parade in front.
Ex-Mayor w. D. Sweet presided at
the nj Getting and opened the meeting
with a gratious word Of greeting.
Congressman Hanna was then iri-
troduced and in his happy manner gave
the Woodrnen and the Royal Nefghbors
a cordial welcome to Fargo and the
state fair. He was most happy in his
address and was heartily applauded at
its conclusion.
Hon T. d. Casey of Grafton re-
sponded to the greeting on behalf of
the Modern Woodmen of America and
Royal Neighbors and expressed the
pleasure of the members of these two
great orders at being present. He
complimented Fargo on her progress
siveness and the management of the
e. hn az ~ I've
programme prepared for the delight of
the people from all parts of the state
who were coming in train loads to en-
10y themselves.
Governor Burke was given a well
come and briefly expressed the pleas
ure he took in being present at this
particular gathering and at the state
fair, which he said was great credit
to the city and the state. He spoke Of
the benefits to be derived from visiting
these concourses of the people by the
people and said they were not only
great educators, but served to bring all
parts of the state in close communion
and fellowship. He spoke in the great
est praise OF the Modern Woodmen of
the World and It's sister order and said
he was proud to be a member, not
alone because of the financial security
afforded, but because Of the lessons in
humanity and good fellowship which
radiated from the order. The Wood
men, he said. were doing a great work
in providing for the families of mem
bers when the time came for the
brothers and sisters to lay, down their
life's work, and the many acts of
| charity and philanthropy done by the
fraternity had done much to make life
brighter and more worth living for
millions.
Senator Frank Talcott of Buffalo was
next introduced and in a few well
chosen words and with the gracious
bon homrne characteristic of him, gave
testimony to the worth Of the order
and its great work for humanity and
the pleasure 1t gave him to be counted
among the host with the axe.
Hon. H. r. Helgesen was present and
was to have spoken, but he begged ia
be excused from speaking, owing to q
severe headache.
Whelan's Address.
G. e. Whelan, supreme national lee
turer Of the Woodmen of the World
was then introduced and after the ap
plause and hearty greeting subsided he
began his address with witty allusion
!; 60 the many Irish who were members
of the order which caused every Cell
in the crowd TO smile broadly and
made fun for the others.
He told a funny story of the mar
who followed the profession of poll
tician, but which Pat said was a dis
ease, but paid a high tribute to those
who serve their state or country In Of
flee, maintaining that high patriotism
was their rule and guide rather thar
grating.
In speaking Of the order he said il
now numbered 1,150,000 members ant
would soon pass the 100000 mark
that the red. white and green banner
was beloved in hundreds of thousands
ee homes of the land and no Other
was growing faster or more healthy
financially. He was most enthusiastic
in praises OF the order and made sons
excellent points In its behalf. 1t was
he said, doing great work for hu
mainly and pays out $970,000 monthly
to beneflciaries. In charitable work 4
had paid out $4,000 In help beyond