The Lambertville record., 1912-05-31
Memorial Day Exercises.

Inc groom nnu lear IN the hearts of
the school children on the morning of
the twenty-ninth was quickly changed
to JOY by the appearance Of the sun
breaking through the clouds about
eight o'clock. IL was very pretty
sight to see them coming from differ
cut directions each with flag, assem-
bling at the various school buildings,
prior to the march to the High school
on the hill. Those who took the time
to climb the heights were amply re-
paid for their labor.
1t surely was fine sight to see the
line of children and teachers so bean.
tifully attied and so interested in the
exercises.
1T must be great source of salts
faction to all those who gave their
time and work drilling and training
the children. Everything moved like
clock work.
Too much credit cannot be given to
Miss Annie Il. Stout, principal, in
charge, for her quiet, systematic way
of conducting the whole affair.
The singing and various drills we're
models of perfection. The sweet in-
terested faces of the children were an
inspiration to all those who beheld
them.
We noticed among the visitors, the
pastors of four of the churches, the
two lady members of the school board
and the professional member Of the
board. We presume that those in
charge would have appreciated full
attendance of the board.
We hope in future years these ex-
ercises will be continued with an in
ereasing interest by the general pub.
lie.
The beautiful day, the magnificent
scenery, the patriotic performance of
the children with their flags aud
the stirring patriotic address of our
Mayor, made n pleasing aud lasting
impression upon all who had the
privilege of being present,
The following is Mayor Lauer's ad-
dress:
Ladies aud Gentlemen and Scholars
of the Lambertyille Public School:
Without eloquence or gift of speech,
/ cannot charm you with an address
betitting this occasion, but as one of
the actors of the great drama, or rath-
or, tragedy of war, / hope to interest
you with short talk.
Your meeting here today, Is proof
that you have not forgotten that fifty
years ago this nation was engaged in
n great Civil War for its own preser-
yation. Tomorrow. the Both day of
May, from the Atlantic TO tho Pacific,
mon, women aud children will visit
the silent cities of the dead and with
loving hands, place on the graves
marked by our country's flag, the
beautiful spring flowers. BY this,
say, "lere sleep in their last sleep,
the heroes of the conflict that gave us
n, reunitad .republie, " gaSeranaantsso ssof
The people, by the people, and FOR the
people.
Looking into your happy young
faces, | am wondering what you know
HuuHl rbHl HhtIlOblbn,
You boys, if in your coming young
manhood, the bugle call should sound
from hilltop to valley, aud this nation
was again to be tested as to its fitness
to endure as n free country, will you
prove worthy sons of the heroic sires
we are here to honor todayp
You may ask lis IL only at the can
mons mouth or in the slaughter of
our fellow men that true patriots are
found? God forbid that / should
teach such n doctrine. Only as last
resort, in the defense of the oppressed
or when the honor of our nation is at
stake, il war excusable. Then shame
to the people That do not count liberty
more than life-the cause of the weak
their cause, and 40 prove that the
blood Of the Fathers still runs red In
their veins.
Do You boys and girls realize what
a privilege 1t is TO be citizen OF this
republic, and how much it's future de-
pends upon the kind Of u citizen you
are?
My young friends, here is where
your patriotism and true love OF
country will be tested. Will you
stand for purity in the conduct of this
government; for clean ballot aud
just administration of its laws2
Do you know how much real cour-
age it takes to be loyal to the dear old
flag in times Of peace?
TO love country more than party,
place or power, TO let the CRATER and
epoilsman know that his collar is not
for you. One of our sages wisely
said: External vigilance is the price of
liberty"
In the eyes of the world we are a
very great people, and also in our
own eyes s-wonderful has been our
growth. Possibly it would have been
better had it been slower; the vast
sums Of wealth not so easily acquired.
What we have gained in power and
display will little profit us, if by it we
are led TO forget the old paths and the
simpler forms of life that pertain to
greater unity of feeling and a broader
consideration for our felIowmen. 1t
IL not my intent TO descry wealth, or
give you TRADE against the rich.
Thrift ~ always commendable. The
monuments to the generosity OF our
successful business men are many; II
danger there be in this vast and rapid
accumulation Of wealth, it will come
from the large idle class it creates. A
great class of idlers are menace and
burden TO any nation and an es-
pecial danger TO free people. The
workers are the real wealth of the
nation. and the common people the
safety of the republic.
Today we renew our VOWS of loyal
ty and devotion to the flag. The flag !
Only bit Of bunting marked with
stars and stripes. Only Il bit of bunt-
ing, as il catches the morning sun,
gracefully unfolding in the Summer
breeze.
Ask the old heroes tomorrow, as
they ride. their marching days are
over) to the graves of Comrades, many
Of them for the last time, --one an
hour is the toll now Every time the
sun rises and sets aud rises again,
death calls the roll and twenty.four
veterans answer 'Herep Ask them
what the flag stands for. They will
tell you of long marches in heat and
cold, dust and mud, under the blazing
sun, and facing the blast of the win