Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1913-11-21
Can We Do It?

Late last summef, number OF the
Young men Of Wauwatosa wishing to
make something worth while of the
Wauwatosa Light Guard, began to in
quire among themselves the possibility
of recognizing the company. This
eliminated finally into a series of
meetings at the Armory Hall when the
company's past history was reviewed.
The former success, with the many
pleasant associations it gave to Wan
watosa's young people, formed great
part of the argument for the purpose
of a present reorganization. At the
same time, our former weakness, our
abuses Of the privileges extended, the
apparent causes for the falling off of
interest in the company and, in fact,
all the conditions leading up to the
status of the company up to last August
were also discussed at these meetings.
We knew, of course, that some OF
you. thru the usual peculiar course
hearsay travels, had formed conclu-
sions for yourself concerning the de-
ireability of having military organi-
cation at all. To be plain, it had fall
en- into disrepute. Mr.. Frederick D.
Underwood himself, was thoroughly
disguised with the state of affairs, and
had practically decided, to tear down
the old land-mark-the Armory.
Generally speaking, when the writer
of this article was asked to take part
In the recognizing proceedings, he
was rather reluctant to assume any re-
sponsibilities. However, at the time,
: there seemed to be, strong desire to
have again, a real Wauwatosa Light
Gnard-a place where the young men
could assemble for instructions In milf
tarv drill and aside from that, offer a
place for pleasant and profitable enter
tainment for the young people and for
tho citizens Of Wauwatosa as well
To begin with. the company was in
debt-there was no money in the treas
ury. the general accepted opinion of
the organization was poor, and many
of the young men OF Wauwatosa were
loath to express any encouragement to
the handful of boys who helped in re-
organizing.
The writer has not had occasion to
speak to older men OF Wauwatosa, the
church organizations, nor the Women
Clubs of the city, who in the past have
taken an active interest in our welfare
However. we have continued our drill
nights; have fought ON continuously,
hoping that immediate future would
win, not only your favor and your sup
port, but that OF the young men as
well. 1t is our definite purpose only,
TO make for Wauwatosa, clean,
worthwhile organization-and the pur-
pose Of this article is to hear your
opinion exactly as you hold 1t. We
cannot saeceed without that support
and we have endeavored to win that
support, morally at least. 1t is need
less to say, our funds are low, we are
just about keeping even. The young
men with us, are showing the true mil
itary spirit and it is because of their
LOYALTY, that the present officers are
still hammering at it.
Can we make company worth
while? Do you want to see the organ
ization thrive and give the pleasant
and profitable associations it has done
in the past? AS far as we know, we
have endeavored to work along the
right line, and we stand ready for
criticism aud suggestion at any time.
We don't want to see the old organiza-
tion become part of the past only
it still has opportunities to make for
everybody, an organization really
worth while.
Are we on the right track? Do you
as citizen of Wauwatosa want 20 see,
n perfected organization, Offering real
benefits? The question is Can We Do
IL?
FRED T.. ERIKSEN
Nov. 10, 1913 Com. w, l.. q.