The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1914-12-23
CITY MILITARY MEN BANQUET
LIGHT INFANTRY CELEBRATES
ANNUAL EVENT ~ ARMORY
HALL.
DIR. Geo. w. Dick Acts as Toastmastcr
and Many Of Guests and Members
Of Militia Respond to TOasts-Most
Delightful Turkey Supper Served.


pany L., National Guard Of South Car
olina, last night celebrated in it's new
Armory Hall an event to which it's
members and invited guests have
come to look forward to with the
greatest anticipations of pleasure. The
annual banquet was served in the hall
adjoining the new Armory and was a
most successful and pleasurable af-
fair for both members and guests
whom there were about one hundred
present.
The guests were entertained in the
lobby Of the First National Bank un-
til supper was announced, when they
wero invited into the hail in which was
set a spread which made their mouths
water and which was sufficient to
tempt the most abstemious appetite.
The plates were set for all, the guests
seating themselves at one end Of the
hall and the members of the military
company marching in and taking their
seats at the other end Of the festive
board. A turkey supper with all the
accessories to make q delightful re-
past was served and the guests and
militia members each showed by ac-
tive example their appreciation Of the
good things prepared for them.
The young soldiers and their able
assistants soon despatched what was
before them-to use a military ex-
pression-and while the cigars lent a
fragrant odor to the room, DR.. Geo.
w. Dick. who as POSTMASTER, was
seated at the head Of the table, rose
and addressed the assemblage in a
graceful and pleasing manner, telling
Of his presence on former occasions,
as a member Of the Sumter Light In
fantry. and his pleasure at again be-
ing present. He expressed his ap-
probation on behalf Of himself and
other members Of the company at the
presence Of the guests on this oc-
casion. He then called on Mayor l..
d. Jennings to speak on any subject
he choose.
Mr.. Jennings expressed his apl-e-
ciation of the supper, as it was the
first meal he had had during the day.
He then referred to the time when
there should be no wars and no need
OF arms, and he expressed q wish that
that time might soon come, but until
such time came there was need OF
preparations to protect home and
country. He believed in an efficient
militia and as long as he was on the
City Council he would do what he
could to see that the city helped, as
1t had the means to aid the militia.
Councilman j. p. Booth stated that
he would not make speech, but
would allow the politicians present to
do the speech making Of the occasion.
DR.. Dick then called on DR.. Geo. ".
I. Brown of Milwaukee. who as DR..
Dicks guest, was one of the invited
guests Of the occasion. DR.. Brown
made short, but extremely interest
ing talk on his observations and ex-
perience in England during the mobil-
ization Of the past summer at which
time he was visiting England. He
proved an able speaker and his pleas
ant style Of address quite captivated
his audience. In telling Of the trou-
bles OF England I'm mobilizing an i'm
mense army on short notice without
ready equipment and preparation, DR..
Brown pointed out the value Of train
ing such as American citizens were
securing in the military companies
the country and how i'm
portant 1t was to have them ready in
case this country was precipitated in
to such a conflict as that in which the
European countries were now engaged.
The militia, as a part of the army,
was the backbone Of the nation, he
said. In praise Of the men who were
members Of the militia.
NFormer Capt. Geo. C. Warren told
of his ten years experience in the
militia and his rise from private to
captain during that time. and his
many trips and work for the govern
ment. saying that 1t had proved a
good thing for him and would for
any other member. if he took an ac-
tive interest i'm the company.
Capt. Perry NJ. Brown stated that
lack of equipment had hindered the
in the past. but that this
equipment had now been promised
and with the excellent material which
was now united i'm the company, he
felt sure that Sumter would not only
Keep TO the past high standards. but
would have the banner company of
the state.
Lieutenant II. T. Brown. Major j.