The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1915-02-10

by your happy children made glad by
comforts. Injuries and the greatest
culture and refinement, that any
civilization OF this world has even
known. and you say to yourself. and
In eject 10 your neighbors. that IN.
der this great flag, whose govern.
Iment guarantees equal rights 20 all.
and special privileges to none, and
whose iberal4constitution speaks life,
liberty and the pursuit OF happiness
that you have reached the zenith OF
human attainment, and that you are
secure! So thought Belshazzar as
he sat with his lords at the great
feast in the long ago-and lol the
handwriting upon the wall and his
kingdom passed away In q night. So
thought King Albert Belgium,
whose people were indus isly and
happily engaged in the bl-.aess pur.
suits Of the day-when on came the
hordes Of the Germans and swept
from the face Of the earth the homes
of that happy people, and tonight
by the thousands his subjects are
wandering through other countries,
respondent. heartbroken and home
less.
As said but a few days ago by our
able DR.. Broomfeld in speaking from
bis pulpit, I'VE are surrounded by
Thin ice" and fortunate may we be
e<-sldered IL we pass through the
next few months without interna.
tional complications, serious and far
reaching In their consequences.
No less authority than President
Wilson has said in a recent message
that we need a good navy and a
strong and efficient army-and who
OF the great men Of our country have
been so VIGOROUSLY the advocates Of
peace as the President and Mr..
Bryan?
There are others among our good
people who say they believe we are
the enemies of organized labor, and
Of the labor interests. AS effects our
local state. we only ask that you go
up and down the valleys Of Paint
and Cabin creeks-the only place we
have even been on trial-and we
stand willing to accept from the peo-
pie residing there, the verdict they
give as Jul record.
We often hear on the streets Of our
town criticism OF some OF the men
in our ranks, and hear people speak
In derisiye terms of the personnel
of u companies. Our only reply
to these unkind words, is, are you or
your son doing anything to better
conditions for US? Are you giving
any OF your time or spending any Of
your surplus money in helping us
maintain higher standards. We can
say without fear OF contradiction to.
day that no set OF men in all of our
governments machinery are giving SO
much valuable time, or performing
such arduous service, without pay
and without commentator, as the
men in the ranks OF the militia. The
burdens imposed upon US of the state,
and more especially by the federal
government, are growing day by day
until we are not scarcely able to
hear them-and yet VIC go on In our
quiet way and perform our duties
as best we can without murmur or
complaint to the public.
HIS Inspection pl lne5e local or.
CARNATIONS, which will take place on
February 18th, will be conducted by
Major OF the United States Army
and by one from the seat OF our
state government. The inspection is
imposing its appearance and interest.
ing in every detail. These companies
in line will make q splendid appear.
ance. and are worthy OF your worm
cQmmendation. That excellent First
Regiment Band, our states pride or.
ganization-yill play while the In
spection Is going on, some Of its
.choicesest selections.
We are citizens, as you are citi.
zens; your home, is our home; your
country, our country; under the flag
which floats over your head, we
stand ready at all times, at the risk
of III lives to protect you, your
property. your life, your home and
your family. Turn out on that even.
ing and show US by your smiles and
your presence that we have for our
organization here, your sympathy.
your friendship, your good will. Let
US have a full house on that night
and VIC will feel that we are amply
repaid or what We have done in the
past, and be encouraged in III fight
OF the future.