The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1915-06-03

tablished. DR.. Kerfoot then paid
an eloquent tribute to the worth,
character and ability of Washington,
after which he briefly traced the
progress of the nation to the time
that states rights became one of
the leading issues. Finally the next
great crisis came on Sumter was
fred upon and the greatest civil war
in the history of the world started.
The immortal Lincoln was at the
head of the nation at the time, and
the speaker expressed wonder that
whenever high ideals and principles
are at stake men peculiarly fitted to
cope with the situation are forth
coming, and stated that it was God
working through human Instrument
alities. The various acts of heroism
and daring enacted during the
mighty struggle were praised, as
we'll as the First Minnesota which
gained undying glory at Gettysburg,
but DIR. Kerfoot emphasized the fact
that not merely those who came into.
prominence are entitled to be hon.
ored. Every private who fought for
the ideals of Christian nation, who
made great sacrifices that the union
might live is entitled to the thanks
of grateful people. Each one is a
part Of the nation and will never die,
while the iIlimitable work of men
like Washington and Lincoln is
grated on the infinite. -
1t was mastery address that
thrilled with patriotism all who
heard it, and it is impossible to do
Justice to it. here. Beautiful pass
ages Of poetry we're quoted, and
timely stories illustrated various
points. DR.. Kerfoot is a pleasing
speaker and he held the closest at
tention of the audience throughout.
At the conclusion of the address
Rev. E. B. Service suggested Il stand
ing vote Of appreciation of the
speaker for the eloquent and patri-
otto address, and the entire audience
responded. The Citizens band then
contributed another selection to the
program, after which Miss Gertrude
Bishop recited Lincoln's@ Gettysburg
address in manner that did COM
plete Justice to the masterpiece.
'The Star Spangled Banner, - the
patriotic anthem that ever. thrills
the hearts of Americans, was then
sung by the choir, and it was fol-
lowed by another appropriate song,
Yankee Doodle" Upon the sug-
gestion of Rev. Samuel Johnson the
audience again arose to it's feet as an
appreciation of the band and chorus,
and the old soldiers added three
hearty cheers: Another selection
was then rendered by the band, and
after the chorus had sung my
Country IT'S of Thee" Samuel
Johnson pronounced the benediction.
At the conclusion of the program
automobiles were in readiness to
convey the old soldiers to the cenle-
terry where the final services of the
day were conducted in honor of those
comrades who have been called be-
yond. A column was formed for the
march to the cemetery, and was
made up as follows: Citizens band,
Company G, M. N. g., Wallace T.
Rines Post, No. 142, G. A. r.,
Ladies' Auxiliary and citizens in
carriages and on foot. The services
were short but appropriate. Chris
TOPPER Bridge and F. A. Lowell
members of Wallace T.. Rines post,
read the solemn G. A. r. ritual SER
vice, and then Company G fired
three volleys over the graves of the
old soldiers. A mixed chorus of IL
voices then sang a touching selec-
tion, and after taps were sounded
the old soldiers proceeded to decorate
the. graves of departed comrades
with flowers.
1t is we'll that the nation should
remember upon at least one day of
the year the service to our country
that the gallant men of the various
armies of the north rendered. While
all unite in honoring the memory of
those who have gone, as the years
pass by the respect and affection of
Americans for the dwindling band
of veterans of the Civil war in
creases. The services at the armory
last Monday demonstrated conclu-
sively that the people of Princeton
and vicinity realize fully that too
great a homage cannot be paid to
those who fought to preserve the
unity Of this nation and uphold its
ideals of liberty.
NOTES.
A total Of thirty-six veterans at