The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1916-06-01
NATIONAL DEFENSE
WEEK
Skowhegan Shows Her
Colors
The Campaign Has Already Resulted
in Securing a Number of Men for
National Guard

National Guard
SEg&hegau Ia afan showed Ia.
il is lise Town. ald nor behind TIE
big cities. We haYe nor lad d Pr
paredness Day and monster parade
as they have tad il New York and
Boston. bur We are having a thor
oughly patriotic and enthusiastic
week devoted 10 National Defense
our streets have assumed YER
martial appearance with the NatIoa-
a colors dying from most Of tae
stores and homes. and members Of the
National Guard in uniform. Tn
people have responded enthusiastic
eally. and shown beyond a doubt TIA,
they believe il adequate military and
naval preparedness not 50 much for
war a. for peace insurance.
The week was most spiciously
opened BY TWO stirring patriotic ser
mons. Prof Herbert c. Libby Of
Colby College spoke to Russell Pos
in the Bethany Church with the III
telligence and Inspiration that his
Skowhegan friends are wont 10 eX-
pect from aim Rev. Father Renaud
delivered stirring and superDly pa
triotic address TO the members OF
Company ( 2nd Maine Infantry at
the Catholic Church Military High
Mass was observed with all the beau
ty and symbolism Of the Roman Cath
olc Church The Guards of Honor
al The altar were under the command
of lst Sergeant Demo. Sergt. Lessard.
and Corporal DumOnt Father Ren-
aud sermon was an appeal TO young
men 10 love their country and their
flag and to be alert II their defense.
He called upon the parents 10 teach
their children loyalty and patriotism.
and respect for law and government.
He urged the mothers TO permit their
SONS TO enlist IN the National Guard.
and to be proud of them in the uni
form of America.
Monday afternoon. recruiting head
quarters were opened in the yacan.
store in the Merrill Block. which
was generously donated for the pur-
pose by the Hon Edw y Merrill
The walls are decorated with the Na-
tonal coors. ana with recruiting
posters of the [. 5. Army. Navy aud
Marine Corps. the National Guard
the French English and Canadian
armies. the National Security League
the Navy League and the Red Cross
\ splendid private collection of Euro
pean posters has been loaned by Mrs
Samuel j. MXter of Boston. There
Is a most interesting exhibit of Civil
War relics. and OF rifles and reyol-
vers, showing every step in the de
Yelopment of the arms of the United
States. including an example of every
rite ever in use by The |. :. Army
\ most profitable and entertaining
half hour may be spent AT the exhibit
all OF which is tree.
Monday night Company Z gave al
exhibition drill on Water Street. The
close order drill was under the com
mand of Isl Lieutenant Robinson and
the extended order under the com
mand of Capt. Marston In spite OF
the fact that the streets were soaked
in heavy oil which made marching
most disagreeable, the Company
showed the high state of training
which it has attained The Com
-pany went through the various forma-
tions Of attack and retreat which are
developments Of the past years eX-
perienee by our military observers
abroad
Saturday evening there will be an
illustrated lecture on National De
Tense by Capt Roy l. Marston The
lantern slides cover The present mill
tary and naval situation in tn
United States and show the need Of
greater preparedness.
The campaign has already resulted
in securing a fine lot Of the best
young men in Skowhegan for thu Ma
tjonal Guard II is hoped that from
forty To fifty recruits will volunteer
for their country's service.