Omaha daily bee., 1916-01-18
PEACE FOR POLAND,
PADEREWOKI'S PLEA
Eminent Musician Appears at South
Side to Boost Polish War
Sufferers Fund.
BIG CROWD HEARS ADDRESS

BIG CROWD HEARS ADDRESS
MAY Almighty God protect, and
we in neutral land give OF our
bounty 60 the poor. starving and suf-
fering people OF Poland"
His long, golden hair streaming in
the wilderness Of the light that
spread radiantly from the upper
windows Of the South High school
auditorium in the South Side, Ig-
mace Jan Paderewski. the worlds
premier pianist, delivered a plea to
American-Poles of Omaha that will
long be remembered.
The great pianist made striking fig
ure as he stood on the platform. while
the applause OF 600 patriotic Poles swept
up TO greet his concluding words. In
terest had been rapt throughout the en-
tire address. and during the stirring
speech outbreaks OF applause were long
and frequent.
Has Military Escort.
Paderewski arrived at five minutes
after 4 o'clock. lie was accompanied by
his wife, Private Secretary W. o. GorsiL
Father Michael Gluba OF the South Side
ST. Francis church and other members
OF the local reception committee. lie was
escorted through two columns OF Polish
soldiers in full uniforms OF bright red
and gold. who were stationed In military
salute, their swords crossed. in the in
terror vestibule OF the South High school.
He bowed repeatedly TO the soldiers as
he passed through the hall to the seat on
the auditorium stage. lie did not remove
his great fur overcoat until he was called
upon to speak.
IL RoundIy AppIaudeG.
thunder Of applause greeted him as
he curtain rolled back. giving a fun
view OF the committee and guests seated
on the stage Father Theobald Kalamaja,
priest at the Omaha Church OF Immacu-
late Conception. introduced the speaker,
giving at short length a summary OF the
work accomplished by the Polish Relief
fund workers In this country. the cause
OF the meeting. and a short story OF the
sufferings OF the Poles IN Poland All
speaking was in the Polish language.
n thank the Almighty that I live to-
day to be able to help and give 20 the
thousands who are starving and dying in
Poland" The music master ventured
into a dramatic description Of the de-
vastation OF his little country
The armies OF Europe have passed and
are still passing over our native soil. The
people who for years and years have
maintained the peace and religious toler-
ance OF all Europe are today being trod-
den on by me armies OF the very
countries which they have helped to pro-
tcct.
We cannot blame these countries. We
only ask and ondeavor to satisfy the
wants OF those OF our countrymen who
are still alive l will do my part. and II
Is expected that you people will do yours
II is up TO US In America to give all that
we can spare and send Il to those suffer-
ing i'm Poland today.
Were you, my countrymen. to 20 TO
your native land today. you would not
recognize your old homes.
Appreciates American Help.
II am satisfied with the support Amer
ican-Poles have given the cause OF the
Polish relief fund which I organized IN
New York city. They have done a great
work. With the kindly help OF Americans
we may be able 10 prevent much of the
starvation raging In our home country
today"
The program, with the exception OF the
address. was brief The South High or
ehestra played several selections and n
troop Of Polish children. boys and girls
OF and 10 years. from st. Francis parish.
sang several patriotic songs. two OF the
most popular heing. Song Of Welcome"
and Thousand Warriors Leave War.
saw" The children seemed to please
Paderewski immensely. and his spirlt'
were most bouyant as he arose to deliver
his address.
At the close Of the meeting Polish sou
venirs OF all kinds were purchased freely
Madame Paderewski's favorite dolls sole
as prices Of from 50 to s. each Postcard
OF Poland scenes sold by the dozen. TIL,
committee reports about 500 taken in.
The Paderewski party came 20 th,
South Side in two big limousInes The,
returned 60 Omaha shortly before $50
o'clock. More than three-fourths OF al
the Polish adults living In Omaha at
tended the rally.