New Ulm review. (New Ulm, Brown County, Minn.) 1892-1961, 1917-08-01
Big CROWD HEARS
DRAFT DISCUSSION
MANYTHOUSANDs GATHERFROM
FAR AND WIDE TO HEAR ABLE
SPEECHES.
MEETING is PRECEDED BY a
PARADE OF TWO THOUSAND
YOUNG MEN.

Nearly 5000 people, coming from
every part of Brown, NicolIet and other
nearby counties, gathered in New Ulnr
Wednesday evening, to hear a peaceful
discussion of the draft situation and other
issues pertaining to the war. If any
came expecting to hear the government
unJustly or severely criticised, thew were
doomed to disappointment. The au-
dlence at Turner Park was probably
the largest that had ever gathered ip
Brown County, and one of the largest,
in Southern Minnesota
Two Thousand in Parade.
Just before the meeting opened pro-
cesslon OF about 1000 men, mostly
young men who had been drafted, formed
near the Armory and, headed by Hof-
meister's and the New Ulm Concert
bands, marched along Minnesota street
and Broadway and then to the Park.
where most of the crowd had already con-
gregated. The number present at the
park was variously estimated as from
1000 to 10000.
A platform had been erected adjoining
the band stand, for the speakers, which
was profusely decorated with bunting
and American flags.
Mayor Fritsche Presides.
The meeting was opened by Mayor
l.. A. Fritsche, who presided, with the
following remarks:
Ladies and Gentlemen: Two days
ago | was approached by men whom I
consider representative of the citizenship
OF this city, with the request that l act
as chairman of this meeting. It's object
Was explained to me to hoe, .psaceshla
gathering Of American citizens to petition
Congress not to send into the war in
Europe any American soldiers except
those that would go voluntarily. | was;
assured that there was absolutely no de-
sire On the part of any one to cause any
dlsatfection with the existing draft law.
but that on the contrary the law would
be explained and upheld, except in so
lar as its execution was concerned when
1T came to the point of sending the men
raised under it to the firing line in Europe.
and that only proper, peaceable and legal
means would be discussed of bringing
about the desired result. Realizing
IN spite of this statement the delicacy
OF the situation, consented to act in the.
capacity desired, and 1 can see no OBJ.
lection to a peaceable orderly meeting
to discuss question that lies as close
to our hearts as this one. It is sub
lect upon which our thoughts dwell
constantly and we hope and pray
that it may be solved before long and
that our beloved land may revert to a
state OF peace which we all desire so
much.
Welcomes Visitors.
AS the chief executive of this citv
bid welcome to those who have evidently
come from outside to attend this meeting
and ask that nothing be done to detract
from it's serious nature or to mar its order
illness. 1 rely on the honor of the men
Who are to speak to say nothing that
may be Objectionable to any sincerely
falrminded citizen. I would not have
them fear, however, to express their
opinions on so serious question so lone,
as they confne the means to gain their.
end to honorable proper measures"
The first speaker introduced was Major
Albert Pfaender, of whom the chairman
said: -
Inc tlrst speaker to address you hard
~ needs an introduction. He has been
connected with the military organizations
OF this state for more than fifteen wears
he has been member of the lav-makino.
body. and is at present citv attorney.
of this CITY,"
Major Pfaender Speaks.
Major Pfaender began his remarks
by attributing the presence Of the
great crowd to the fact that the subiact
OF the draft had touched the heartstriinps
OF the people as nothing ever had before
he said ne thought the publicity given
1t by "a Minneapolis paper had helned
TO swell the crowd. He complimented
the newspapers of the Twin Cities
LOT sending representatives to attend
the meeting, that thew miphf hoor.+
hrst hand just what was said by the
various speakers.
Ihls matter affects emotions the
most serious and relations the most
sacred OF all human affairs" said the
GCnntin11o1l On De-. ~