Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1917-12-12
EIyI, G. VAR IS
NOT in SIGHT,
SAYS SERGEANT
Graphic War Talk Given by
British Army Man to
Boost Recruiting

Young men of the city and vi
cinity were given one of the most
graphic talks yet heard in the city on
the subject of the war, at the re-
cruiting rally last night, in the Chest
nut street auditorium. Charles T..
Pass presided and introduced the
speakers. The talk was given by
Sergeant G. r. L. Potter, a veteran of
the Canadian army, who served on
the western front from the beginning
of the war in the First Canadian Di-
vision.
The keynote of Sergeant Potter's
talk was that the end of the war is
not in sight. He declared that the
Germans have built up a most eff1-
cient fighting machine and that The
spirit of tSe German army is still
unbroken. AS an example of the
tenacity with which the Germans
hold on to their gains he showed the
spirit with which they came pack at
the British after the great gains at
Cambria. He stated that during the
great advance, a British shell fell
on every foot of German territory,
and yet the Germans met the in
fantry attack unafraid.
Sergeant Potter portrayed with
great vividness the horrors that have
been perpetrated by the Germans,
and their atrocities to noncombat-
ants and soldiers. He cited as an eX-
ample case where a wounded Ger
man soldier, after pleading with a
Tommy for a drink of water. shot
him when his thirst was satisfied.
Sergeant Potter said he himself had
seen a wounded German shoot a
British soldier who had just finished
allaying the pains of his wounds.
Looked at U. =.
Sergeant Potter emphasized the
fact that the conquest of America
was certain part of the German
dream of world dominion. He cited
it as his opinion that if it were not
for the English navy the Germans
would have before this have placed
soldiers upon, American soil.
The close of Sergeant Potter's talk
was an appeal to the young men to
enlist while there is yet opportunity.
He said that upon the return of the
soldiers they will be given every
opportunity by employers, just as
they are doing in Canada to-day
Sergeant Potter is now engaged in
recruiting duty in Canada. He was
wounded in the leg near Yprns. HeI
was member of the famous Black
Watch Regiment, which gained that
nickname in the days of Napoleon,
when they formed in a square, rest
ing on one knee, and with their bay
onets formed a barrier that was
never penetrated.
Sergeant John W. Blake, of the
recruiting office, made an address on !
the immediate need of men in the /
service. He said that in spite of the
great number of men in the service
there was never a more urgent need |
for volunteers. He impressed his
hearers with the opportunities for
advancement in the Regular Army, !
especially in the aviation service. He +,
took an apt illustration from the !
sounding of the fire alarm which oc- |
CURED during his talk. He said that
the young men were in the same
position as the firemen, and should
respond when they hear their coun- |
Try call. The whole world is on fire, /
he stated, and the need of soldiers
was never so great.
The Rev. DR.. George Edward !
llawes discussed the great need of
piritual things in the material trou- |
blCs of the world. He cited as an /
example of how serious young men
"rc taking the war, the case of a /
! Dung man who before his enlist
lhent never would consider religion
us serious thing to be reckoned
with i'm life. Soon after the young
man enlisted DR.. Halves said, he
had signitied his intention of joining
The church, and yesterday brought |
another young man to join with him.
In no other war, said the speaker,
have the young men felt so earnestly !
that they are lighting for = good !
cause and need the help of God. /
Captain Lumb, head of the state !
police, also telked to the audience |
on various phases of the activities !
of modern warfare.
Miss Sara Lemer, Violinist, offered |
one of the most delightful features !
of the evenings entertainment with !
her violin, playing the Legend of |
Wieniu%ski, and Orientale, by Cesar !
cui. with skill that delighted every
body present. Miss Helen Etter
pleased the audience with her whist
ling, and Abner Hartman sang
brakes Flag Song, a patriotic song
that aroused considerable enthu-
siasm in the audience.
Music was furnished by the Com
Band. Red Cross Motor
Messengers acted as ushers. The
Red Cross attended the meeting in q
body.