Trench and camp. [volume] (Augusta, Ga.) 1917-1919, 1917-11-21
Vol. l..
HOBSON STIMULATES
FIGHTING SPIRIT
Gives Remarkable Address at
Building 70 to Hundreds of
Soldiers. Flags Alcohol.

Captain Richmond Pearson Hobson, one
of the greatest living heroes of the last
war in which the United States engaged,
was in Augusta last week in connection
with his campaign against rum and was,
persuaded to speak at Y. M. C. A. Build
ing 10 on Saturday night through the So
licitation of his old friend, Rev. DR.. Will
liam Milton Hess, who is in charge of the
building.
Through the courtesy of Mr.. and Mrs.
Hollis B9afdman, Captain HObSon was
taken in an automobile to the building
and then to the station which he left at
$3.50 to continue his itinerary in the in
tereSt of the Anti-Saloon League. A
number of Augusta and Aiken people
were present at the lecture and were en-
thusiastic over the virile remarks of the
speaker The building was filled with
men and Captain Hobson was given an
ovation before and after his speech. Cap
tain Hobson said in part:
1--WE have great task on hand. War
requires mighty organization and we
cannot create an efficient fighting force
over night Our country has grown three
times since the Civil War and our re-
sponsibiities have increased commensu-
rately. The war in which we have now
engaged is for the highest and noblest
purposes OF humanity. and / want You to
Join me Ln The resolve that hereafter
America shall be prepared naf only fpr
sell defense hi Also Tor any cause ST
humanity III the world. 3
Referring briefly to the part played by
the navy in our national history Cap
tain Hobson said that in the War Of the
Revolution, the navy captured 800 enemy
ships and 10000 seamen-more than all
the generals on land captured. Our
fleet destroyed the Spanish fleets at Ma
Mia Bay and Santiago without single
ship lost. and when you men get to the
trenches in Europe. want you to be
able to say as John Paul Jones did I'VE
have met the enemy and they are ours. !"
In a dramatic manner, Captain Hob
son referred to the fight at Santiago and
showed how the United States fleet cut
he'll daaIg IN a11x
them as nearly fireproof as possible, and
that on the other hand, the first shell
from the American guns set the Spanish
ships on fire, at the same time cutting
the fire line. 1t was simply case of
superior efficiency Another factor was
the. lack of target practice by the Span
iards.
Il expect you to be so efficient that you
will make the best drilled German look
like 80 cents" said the speaker, and the
men went wild with enthusiasm. I'VE
pine and obedience, If we are to beat the
The German Strategy.
The Germans carry on a psychological
war in the winter. with their peace feel
ers, while at the same time, they are pre-
pairing for huge spring offensive.
Through their psychological warfare, they
undermine the morale of their opponents,
create doubt and distrust. and the great
final test of strength will come, next
spring, before the American army will
AA6 tCstSthSU rs poWSI. s i ne Germans
are little too much for England and
France. but you'll be there and when you
die, want every man of you to account
for at least four Germans
Alcohol Deadly.
Referring to the effects of alcohol Can
tain HobSon cited a Swedish test recent
~, when body of Swiss troops were
taken to rifle range and scored 30 hits
out of 100. These same men were given
one glass of beer each, and each man
went to the range stimulated confidently
expecting to score a hit. when to their
amazement. it was found that only four
hits out Of 100 were made. "Alcohol has
an affinity for the delicate gray matter
in the top of the BRAIN" said he 1t takes
only five ounces of alcohol to kill where
as 221a ounces of chloroform and eight
ounces of ether are necessary to destroy
life.
Die With Smile
"Alcohol blights your life and that of
your offspring" said Capt Hobson 1--WE
have been raising better corn ard breed
ing better cattle, horses and dogs, but
we are race of scrubs ourselves because
of drink. Alcohol and Venereal disease
are the two deadly race posons and
want you to go into the fight. clean We
need the highest efficiency now" Re-
ing men rum and ether when going over
the top. he said;~"Don't take rum before
going over the. trench. You'll need all
your faculties and you can't possess all
your faculties unless you are at peace
with your Maker. Instead of rum re-
member what your mother taught you"
ard referring TO his own personal expert
Gree on the Merrirnac in Santiago haF-
Dor when he prayed to God and lost all