Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1917-08-16
On Saturday last Sheep Pen Woods, Leon

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Despite the fact that this is busy season on
the farms and that scant time was allowed inI
which to advertise the affair, the attendance was
very gratifying to the committee in charge.
While the grounds could have accommodated
much larger crowd, the assemblage was rep
resentative Of the most progressive farming In
terests Of every district in the, county In every
respect it was a typical Southern Maryland
crowd, bubblng with the high spirits and good
fellowship characteristic Of our people.
DR.. Wood, Of the State College Of Agricul-
ture, advertised as the principal speaker, held
the rapt attention Of his audience from the
moment that he appeared on the speaker
stand. His handling Of the subject Of increased
production and the burden that rests on the
farmers during the continuance OF this war,
showed the most exhaustive stud y of the coun-
hy's needs. He has compelling personality
and pleasing address that enabled him to grip
the attention Of the large assemblage while he
drove home the points and arguments Of a
speech that was an education to his listeners
and credit to himself. DR.. Woods delivered
the goods. He is the right man in the right
place.
Following DR.. Woods, the audience had the
pleasure of a most entertaining and instructive
address by Miss Keller, head Of the women S
work in the State, on the subject Of canning and
conservation. Miss Keller not only knows her
;;n.,;c but she possesses the ability to present it
Lasrsss M lleayessa lasting impression on her
when she siks5kfs ie Err touched vital .JRs 0pgt
seat Of central depot for the storing Of proWis-
ions to care for the families deprived Of their
support during the war. This is a matter which
should be handled in communal way so that
there will be no doubt Of the county's ability
and preparedness to do its full duty towards
those who will be left INDECENT while their bread
winners are fighting our battles in France.
Responding to an invitation from the chair
man, Dr. Vim. B. Burch contributed most
patriotic address in which he referred to the
early achievements Of St. Mary's in the cause
Of freedom and liberty, and pledged her proven
bal loyalty in the present crisis. He paid a.
glowing tribute to the unainching spirit of natl
onal support displayed throughout the county
and at the same time sounded note Of timely
warning that in our zeal to recruit an army there
was grave danger Of seriously Gripping the agri-
cultural industry, and that the draft system
would serve the best interests Of America and
her allies by exempting from military service
those farmers through whose exceptional ability
and experience the highest degree Of produc-
tveness can be attained
All arrangements for the picnic were made
by Mr. G. F. Wathen, County Agricultural
Agent, who also introduced the speakers, and
to whom the credit is due for the success Of the
affair, which it is confidently hoped will be
made an annual event in ST. Marys.
AT the close Of the speaking au athletic con-
test was held, in which a goodly number Of
boys competed, much to the amusement and
entertainment Of the crowd. The prizes were
! very generously given by the business men Of
Leonardtown, every one Of whom was number
ed among the donors. Brother Oswin. Of