Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1917-09-20
DIR ABSENT YOUNG MEN.

V;rpinias second increment IS now
at Camp Lee, where they will be
tra;ned for service. Alexandria's frst
call has been met and yesterday the
Young men who had been selected
from this city left for the canton
ment cheerfully, realizing that they
have been called to a holy duty to
Eefend. their country, from naughty
and cruel foes, who, strangely. dream
thnt no nation has any rights they
are bound to respect
Alexandria was well-represented
In the continental army which 1oAo~-
ed George Washington. In the Sec
ond war for independence many
Alexandrians were again in evidence
although forced to leave their ma
tive city before British men-of-war
and an army Of red coats. In 1916 a
company from Alexandria went 10
Mexico to fight Santa Anna. (lhete
is but one survivor of this gallant
band living in Alexandria to-day
Amos Nisher.) On the oath of May,
1861. when Virginia was invaded ny
federal troops seven companies, COM
posed, in the main of AleXandr1anS'
and which had been formed without
recourse to draft, were forced to leave
home while the stars were still III
the sky and at time when but few
rood-byes could be exchanged with
fafatives and friends. Young men OF
our city Haae suck response waeh
The United States declared war on
Spain in 1898.
Another generation OF AleNah'
Grams were given God specs yeSter-
day when they left to defend the
principles for which their ancestors
fought and triumpAed. We Voice the
sentiment Of the entire community
when we express the earnest wish
that God will be with them and thai
they will return as they left with
paeanS Of Jov.
There is disposition upon the
part of the fierce nation which has
plunged the world into war and con-
Seouently distress to discount the
American soldier But there has
never been time in the history OF
the nation when he has not made
good when called upon to shoulder
his musket. He will do so again not
understanding the bluSter and sabre
-attline Of imperious Germany. Alex
andrians fought German hlrellngs IN
.he first war for independence, ana
they fought foreigners, representa-
tives of all nations, four years when
the Southern Confederaey battled
for place among nations.
These young men OF alexandra
have been summoned TO hight Tor
their country in the hottest Of causes.
They have been chosen in the falreSt
possible way, and after rigid eXaml'
nations they have been pronounced
mart of the flower of the counlry's
Youthful manhood. selected to upnotd
abroad its honor and reputation.
They may rightly esteem themselves
knights who, because of their eSpe-
cial qualifications, are to be trained
To fight Tor American ideals ana
democracy against German autocracy'
This i high distinction. Scenes
similar to those in Alexandria yes
terday were witnessed throughout
tho length and breadth Of the United
States. when nearly 100000 men
loft for the environments where the!
are TO be made into soldiers OF the
National Army 1t was an inspiring
SIGHT for the Republic, this ordefi!
maTshaling of its youthful strength
to take UP mighty struggle forcea
1,pun it. These young men faced the
prospect cheerfully and smilingly
This is the spirit in which America
will irht in France 1t has not sought
the quarrel, but it will not shrink
from its duty. even though the cost
be great.
What stronger breastplate than
heart untroubled?
Thrice is he armed that hath his
quarrel just;
And he but naked, though locked up
in steel,
Whose conscience with injustice L