Norwich bulletin., 1917-06-06
1e2D ANNIVERSARY OF
 NATHAN HALE's BIRTH
Revolutionary Hero's Last Words
 Have Become Immortal
NATHAN HALE Connecticut's Modest Son

NATHAN HALE Connecticut's Modest Son Born June 6, 1755 Died September 22, 1775, With these words on his lips:
 T only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country" Today, on the 162d anniversary of the birth of Nathan Hale, Connecti cuts noblest son, a call to the young men of the Revolutionary patriots s native state to rally to the colors is made in Hale's memory by William Howard Taft, former president of the United States. His appeal issued through the Connecticut Council of Defense, by permission of the New By WILLIAM HOWARD TAFT Former President of the United. States
 T only reret that have but one life to lose for my country" The Prussian autocracy by. it's ruthless and defiant violation of the rights Of our citizens upon the high seas left no course open to us as a self respecting nation but war Be- ing in, we find ourselves necessarily in league with England, France, Italy and Russia to strike down the military autocracies of the world whose con tinuance in power will be constant threat to the future peace of the world.
 We are thus engaged in a gigantic struggle to make the world safe for democracy as President Wilson Eays, and to secure a just and permanent peace.
 For no higher cause did a nation or a league of nations ever wage a war.
 We hope for speedy success through 8 collapse of the autocracies and the coming into their own of the German, Austrian and Hungarian peoples; but the war may continue. We must win it. We must prepare therefore, for a long hard struggle. We must lay inn a million men over and above the projected 750,000 of the regular army and the National Guard.
 The war must be fought by our young men. They must constitute a very large part of our armies. To them our great cause must appeal. In their hearts must love of country prompt to great deeds of courage and sacrifice.
 No other character in our history glows with the inspiring fervor for American young men like that of Ma than Hale. During the darkest hours eIBH souepduspepuI IoJ sIssnIls mo Jo came forward and resigned his life as sacrifice to his country's liberty"
 His last words, I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country" should be the lips of every young man of our country to- day. No one knows where his dust lie buried but his spirit speaks from his unkno\1 grave and call every man to the service of the flag.
 What manner of man was he? He was of medium height, well built and of fair coloring. He excelled in con tests of running, leaping, wrestling, firing at a mark, throwing and play ing ball; he was fond of hunting and fishing; he was clever with his hands. It is recorded by Stuart that he once said in jest that The could do every thing but spin"
 Nathan Hale was born at Coventry, TIan hn sixth child of the twelve children of Deacon Richard Hale, an energetic farmer, a man of sturdy character and public spirit. On both sides the in heritance was of the best old New England stock.
 Hale's last words have become i'm mortal Every schoolboys knows them. He left another message little known, but timely for us. His intimate friend and companion in arms, Capt. William Hull, urged him by every possible ar gument not to hazard his life by going into the lines of the enemy. Hale list ened quietly. When his friend had fin ished he said:
 "I am fully sensible of the conse quences of discovery and capture In such a situation, yet I wish to be essary to the public good becomes honorable by being necessary. If the exigencies of my country demand a pe- culiar service it's claims to perform that service are imperious."
 Born of his self-reliance and con- secration to the service of his country those few words, 'I wish to be useful, should be taken to heart by every young man who is hesitating today to join the colors. Hale did not wait to have this and that question decided for him. He did not ask what Washing toms policy was. He did not consult his family and friends. He decided for himself. He had enlisted in the ser vice of his country and anything per taining to that service he felt was in his days work.