The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1917-10-04
A Patriotic God Speed to the
Boys.

Early in the day Tuesday the youns
men from the Waldo county towns call
ed in the service of their country to re.
port to the exemption board began to ar
rive accompanied by relatives and friends
The very apparent dread and grief of the
former departure of the boys of the first
call had been relieved by the many en-
couraging letters and messages of the
men at Aver Mass. All say Don't
worry we are faring well and are pleas
antly situated" The belief has become
common that many of our men will not
be called to France
Tuesday at p. m. every seat was taken
In the court room and many were stand
ing. Hon. B. F. Colcord, chairman of
the Exemption Board, called the meeting
to order, when prayer was offered by Rev.
Arthur E. Wilson. Capt. Colcord then
addressed the boys briefly with words of
confidence and encouragement. He read
a note from Harry Woods of Freedom.
who was in charge of the former consien-
ment, saying they were we'll fed, well
housed and contented with their condi-
tions generally. He also read statistics
of the county's men sent out in the Civil
War total of 3, 331, of which Belfast sent
4Oo.
Hon. Robert F. Dunton, secretary of
the Board, called the roll to which the
regulars and alternates all responded.
lie then gave the general instructions as
to time, of reporting, etc. Harold S.
Jones of Belfast was delegated to have
charge of the men until they should reach
Aver Fred H. Whitehouse of Unity and
Wilbur o. Colby of Belfast were named
his assistants.
Mayor Edgar F. Hanson delivered a
patriotic address that recounted the prin-
ciples that had made our country great in
her former wars and assuring the soldiers
to-be before him that their cause was as
honorable and more extensive as it en-
braced the welfare of the world He
closed by reading beautiful poem on the
present day situation of making war on
war
Rev. Charles W. Martin followed with
brief remarks that father would make
if all the boys before him were his sons.
He urged them to understand what their
cause was and expect that cause to win.
He closed by repeating few lines from
"The Ship of State"
Rev. Walter T. Hawthorne who has re-
Gently enlisted as chaplain, was most
optimistic in his brief message He spoke
of the new call on the Liberty loan and
said it was the safest investment in the
world because Americas best men were
back of it in her army
Rev. J. Wilbor Richardson was also
happy in the thoughts of his message
ur ging the boys to be loyal to the flag OF
Washington and Lincoln. If they should
be called upon to fight he advised them
to put the strength of their manhood
into the blows they dealt He reac
very appropriate poem composed OF
the thoughts of President Wilson's advice
to the men who go to the call of theil
country.
At the close of sthe program severa
girls from the High school pinned red
white and blue badges on all OF the boys
in the call.
The rooms Of the Masonic club were
open to them for the rest of the day anC
evening. They were all given tickets tc
the Colonial Theater and were guests OF
honor at dance given later by the Sons
of Veterans in Memorial hall. Supper
and breakfast with lodgings were furnish
ed at the Windsor hotel to those who die
not have friends or relatives here
At a. m. Wednesday morning every
man again reported at the Court house
where a line of march was formed, the
, Belfast Band, under the direction of E
S. Pitcher, and the Boy Scouts, under
the direction Of Orrn j, Dickey doing
escort duty. The Exemption Board also
joined in the march. They marched ovel
Church to Miller, down Miller to High
over High to Main and thence to the
depot. Flags were displayed from place!
of business, homes, teams, autos, and b!
individuals At least two thousand, wert
out to see them off and bid them Goo
speed. At the depot the Band gave ;
patriotic concert and many good bye.
were said. Harold S. Jones read tn.
roll call to which each responded as hi
entered the special car that was to take
them to Aver. While men, women ane
children were struggling to keep bach
the binding tears they waved flags
hands, hats and handkerchiefs as the cal
left the station. The whistles of the city
manufactures also added their tones t.
the general God speed.
THE DRAFT.