Shoshone journal. [volume] (Shoshone, Idaho) 1884-1931, 1917-04-06
PATRIOTISM HOLDS FULL SWAY,
SHOSHONE EXPRESSES HERSELF
NO UNCERTAIN LANGUAGE USED

In accordance with the proclamation
of Governor Alexander the city council
declared Tuesday afternoon a legal
holiday for the purpose of giving pub
lie expression to the sentiment of the
vicinity on the great question of the
war. At the time the Governor pro-
claimed Tuesday afternoon a half holi-'
day it was supposed that President
Wilson would be reading his message
to congress. But congress organized
sooner than anticipated and the Presi
dent delivered his message Monday
afternoon instead of Tuesday afternoon.
The program planned and carried out
by the council began with flag par
ade headed by the school children and
starting at the high school building.
Ageat number of citizens Joined in
tine parade and all were carrying flags.
The condition of the streets made 1t
impractical for the paraders to leave
the sidewalks SO the line of march eX-
tended only from the high school build
ing to the Baugh opera house where an
elaborate and patriotic exercise was
carried out The exercises opened with
singing America and the Rev. Martin
of the Methodist church led the audi
ence in prayer for Divine guidance in
the awful crisis which confronts us as
a nation. J. L. Beckett acted as chair
man of the meeting and with few
appropriate words introduced the pro-
gram. Judge Boutwell, delivered the
principal address and his words stirred
the audience on several occasions to
prolonged cheers with their intense
patriotism. Following Judge Boutwell,
was a short address delivered by Ches-
ter johnson, one Of the high school
BOYS who had just enlisted and his
words rang true to the temper OF the
audience. Incidentally they also show
ed that Chester is a boy who thinks
about the important events passing
before us now and is not acting from
impulse but from conviction that his
duty calls him to the defense OF mrs
widowed mothers home and family.
John Badley followed with a short talk |
from the standpoint of man who has
already served his country long and
well as a soldier in the Philippines ana
China, and is willing to offer his fur-
ther services as needed for the stars
and Stripes Miss Gladys Terhune
followed with a patriotic selection
which struck responsive chord In the
hearts of the audience. Judge Fuller
then offered a motion to the erect
that the citizens of Shoshone in mass
meeting assembled endorses fully the
action of President Wilson and the
resolution then before congress to de-
clare a state of war existing between
the United States and Germany. There
was no discussion of the motion and
rising vote was taken. There was not
a single vote against the motion and II
was greeted with loud cheers and
k~aiying of flags. William Beckett,
,ne of the public school pupils gave
recitation which was greeted by. the
audience with prolonged cheers and
waving of flags. Frank Crosse was
then called upon for talk and In no
uncertain words Frank let the audience
know where he stood. That although
born a citizen of Germany ne came TO
this country of his own accord be-
cause of the blessings Of liberty offer
ed 6y our government. that although
n was a heavy heart breaking task to
take up arms against his old neighbors
and relatives, he was ready 10 do 1t If
necessary to fulfill his oath of allegi- I