Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1917-04-12

The meeting Of the men and women Of
burlington held at the Strong Friday eve
ming. having been called by Mayor ].
Holmes jackson for the purpose Of taking
action deemed necessary to properly
meet existing war conditions. was one of
sweeping enthusiasm, with patriotism at
high tide. and will be remembered as the
most stirring gathering witnessed by the
present generation Of this city. The
theatre was filled to overlooking with
those who had gathered to put themselves
on record as being In full accord with
President Wilson and the measures he
may take to uphold the rights Of American
citixenship, suitable resolutions being
adopted.
Tho guests Of honor were the members
Of Company M Of the State militia, who
were escorted to the theatre by the men,
bers Of Stannard Post. headed by Sher-
mans Military band. They received an
ovation from the gathering as they reach.
cd the stage. the body Of the house ris-
ing to receive them, and one could not but
compare their steady tread with the wav-
ering steps Of the few veterans Of the
Civil War. who took the opportunity by
acting a. escort to pay their respects to
these boys. the first to answer their
country's call.
AZ Mayor jackson and tho speakers of
the evening stepped on to the stage the
band played the national anthem. an ef-
fective part Of the evenings program be-
ing the appearance on the stage Of a bat
tie nag carried through the Civil War and
waved to the strains of the ''Star spangled
Banner again Friday night by Gen. T.
g. Peck. 1t benign torn in ribbons, the
"a - M,
depth Of feeling that was brought to the
surface by the music was apparent on
every side. few seconds Of absolute quiet
pervading the theatre at the end of the
selection before the assemblage broke
into prolonged applause.
Tho theatre assumed very much the
military, having been made most attrac.
tive with the use Of numerous large
fiags, draped about the boxes, on the
balcony rail and on the stage by skillfu
hands. In one box was Colonel Joseph
T. Dickman and members Of his stah
and on the other side in one Of the uppel
boxes was a group Of regular soldiers
while in the boxes below them vera mem.
bers Of the mayors family and friends.
On the stage were seated. besides the
militiamen. the veterans Of the Civil
War and the mayor. who presided ovel
the meeting. Colonel Ira L. Reeves. presi
| dent Of Norwich University. DR.. Guy
Potter Benton, president Of tho Univer
sity Of Vermont, Judge c. s. Palmer
Judge Charles H. Darling. the Rev
George W. Davenport, Postmaster Jane,
e. Burke and Col. J. H. Mimms.
THE SPEAKERS.
Mayor Jackson FIRST called upon Presi
dent Benton. who opened the EVENING"
program with q prayer asking a blessing
to rest upon city, State and nation. tina
treason might be stihed and confusion
given to our enemies and victory to ou
banners.
The first speaker was Judge Palmer
who said in part:
| 1t has been said and Is probably tru
that the city Of Burlington and the Stat
Of Vermont is slow in speaking out OF
the great question which at present con
fronts the world but this slowness ma!
be charged to conservatism and no
pacihcity. The State of Vermont IL no
much given to hysteria but since tn
incident Of Ethan Allen at Ticonderog
1t has been proven that the people O
Vermont are slow to anger but ar
positive in their wrath. President Wilson
who to-day Is confronted with the mos
serious conditions since lincoln. for tn
past two and ons-half years ha
been pleading for the rights o
humanity. pleading especially wit
the spirit OF militarism as mani
tested by the Prussian war lords. H
has pleaded for the rights OF other ma
lions a. we'll a. for the rights of Am
erican citizens on land and sea. Tn
only response has been the swish o
the torpedo through the water. Tn
result Is what we at present see. ter
rible war. and the men who will 60 ou
to tight for the American nag. whic
stands for American citizenship on a.
nifty Of manhood to uphold the homo
or all that Americanism stands for.
RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED.
} In conclusion. Judge Palmer offere
, the following resolutions. which wer
, adopted with a resounding shout in tn
. affirmative:
WHEREAS, The people of the city {
] Burlington. in mass meeting assemble
: being conscious OF the momentous ar
all important issues confronting thoi
charged with the duties Of administe
. ing the affairs of the nation: ana,
. WHEREAS. The aims and purposes
n Prussian militarism have manifested a di
q regard Of all rules Of international la,
. and an absence OF all worthy impulse
q of Q civilized people. resulting not on
a In the destruction of private property. b,
a the shedding Of innocent blood OF Amer
= man men. women and children engage
+. In their lawful pursuits of life; therefor
y BE 1T RESOLVED. That we. men al
!. women OF the city OF Burlington, W
with every means at our command SUI
a Iport the President and Congress of Il
. United States. In every power which tn,
|. may exercise to meet and defeat all rut
less German attacks upon the rights
;. American citizenship upon land and sc
= and we invoke the exercise Of the enti
= power Of the nation in the maintenan
> Of the liberties OF our people and Il
. defense OF the nations honor.
% RESOLVED. That we recognise no hi
loyalty. a. measuring up to the standa
70 Of American citisenship. and. under co
ditions existing to-day. we believe a
y effort by any of our people to thws
}! or delay the work Of placing our count
"a In proper condition to defend our n
tional honor 10 near treason.
% RESOLVED. That as evidence of I
- spirit OF Vermonters, copy of these res
buttons be forwarded to tho President
10 the United States and to each memh
70 of the Vermont delegation In Congress
IT Judge Darling. who was next call
10 upon. said In part:
y. THIS evening Of a holy church d
n Will 60 down as one memorable In hi
% tory, az the day upon which Preside
Wilson signed the declaration that
n state Of war existed between 0erma
r. and the United Gtates. When this dc
laratiOn has hneu airnaA thu <i,na I,