The Madison daily leader. [volume] (Madison, S.D.) 1890-current, 1917-04-11

BY the declaration that he was
known as a German-American. when
instead he was really an American
German. and had dissolved partner
shin with the kaiser, a speaker al the
naval rally at the courthouse last
night voiced the sentiments Of many
men of that nationality or descent.
The big room was crowded with men.
among whom was a goodly sprinkling
Of the fair sex. gathered 10 hear the
speakers supporting and urging the
enlistment OF men for the naval sery-
ice. The meeting is pronounced to be
the most enthusiastic hal has so far
taken place.
The rally of the night before dem
onstrated that more room could be
used TO good advantage. so the court
room was secured by the officials in
charge. to assist Chief Quartermaster
Nilsen in the work of getting fighting
men for national defense in the first
line. as the navy is now termed. The
expectations were fully realized. as
there was scarcely standing room re
naming for later corners.
The meeting was opened by Mayor
G. II. Waskey, who Immediately gave
the conduct of il over to Jas. Robert
son. as one better fitted TO have
charge of the proceedings. Amer
lea was sung by a male quartet, and
Rev. C. McKibbin offered a prayer
Mr.. Robertson stated the object of
the meeting. II is the purpose OF
the president TO raise $4,000 men at
once for the navy. All between the
ages of 16 and 35 are eligible and
needed. The speaker made an urgent
appeal TO the men assembled to assist
in the work of ~resenting the affronts
offered the nation.
Hague War Conference.
Rev. McKibbin described at some
length an Indian uprising which took
place i'm Canada. and Of which he was
a witness. The quick call for men.
the ready and numerous response TO
the call. and the atrocities committed
came in for good description. II was
pointed out that in time Of national
need men are always available for the
defense Of home and country.
The so called peace conference at
The Hague was described as more
calculated as being a war conference
than one for the promotion Of peace.
Diplomacy and deceit marked the
proceedings, no one nation Of mill
tary Importance considering il any
thing more than an opportunity to
mislead and deceive his possible en-
envy. IT came i'm for strong condem-
nation as see from the humanitarian
viewpoint, and utterly fruitless in the
purpOrted object of making war OBJ
n%oxious to the nations which were
itching for an opportunity to fly at
their neighbors' threats.
Rev. Palmerton spoke along much
the same line, d~eploring the great
wave of the desire for destruction
which so recently has swept over the
world.
Forget Greed and Party
Civilization fighting for the sup
preston of barbarism is what III. II
Holdridge characterized the present
situation of the country. He called
attention TO the heartless and me-
chanical d%espoilation of Belgium fol
upon the violation of a writ
treaty. The starving condition of
the people and the sinking Of ships
bringing to the sufferers relief. while
yet they could not or would not do
anything to alleviate the condition of
and disease, were wildly de
and condemned. The speak
er did not think il a the German
people who were to blame. but placed
the responsibility upon the head Of
all militarism, the kaiser and the war
party of nobility.
Mr.. Holdridge urged that in the
present crisis creed and party lines be
ob~literated, and that all. without re
gard to political afifliation were alike
fighting TO resent a foe to our homes
and country. Our success is the sue
cess Of the country in which we live,
and a victorious foreign foe would in
jure the expatriots living here as
much as though they We're fighting
units. Mr.. Holdridge laid his pre-
mise with care, made his argument
and the conclusion with the precision
of legal reasoning. The argument
was forceful and effective, and the
speaker was interrupted at times by
vociferous applause.
Other speakers followed In urging