New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1917-09-07

approached and offered the support OF
the party but each time refusal was
given. Because of the small salary
attached to the position and as great
deal of time has to be devoted to the
office no one seems to want it, said Mr..
Moore.
When asked if he would run, Mr..
Moore replied II am not a candidate
for any office this fall
Farewell a Success.
A farewell celebration was given to
the young men who have been accept
ed for the National Army at Grange
Hall last evening. The public turned
out in a body and the hall was
crowded to it's capacity.
The evenings celebration began
with a parade. The Home Guard,
headed by St. PauPs t. A. and B. drum
corps marched from the Town Hall
on Worthington Ridge to the Grange
building on Pennington road. At the
hall an appetizing dinner was served
to the young men and to their parents
and sweethearts. The pastors of the
churches were also present at the din
ner. The diners spoke in highest
terms of the women of the Grange,
who prepared the meal, saying that
as experts in culinary art they are
second to none in the country.
The evenings program was opened
with appropriate Introductory re-
marks by Major Frank L. Wilcox,
who presided. A selection was given
by the drum corps following which
America" was sung. Rev. e. F.
Lounsbury, pastor Of the Kensihgton
Methodist church, offered a prayer.
William J. Webster rendered cello
solo in very pleasing manner and vo-
cal selections were given by Oscar
Benson. Rev. Samuel A. F1ske OF
the Berlin Congregational church, the
speaker of the evening, delivered
patriotic address. In his speech, he
congratulated the boys upon being
chosen to represent Berlin in the
strife for democracy and because they
were physically fit to do so. Rev.
Mr.. Fiske facetiously remarked that
the young men were to be more than
congratulated upon their physical MT
ness because of the many ills that
countless Americans have suddenly
obtained since war was declared
against Germany.
Rev. Mr.. F'iske told the men that
it was privilege and an honor to
be proud of, to serve their country.
The speaker brought out the. point
that although only one of the eight
men selected was born this toun-
try, the remainder coming from Scot
land, Italy and the Balkan states still
they were all Americans.
Rev. Mr. Fiske closed his address
by telling the boys that the town
was behind them and that they had
the confidence and affection Of rail-
the people in Berlin, no matter wAere
they would be.
When John Lennie Thompson Of
Kensington arose to sing he was given
a rousing welcome. Mr.. Thompson
told the audience that he wasn't an
American by birth, Scotland being his
native land, but he deemed it an
honor and a privilege to be able to
fight for America
The surprise Of evening came when
Major Frank Wilcox on behalf of the
people presented each prospective SOL
der with money belt. As each
young man arose and stepped to the
platform to receive the small token
he was greeted with tremendous ap-
plause.
The evenings celebration was
brought to a close with the singing
Of the "Star spangled Banner
OF for Aver, Mass.
Joseph Vincent Smith and Edgar
Pickett, Berlin's first representation
to the new National Army left this
morning for Camp Devens. Aver.
Mass, where they are to receive their
military training. The young men