The daily Gate City and constitution-Democrat. (Keokuk, Iowa) 1916-1922, 1917-02-23
RUPERT HUGHES
MAKES ADDRESS
Famous Novelist Spoke on Prepared,
ness At Warrington Meeting
At the Y. w. G. A.
Last Night
INTERESTING PROGRAM
Birthday Of Father ., Country OBJ
served With Addresses,
Readings and
Songs.
TEREsTINa PROGRAM

"A surprise was sprung III the WASH
ington program at the Young Wo-
mems Christian association last night
when Rupert Hughes. Americas fore
most novelist, some time captain OF
New York state militia on the Mexf-
can border, and vigorous advocate OF
preparedness, was introduced to the
large audience that filled the hall.
Mr.. Hughes pre- 7ence at the meet
ing was chance occurance and prov
ed q delightful surprise. to the aud
fence which listened with deep inter
est to his timely remarks. Mr.. Hughes
in an extemporaneous talk told his
hearers that fasteners We're under
the impression that the middle west
was against preparedness because OF
its belief that It was safe from an en-
emy,s invasion. He said that In times
such as these, however, there should
be no sectionalism, that every portion
Of the country should accept willingly
its share OF the burden of preparing
| for any eventuality that might result
from the present crisis.
Mr.. Hughes was strong in his con.
domination Of the calling out Of the
national guardsmen for service on the
border.
1T was the cruelest joke ever play
ed on the patriotic sons Of America.
he declared.
The speaker also condemned con-
gress for its failure to pass army pre-
paredness laws, although the country
has been In a state OF war with Ger
many for two weeks.
Program was Pleasing.
The program presented last night
was an exceptionally pleasing one.
| The 7. w. G. A. acted as hostess to
the various patriotic societies Of the
city and the general public. All pat
riotic orders including the two G. "A.
r. posts. the Womans Relief corps;
Ladies OF the G, A. r., s. A. r. and
liz "A. r., George v Jenkins camp.
Spanish war veterans. Company l.,
Boy Scouts and others, were repre-
scented and the general public COM
pletely filled the auditorium and it
was necessary to bring in extra chairs
| to accommodate the crowd.
| The guests were received at the
building by q receiving committee
composed Of the president Of the Y.
w. G. A., the members of the social
committee and the presidents Of the
various association clubs. The Wis
itors were ushered to their seats by
committee of twelve girl scouts
composed of Maude Devero, leader;
Gladys Angel, Margaret Peterso-
Wanda Lamb, Gladys Loewenstein,
Mary Bedford, Ruth O'Blennis,. Mar
garet Ryland, Helen Garrison, Vivian
Holzer, Eta Schultz and Florence
Cook. The girl scouts wore white
blouses, with a red. white and blue
ribbon across the shoulder.
American Flag Rackdrop.
The backdrop for the Y. w. c. A.
stage was a huge American flag and
other flags were used in the stage dec
, orations. In one corner was the en-
,blem of George v. jenkins camp,
Spanish war veterans. Between each
window on the outside wall were
crossed flags. Altogether the deco
rations we're fitting and pleasing and
provided the proper background for
the patriotic program which was
given.
Seats were reserved in the front OF
the auditorium for the members of the
G. A. R. posts and the two allied wo-
mems organizations.
Following the program light refresh
ments were served to the guests IN
the auditorium. The Geneva club OF
the association did the serving.
| The purpose of the meeting was ex-
planned by Mrs. John P. Hornish. She
introduced Captain A. H. Evans of
Belknap post, who presided.
The opening number was the sing
ing of Columbia, the Gem of the
Ocean," by the Monday Music club