The Wisconsin tobacco reporter. (Edgerton, Wis.) 1877-1950, 1917-06-08
Fine Band Concert.

Fine Band Concert.
The open air concert given by the First
Reg. band of Madison on an improvised
platform near the bank corner was en-
joyed by crowd of not less than 1000
people on Friday evening. An excel
lent program was rendered that de-
lighted the immense crowd present.
Later the orchestra, portion of the
band furnished the music for benefit
dance for the Edgerton platoon of Co.
M first regiment national guard at
Academy nall which was attended by
over 400 couples. Over 5000 was real
lied for the company fund to be used
at the encampment next month. The
band was on tour of the southern
portion of the state giving series of
concerts, being billed at Beloit on Sat-
urday.
During the concert intermission Prof.
F. O. Holt was introduced by Mayor
Conway and gave stirring patriotic
address. He said in part:
On Wednesday last we celebrated a
day, not dedicated to liberty in the alb
stract, but day which was typically
American. On that day we did honor
to that brave army which in the trying
years of the civil war fought in the
hottest cause which has been given
humankind to fight for. On Memorial
day we honored those who bled and
died that this country might endure
permanently and that we in 1917 might
enjoy the blessings of great demo-
cratic, united government. There are
those living VINO went forth at their
country's call to make the great sacri-
flee. There are those in our midst who
were among that gallant army which
fought our battles in '61, men who
willingly sacrificed their all that big
ger, happier. safer America might re-
suit.
In speaking to one Of those gallant
heroes of civil war times, | was told,
what I believe to be in the heart of
every man who wears the brass button
in his coats lapel, was told that those
who fought, who bled, who died during
four years when every drop Of blood
drawn by the lash was equalled by that
spilled upon the battle field, that those
heroes would feel that they had fought
in vain if their deeds should not, in
1917, give such inspiration to our Amer
lean manhood that again at our coun-
try's call we are ready to respond to do
battle in holier and more worthy
cause than ever was fought for by
humankind.
Can we forget that spirit which in
'76 defed Great Britain's king and
placed the most illustrious of all among
the sisterhood of states? Is the spirit
of 81 which preserved this immortal
Emancipation Proclamation and caused
the clear sun of emancipation to shine
in benediction upon the broken letters
of 1900, 900 of negro slaves Pigment
which has passed from our memories?
When the historian of the future time
shall write the history of 1917, proph-
esy that he will interpret this day and
its spirit in one of two ways. He will
write either that the old American
spirit had not died out, that brave sons
of brave ancestors, drawing inspiration
from glorious past, came as the winds
come when forests are rended, came as
the waves come when navies are
stranded, to shed their blood if need be
that upon this earth democracy might
be made safe, and that ultimately there
might prevail wherever man lives peace
and good will; or that through mater
ialism, moved by spirit of CONNER
cialism, we had grown SO craven, that
our ideals had sunk SO low, our spirit
been so killed, that we supinely sub
submitted, refusing to answer the call
when pleading humanity demanded
that we recognize the need Of our fell
low beings.
This is no time for argument, it is no
time for debate. There is nothing to
debate. There can be in our midst only
the individual who prefers the success
of Germany, or him who prefers the
success Of America. If you are one
who supports the enemy even in your
thinking, then as traitor you should
refuse to remain and accept the bless
ings bestowed upon you in this mighty
land. Edgerton has by nature Of an
unparalleled indication Of spirit of
patriotism truly become recognized as
the biggest little city in the state of
Wisconsin, and | call on you to let no
act or thought of yours give opportun-
ity to say that there are potential trail
tors in our midst. June will be our
testing time.