Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1917-04-11
mfr. President-Grand Forks j.

Ready"
This motto. in red and blue on a
snow white background, fastened to
the largest United States flag in the
state of North Dakota, placed across
the stage of the auditorium, expressed
most tersely and vigorously the pa
triotic sentiment Of the great mass
meeting of citizens of Grand Forks
and vicinity that filled the large
structure to the limit last night.
Yesterday and Today.
Within the shadow Of this wonder
full flag sat the khaki-clad boys Of the
two companies Of the national guard
stationed in this city.
At the front edge of the stage sat
a handful of men. bent and gray
with years, the remnant of the boys
in blue of '61-'65, and in their midst
was m who had worn the gray in
the same years of strife.
Just back of these old soldiers was
gathered more than a hundred young
women and men, choristers Of the
city, who led in the singing of patri-
ottc national hymns that were fea-
tured in the program.
And in the front row Of seats on
the stage were grouped the speakers
OF the evening, including the may
OF the city, the president of the Uni
versity OF North Dakota. clersymen
and attorneys-men Of several ma
tional heritages and creeds.
But IN the hands Of each, and on
the coat lapels, were the Stars and
Stripes, while In the hearts were the
sentiments OF unity and loyalty.
Real Enthusiasm.
The large auditorium and galleries
were thronged with men, women and
children who gave the closest ntten-
ffnr IN thu ckf~rf-~
pated In the singing Of America"
THE Battle Hymn Of the Republic"
and THE Star Spangled Banner" and
waving their flags in a perfect sea of
red. white and blue. as they cheered
and cheered and cheered again.
This was the setting Of the gather
ing that gave evidence to the senti-
ment of patriotic fervor and loyal
support to the president Of the
United states, the army and the navy
IN the crisis OF war which has come
upon the nation despite all that could
be done to avert such a struggle.
One incident that stirred unusual
enthusiasm was not on the formal
programme singing of All original
patriotic song, Flag of Nine" by
Norman B. Black. The song was
written by A. F. Madison of this city
and as sung by Mr.. Black. made a
G iSSS!ous 80 nucn so That
Mr.. Black was insistently recalled to
sing Uncover When the Flag Goes
By" and Mr.. Madison was called to
the stage from his seat in the gallery
to acknowledge the plaudits Of the
audience.
The Resolutions.
Resolutions were passed as fol-
lows:
Whereas, the president, through
n1s messages to congress. has laid
before us the conditions of thu
relations of our government to the
government Of the German ma
ton, and,
Whereas, in recognition Of the
facts so presented, being coerced
and forced thereto by a ruthless
wal waged against 1t by the I'M
perial German government, our
nation has recognized and declar-
ed to exist the said state Of war
thus relentlessly and cruelty fore
ed upon us, and our president has
been authorized to make use Of all
the resources of the nation for its
protection. for the safeguardinR
of our people, and. AS he has well
said ito vindicate. the principles
OF peace and Of justice in the life
of the world as against selfish and
autocratic power and to set up
oAicii5oL lJlS iCdllS Tree ana SEX.
governed peoples Of the world
such a concert of purpose and Of
action as we'll as ~henceforth in
sure the observance of those prin-
ciples."
Now, therefore, tho people Of
the city of Grand Forks. N. D., in
meeting assembled. with
bitterness toward none. but with
firmnes in the right" do hereby
RESOLVE
!. That as loyal and patriotic
citizens we heartily and thor.
oughly commend and approve the
action of u president in sever
ing diplomatic relations with the
imperial German government and,
2. That as loyal and patriotic
American citizens we heartily and
thoroughly commend and approve
the action of the congress OF the
United States in recognizing and
declaring to exist the war which
has been waged against us and,
8. That we promise our hearty
and enthusiastic aid and support to
the government in every step and
act to protect the safety Of our
nation, and the cause Of freedom
and democracy throughout the
world and,
4. That we urge our govern
ment to conduct the war thus
forced upo III with all the vigor,
power and strength of our nation
and in thus resorting to arms to -
protect ourselves from the at
tacks relentlessly made upon US,
we disclatm any desire or pur-
pose OF conquest or of waging any
war other than in defense of our