The Bemidji daily pioneer. [volume] (Bemidji, Minn.) 1904-1971, 1917-04-07
BEMIDJIBIDSMILITlA
GOOD BYE; THR0NG
AT RECEPTION AT
ARM0RYLAST NIGHT

r. Never before In the history OF Be-
midi was there such an outpurtng Of
patriotism such tas.; that at the ar
mory. last evening at sne reception of
the people to-, the members Of the
naval militia as a farewell to the
boys who today answered the call to
the colors. The interior of the spa
cious armory was riot of color--red,
white and blue. Bunting was strung
from every direction and festooned
in great punches. American flags
covered the walls and foated high
above the massed humanity which
packed every available nook and cor
ner of the gallery and main floor.
Strung around the hall stood the
members of the militia, clad in their
spotless white dress uniforms, under
the command of Lieutenant e. A.
Barker.
.I In, one corner was stationed tho
band playing patriotic airs, while at
intervals q drum corps of Civil war
veterans "hit 'er up" as became the
days of the Civil war.
Formality Absent.
There were no cold formalities.
There were no tiresome, flamboyant
speeches, there were smiles and
friendly greetings on every hand.
But underneath there was that in
describable ''something" that seemed
to draw those present closer and
feeling was deep-seated at the sig
nificance of the occasion.
Around the line of sturdy young
Uncle Sans sea dogs, which was
formed in a huge horseshoe, passed
the veterans of the Civil war In bid
ding good bye. They were followed
by the ladies of the G.. A. r. circle,
carrying the stars and stripes. who
felt years ago just as others are today
feeling. Then the general public fol-
lowed in endless chain. each warmly
grasping the hand of the husky youth
of the city in a fervent God speed
and a safe return.
Spirit of America.
The scene presented the true dem
ocracy of America. Glass, creed, sta
tion in life and business life were cast
into the melting pot and all stood
shoulder to shoulder in the spirit of
Americanism.
During the course of the reception
feature, Lieutenant Barker was call
ed to the phone and when he return
ed proceeded to the head Of the hall
and quietly announced, 1--WE have
been ordered to report for mobiliza-
ton tomorrow at Duluth" and q
deep hush fell throughout the hall.
"You will report to the armory at
Z o'clock tomorrow morning." added
the commandant of the militia and
quietly stepping aside.
Shower of Silver.
Near the entrance to the hall were
grouped Mayor Vandersluis, Chief OF
Police Ripple and States Attorney
G. M. Torrance. Mr.. Torrance step
ped to the center of the hall and ad-
dressing those present called atten-
tion to the "jolly bags" at various
points in the business district, to
which generous donations of smokes
and other articles have been con-
tributed for the company members.
Mr.. Torrance then remarked that all
who so desired could have the oppor-
tunity of contributing a dollar for
the company to spend in similar
manner, suiting the action by de-
posting a silver dollar upon the
floor near the floral centerpiece.
Mayor Vandersluis stepped forward
and deposited another shining dollar
and in an instant there was veri-
table shower of silver commencing to
spatter upon the floor. Chief Ripple
commenced the task of collecting the
silver shower and a total of $50 was
thus collected for the company fund.
Last One-Steps.
There followed a lull and Prof.
Tuseth's orchestra commenced the
strain of catchy dance selection, the
crowd spread and white clad figures
clasped closely their sweethearts in
the last one-steps before answering
Here, SIR" as their names were call
ed in line at "attention" for the
march to the train and on to the At
lantic coast to face the east.
A., Tr uarnoonn of Tenstrike