The Watertown news. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1917-1919, 1917-07-16
Big PATRIOTIC
MASS MEETING
FRIDAY NIGHT

"In this great war the United States
of America is fighting for the cause of
humanity, a victory for the disarm-
ment of nations--that hereafter no one
man or set of men can plunge this
country in war, the upsetting of poten-
tates and the making for an universal
peace" declared Hubert O. Wolfe of
Milwaukee, who spoke Friday evening
before one of the largest patriotic
meetings ever held in Watertown.
The meeting was held at the inter-
was arranged by the local branch of
the County Council of Defense, of
which Gordon e. Bacon is head. 1t
was given in honor of Co. E. Water
town National Guard who received
their orders Friday to mobilize Sun
day.
A parade preceded the program in
which the Oconomowoc color bearers
led, followed by the City band, and a
squad Of National Guard infantry
from OOconomOwoc, Company E, local
Watertown guard and the Red Cross
chapter to the number of 80. H. Wer-
theimer acted as marshal. Gordon E.
Bacon and Mayor Mulberger rode with
the speaker, Hubert o. Wolfe. w. D.
James, head Of the County Council of
Defense gave short address in which
he congratulated the members of the
local body, Red Cross workers and Ma
tional Guard for the splendid work be-
ing done at the present time here The
City band played number of selec-
minated.
Gordon E. Bacon introduced Mr..
Wolfe, whose speech is reproduced in
part:
''We are again facing most serious
condition in the history Of this great
nation. Crisis of this kind have only
visited us two or three times since the
signing of the Declaration of indie
pendence in Philadelphia in IT'S 1
wonder how many of us here realize
the seriousness of this catastrophe as
compared to that of 1775.' The speak
er then spoke of the smiling faces
and those with looks of contentment
on all sides who were without a true
realization of the catastrophe to come.
But few years ago, few months
we had right to our opinions and
sympathies," said the speaker" but
now it isn't fair to yourselves as Am
erlcan citizens-tO your country
when that country's interest conflicts
with that of your country's we'll be-
ing"
Mr.. Wolfe then gave an outline of
the causes of this war, that mans
duty lies not with the country he
came from but the one he has adopt
ed and calls it's flag his. He also spoke
OF the double allegiance which now
cannot exist. Our country was dedi-
Gated to freedom since it's inception,
and is the melting pot of the world.
The speaker quoted Carl Schurz, who
made w atertown his residence for a |
number Of years, as being one of the
greatest German Americans in this
country whose first thought was pa
triotism and second, self.
eve have no malice in our hearts
against the German people. They have
..
is the autocrat at it's head that must
go-for after this war is over the dy-
nasty of kings will come to an end
and they will be plain citizens. Russia
has already paved the way and ere
two years have passed others will
have followed her lead.
I'VE are in this war to win and any
king who thinks that the United
States is not a formidable foe will
find that the Stars and Stripes have
never been trailed in the dust, and
with the help of God never will.
I'VE are here to bid farewell to Com
pany E. They are going out to fight
your battles and mine,-wish them
God speed. 1t is the duty of good citi-
zens to put their shoulders ito the
wheel, for all can help"