Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1917-09-12
FIRST TO ASSUME HONORS
UNCLE SANS EIGHT co WITH
COLORS FLYING
A Fitting Demonstration Held Before
the Soldiers Leave "A Procession,
Speeches, Cheers. FarewelIs

The departure, Friday evening, of
the first group of Selective Uncle Sam
boys from Vernon county, was made
the occasion of creditable farewell
demonstration, although impromptu.
1t was hearty and sincere tribute
by practically the entire populace of
the city and many well-wishers from
surrounding points. The crowd, the
cheers, the enthusiasm, the brief fare
well addresses and greetings all gave
the lie to the oft repeated charge at
home and throughout the country
that Wisconsin citizens are apathetic
and not in harmony with the patriotic
elements OF the rest of the nation In
devotion to the Unprecedented cause
that now engages the world.
Soon after four O'Clock the process
sion formed on the court house grounds,
the band leading, followed by veter-
ans of the Civil rebellion bearing the
flag, the eight young soldiers, Prof.
Kuenning captain, Chauncey Morley
assistant; the County Board of Ex-
emption, the speakers, citizens on
foot and in automobiles. The line of
march was to Main street, south one
block, east past the school buildings,
where students fell ia, making line
three blocks in extent.
At the depot half hour was given
to short but feeling and pithy adj
dresses.
c. j. Smith congratulated Vernon
county that she had sons who were
ready and anxious TO represent her
in struggle that promises TO be long
and fatal to many, bringing sorrow to
homes and family, but he thanked
God that our people produce that
character of young men. They know
what the war is about and they make
this sacrifice for world humanity.
Senator Bennett saluted the boys
as SOLDIERS of Liberty" congratulate
ing them on the fact that they enjoy
the special privilege and great dis
tinction of being first called to the
lors;saying they had mot been draft
ed but rather selected as our prefer
red defenders, constituting a part of
the roll OF honor that will be treasur-
ed by your countrymen. You will be
conspicuous actors in the great world
struggle for the rights of humanity.
You will assist in writing into the
constitutions of the world the Ameri-
can doctrine that governments every
where exist of the people, by the peO-
pie, and for the people, The Ameri-
can flag, the American homes, the
American honor are In your keeping.
That you are here today Is a testi-
monial of your loyalty. Be brave
you must not only meet the enemy at
the front, but the copperhead at home.
Your fathers of Vernon county In the
Civil war gained distinction for brave
~. Private Waller, General Rusk,
General Rogers, Colonel Butt and
others OF the 900 soldiers from our
then scant population of 1900, each
and all are an inspiration to you.
Vernon county has a military reputa-
ton to maintain, and we depend upon
You TO make good and keep good that
reputation.
Postmaster Coffland paid tribute to
the boys before him who we're leaving
home and all they hold dear. TO battle
for human rights. The heart of the
nation is with its sons; the people are
intensely loyal and they bitterly de-
nounee the elements in our country
who are creating dissension and dis
cord and making it donbly hard for
the government.
Judge Graves, as a lawyer, admon-
ished the boys that it Is now the open
game season. He advised a speedy
slaughter of the brood OF Hohenzol-
ler's, both In this country and abroad;
the fellows who are our foes. Get
them, boys, and get them quick he
said.
Rev. f. w. Stevens spoke with much
feeling and emphasis. He said he
had no sympathy or patience with the
obstructionists who now constitute
the disloyal element in this country.
The time for peace talk has passed.
We parleyed with Germany for months
and tried to persuade her against the
inhuman and treacherous way ia which
she slaughtered our neutrais, but all
to no purpose, and we must now fight.
The Christian men and women of our
country and the helpless allies in 9TH
err lands give shouts OF praise TO our
sons who take up the brave task of
freeing the world from autocraey.
Boys, you fight the foes at the front
and we will take care of the disloYal
I.aFollettes and other misrepresenta-
tives at home. We must all fight TO
rid our common country Of its enemies
whether they be in congress or a for
eign land. /" the speaker said with en-
phasis and the crowd applauded his
utterauces.
Prof Aug. r Smith, head of the
county training school, son of Ger
man born parents, said there was no
reason why any German-American
should falter in his loyalty to this
country. There can be no divided
allegiance; we are either for our
land or against it. These young men
We all commend for their bravery
and willingness, "You represent our
very being and existence Get the
Kaiser, We will then be ready to
make peace with Germany and her
worthy people"
For fifteen minutes the band played
patriotic selections, the high school
boys gave a series of tigers, the peo-
pie pressed around the young soldiers
and gave farewells and God bless yous.
AS the train left the station the boys
smilingly waived adieus from the rear
platform. From that moment they
were in Uncle Sans honor roll, head
ed for Rockford camp.