The Tucumcari news and Tucumcari times. [volume] (Tucumcari, N.M.) 1907-1921, 1917-04-12

Friday was sure-enough Flag Day"
in Tucumcari. The mayor issued n
proclamation for the business houses
10 close during the afternoon from 4
to 6. The auto owners we're notified
to meet at the school house and join
the school children in a patriotic pa
rade. The wind was blowing a gale
and dust filled the air, but young
America could not be stopped by such
trivial matter and many "old" Amer
icas were there and joined the long
parade which extended fcf blocks, the
autoes being driven as close together
as possible to drive them.
The march was headed by the city
fire truck gaily decorated with bunt-
ing and American flags. Then came
the band which played old familiar
pieces, reminders of history when our
forefathers fought and died to make
this country one of liberty. Then
came the Boy Scouts, and school chill
dren carrying flags. About one hum
dred autoes followed. each being dec
Grated with national colors. The pa
rade passed through the main streets
and halted on Second street where
rousing speeches were made oy Mayor
Israel, s. M. Wharton, District Attor-
ner Kiker and musical numbers fur
nished by the band.
During the addresses many tear
filled eyes were in evidence. Duty had
taken the place of smiles and thoughts
were of what would we be called upon
to do during the present crisis. Moth
ers were thinking of the possible sac
rifice Of their sons and daughters were
thinking of how they would be of SER
vice in caring for the wounded and
take the place of men in shops and
factories, stores and Offices. II was
impossible to know what the future
had in store for those who were in
the parade or those who watched on.
but America stands for much and the
American people will never falter in
their duty to uphold the cause of hu-
manity.
Every city, town and han let in this
country has demonstrated its patriot
ism and its willingness to stand by the
president and the demonstration in
Tucumcari last Friday shows this city
Is ready to take up arms and assist
in regaining freedom of the seas and
declaring its justfiable protest against
the ruthless submarine. warfare made
by Germany in which the lives Of neu-
trails, men, women and children were
murdered in desperate attempt to
become king of the world. Tucumcari
and Quay county are ready to do their
part and the organization of home
guards viii commence in due time II
per chance such an organization be-
comes necessary. Most Of our citi-
zens belong to the patriotic class and
will fight IL need be for our govern
ment, and those who. would mar our
flag had better do so privately and
keep it a secret or they will be sorry
after it is too late. Men who have en-
joyed the liberties of this country and
lived from its vast resources who are
low enough to betray it and perhaps
poison our drinking water, blow up
our public buildings and railroads,
have no right to enjoy any sympathy
but should be handled without gloves
and treated like vultures. On the 9TH
er hand.if there be any foreigners who
really cannot join US in repudiating
the insults of the past few months,
let them keep quiet and attend to their
own business and they will not be
molested. We have plenty Of room
for men and women to work at other
industries and it will be better for all
after the present conflict is over, not
TO cause the hatred Of each other.
A number of the Tucumcari young
men have signfed their intention of
joining the army and when the time
comes rsttling good company will
20 forth from here to fight and die
II need be. Our bible teaches us that
God helps the side that stands for
right and IL God assisted in the wars
of olden times he will do so now. To
dies for ones country is an honor and
a duty, and those who shirk this duty
will have little TO make them enjoy
peace after war is history and our
children ask US to tell them about
what we did to preserve liberty and
bring peace to the world.
War Situation Grows Darker
The war situation is not much chang
cd so far as Tucumcari is concerned,
but Uncle Sam is preparing as though
it meant years Of fighting.
The local story tellers are very much
in evidence. Two German citizens
were reported beaten almost lifeless
because of mean things they had said
about the u. s. The editor Of this
paper of course believed the reports
TO be true. After chasing the story
down he found there was nothing true
10 the reports.
Another report was to the effect
that a school teacher at Norton took
&. down the flag and stamped upon it.
This was not true, although the facts
...o.o .ko,,t as foIlous. The nunils