The Ocala banner. (Ocala, Marion County, Fla.) 1883-194?, 1918-07-12

men, assembled for the purpose of
perfecting an organization of county
guards and a committee composed OF
Messrs. Jake Brown, J. II. Benjamin
and r r. Hooker was appointed tc
appear before the county commission
ers to get their approval and report
at next meeting.
Mr. T. s. Trantham acted as chair
man of the meeting in place Of Mr.
Dempsey Mayo, who was absent from
the city, Mr. H. w Holman filing
the office Of secretary.
After an invitation from the chair
to anyone having had military ezpe
rience to address the meeting, severa
responded
Mr.. j. R. Moorhead, member Of
the Ocala Rifles in times gone by
arose and stated that twenty years age
an organization Of home guards had
existed in Ocala, of which ne was q
member. and If he could be Of any ser
vice in any capacity in furthertng the
purposes of this organization he was
only too willing TO do so, and would
aid in any manner possible.
Mr.. c. Y. Roberts. another member
of the Ocala Rifles in days gone by,
and who has mad years Of military ex.
perience, said that he had only 70 be
called upon 10 do anything possible
for the organization, but did not desire
to be made an officer on account of
Business affairs prevented MS attend
ing meetings regularly.
Messrs Frank Gates. Horace Whet-
tone, Phillip Pruitr, I. ". Ponder, An
drew Seipp and Others VINO had had
more or less military experience Of
fered their services in any way possi-
ble in furthering the purposes Of the
organization.
Mr.. Calvin Howell then arose and
placed in nomination Mr.. c. Y. Rob
erts as captain Of the guards, which
received much applause Mr.. Roberts
tried hard to beg off. but Mr. Jake
Brown would not have it that way and
stated that no excuse wOuld be ac-
cepted, and after thoroughly convin-
cling Mr.. Roberts that he would nave
to submit 10 the will of those pres
ent, the latter was finally elected by
reclamation.
Then came the election Of first
lieutenant, Messrs. Busler, Harris
and Sefpp being placed in nomination.
The result was as follows: Harris
10; Seipp II; Busler S Mr.. Scoop
moved that Mr.. Harris election he
made unanimous, which vas carried.
Messrs. seipp and Frank Gates
were then elected TO the Office Of see
ond lientenants by accIamation
Chairman Trantham then called on
anyone in the audience to address the
meeting. Mr. Jake Brown first res
ponded-a little timid, il appeared, at
first, but soon warmed up to the occa-
sion and more patriotic words have
not fallen from the lips Of anyone in
this section in many a moon. Mr..
Brown appealed to everyone 10 do all
in his power 10 aid in crushing the
beast of Berlin, and said that while
he would not be allowed to take ac-
tive part on the fighting front he was
willing to make any sacrifice required
of him and do his BIZ on his side and
felt that every man in his hearing
would back him up.
Mr. Calvin Howell arose and heart
lily endorsed everything Mr.. Brown
said, as did several others.
Every speaker evidenced his pa
triotism and a willingness to do eY.
erything possible to make the organi
sation success, and for real enthus
iasm there has been no meeting OF
citizens held in this community in
many year that would equal it,
The chairman then appointed
Messrs. Jake Brown, ". " Strip
ling, c. 7. Roberts and T. s Tran
than as committee on incorporation
who viii report at next meeting.
After singing the first verse Of my
country lis Of Thee, the meeting adj
journed.
We are requested 10 state that any
who did not sign I'D last night art
invited 10 call at the Commercial
bank today and see Mr.. Hoffman anC
attach their signatures.