Connecticut western news., 1918-10-03
North Canaan Has Already
Subscribed More Than 500, 900
First Two Days of Intensive Drive Which Concludes With Rally
Sunday $76 900 Being Subscribed to the
Fourth Liberty Loan-Large and Enthusiastic Audience
Hear Governor Holcomb and Sergeant Alexander:

If there was any doubt on the part
of our distinguished visitors, Gov.
Holcomb and Sergeant Alexander, as
to whether North Canaan was patri-
otto or not, we feel sure that they de-
parted with the feeling it was. Or
ders of the Board of Health nor fear
of influenza dampened the ardor of
the patriotic throng who gathered on
the Green last Sunday to hear our
greatest war governor tell few
reasons why we should go the limit
in buying Liberty bonds.
The rally opened with the singing
of patriotic selections lead by R. D.
PIERCE, in which the entire audience
joined. This was followed by brief
remarks by J. Henry Roraback, who
introduced the speakers.
The first speaker, Sergeant Alfred
Alexander, was a member of Co. M
of this state and told some of his
many experiences in the trenches in
France. He told how 142 of the
PAT men in that Company lost their
lives, only twelve of them entirely es-
Gaping without wounds of some des-
cription. Sergeant Alexander wears
a sharpshooters badge and while he
told of many interesting incidents
and exhibited several souvenirs of
the war, due to his modesty he failed
to state that he had a distinguished
service medal coming from Washing
ton.
Sergeant Alexander is a husky,
clean-cut American and one glance
would tell the average person that
his promotion from private to ser
geant was we'll deserved. He told of
the way the boys over there watched
the papers to see if their home towns
were backing them up or not and his
appeal to buy bonds did not fall on
deaf ears.
After the address by Sergeant
Alexander, Miss Elizabeth PIERCE
sang "God be With Our Boys To-
night.
Governor Marcus H. Holcomb was
then introduced by Mr.. Roraback.
The Governor told in characteristic
manner of the part Connecticut was
playing in the war, not only in
France but here at home. He stated
that the 102nd Regiment, which is
Connecticut's own, was the first to
give battle to the Hun. Not only
did these men give battle, but this
regiment turned the tide of battle
which was up to that time resulting
in defeat to the Allies, said the Gov
ernor. They covered themselves with
glory and brought honor to their
state and country.
Governor Holcomb then reviewed
the important parts which Connect
cut and Litchfield County has taken
in every important event of the ma
ton since it's birth. He stated that
before the declaration of war on
Germany, Connecticut had been the
first state to prepare, realizing that
a break must come, and since that
time has maintained lead over all
other states in war activities. Time
and time again the Governor was in
terrupted by applause as he reached
a climax in his address. He was
greeted as Connecticut's greatest
war governor should be and we trust
that North Canaan will be remem-
bered when his thoughts turn to
Litchfeld county.
Alter the addresses Mr.. Roraback
announced that canvassers would ap-
proach all present with pledge cards
or the Fourth Liberty Loan, urging
upon all to subscribe generously to
this loan. His advice was evidently
taken, as during the space OF less
than two hours more than $4,000
was pledged. Of this amount two
business institutions and one individ-
ual subscribed $4,000 each.