The weekly Alaska citizen., 1918-04-01
HEARTACHES OF
 WAR'SDEMANDS
 BROUGHT HOME

When the flower of the nation re. sponded to the call to the colors many were they who did not realize the heartaches and suffering that would accrue from wars grimness. A word picture. so faithfully DOT. traying the conditions in an old home town. brings 1t more to mind:
 'Tis spring again in that quiet old southern university town. The ma
 ples and elms and oaks proudly rus.
 tie their new suits of green foliage
 in the zephyrs that come drifting quietly across the campus. The old
 bell in Lowery Hall sends out its
 silvery peals as 1t has so faithfully
 done through all these years.
 The same old hucksters wagon
 makes its way noisily down the
 brick paved street as "Old John"
 goes on his morning rounds. selling
 his wares and carrying the latest
 gossip from house to house. But
 mond has grown up in weeds. The
 all, no longer talks of the track"
 and the diamond" and the latest
 man to try for the squad" He
 looks older and worried. and there
 is a greater stoop in his back as
 he goes from door to door. and l
 hear him speak of "the front" and
 "gas attacks" and lover there," but
 still of "his boys" as they always
 were.
 The track is deserted The dia.
 "Old John." known and beloved by
 morning bugle of the cadet corps
 no longer sends out its thrilling
 notes. Lovers Lane. once filled with
 happy, carefree boys and girls stroll
 ing side by side. now only sees an
 occasional girl hurrying along with bowed head and serious face
 They are gone. those young. wig orous. happy-go-lucky chaps. Gone to war. Gone to kill and be killed
 They have given up home and friends and life of luxury and ease to go . forth upon the field of battle and die for their ideals. Each one has : sacrificed his ambitious dreams to further the cause of Liberty and oi righteousness-those great ideals fol which all true men have unhesitat , ingly been willing to pay the ex ; treme price through all the pas, ages. Liberty-that great cause fol which our forefathers labored ant fought and died that we might live , and prosper and be happy-that we might live and love and passing or leave the world nobler and better ' and further advanced toward tha great destiny which awaits it. , They are gone. and with them the { hearts and best wishes of mothers , and wives and sweethearts. Some we know shall never return ant
 others returning shall never be thu , same. But how brave they wen and with what faith and absolute ] unselfshness.
 , We saw them leave with flags fly , ing and crowds cheering and heart ! their band playing as 1t never hat played before. Oh. those noble sons l those proud. courageous mothers , how We love them. We trust il t them and trusting know that W,
 shall not be disappointed.
 : We see them lover there" swing { ing gaily along through shell-tor, ? fields and war-scarred woods march { ing bravely up to the battlefield iron whence. they know. some shall no , returx. They go with heads cree and hearts beating eagerly to mee , and fight and conquer.
 'Tis evening, and they are return , ing. Some are carrying their wound , ed comrades. Others are marchin, l bravely along with blood oozing iron { hastily dressed arms or heads ant l. some we see with bandaged leg { still walking courageously with tn r crowd. There is no band. Ther 5 are no dear mothers nor loving sweet , hearts to welcome their return. Ther, , is no one to see with what courag those poor boys can go forth ant : fight and some remain on the fielt } of battle never to return to thu , crowning joy of peace and home. - Those brave lads. with what mag
 nificence they come marching aloni
 that road to their well-earned rest
 Hearken! They are singing-singini
 as only healthy. vigorous young meI
 can sing. singing with their very hearts and souls. Singing with voic es so loud and so pure that tht
 sound must surely reverberate 1T the distant realms of heaven ant mingle with the voice of angels singing. This is the End of a Per feet Day" God bless them.
 BREAKUP NEAR