The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-02-23

citizens of Nebraska was thrown open
and dedicated Saturday February 9.
Governor Keith Neville, heading a
distinguished delegation of private cit
liens of the Antelope state arrive in
Camp Funston Friday, greeted by a
Kansas zephyr and literally 'bit the
dust" the rest of the day. but the
warm hospitality of Lieut--Colonel Til
ford drove away this Kansas gloom.
But, oh. what difference in the
morning! The sun arose in all its
grandeur, the Kansas zephyr had de-
parted to Oklahoma and the heavens
smiled on the Nebraska men. Lieut.
Colonel Tilford brought out his mag
nificently trained ammunition train
for the inspection of Governor Neville
and party, led by the band in review
at 10 a. m
At 2:3o the hastily constructed. but
nevertheless substantial, Nebraska
wigwam was dedicated. One hun
bred and fifty men from the sanitary
train, commanded by Captain Buis of
Fender, Nebraska and Lieut. Albert
Martin of Chicago, marched to the
building, followed by the units of the
ammunition train until the ~hall was
filled. Under the supervision of
Lieut. Manning the hall was nicely
decorated with flags, Nebraska pen
nants, bunting and st. Louis pennants.
Thru the generosity of the citizens OF
mated.
Preceding the program the $40
Field Artillery band gave concert
much to the enjoyment of those as
seubled. Promptly at 2:30, Colonel
Tilford, commanding officer of the
314 ammunition train, called the
meeting to order and presented Father
Caraboy, who gave the invocation
Then the pride of Camp Funston. the
$40 Field Artillery band. rendered
patriotic selection.
Hon George COPELAND, vice-chair-
man of the Nebraska council of de-
ferse, was introduced as the first
speaker. When this distinguished
speaker, with his white locks and
cheerful face. arose. a hush spread
visibly affected. The sight that met
his eye was inspiring. His voice shock
with emotion. Boys, the folks are
with you. 1 bring you greetings and
when you come home the state is
yours" he said. The eloquent gentle
man. continuing, held his hearers in
rapt attention for almost an hour.
and when he concluded George Coup
land was the father of all the lone
some boys from the Antelope state.
mighty cheer welled up when he
sat down. COPELAND had won their
hearts.
Then, as if to bring them back home
again. the sweet Danish singer from
Omaha, Hugo Diedrickson, was pre-
serted and sang for his opening num-
Der. ''Kings of the Road" responding
to an encore with the touching song,
keep the Home Fires Burning"
Tears came to the eyes of the men,
only to be wiped away as he gave
them Joan of Arc" Diedrickson had
made good with the boys and they
want him to come again.
At this stage in the proceedings
captain McPheeters, who had charge
OF all the arrangements. stepped forth,
thanked by two privates, carving a
bride and a saddle and calling on
Lieutenant Manning to step forth.
These were presented to him as token
OF the appreciation of the boys of the
ammunition train for his efforts in the
construction of the building 1t was
happy opportunity, and Captain Nc
Pheeters covered himself with glory in
HI: presentation speech.
The Boys Glee club of the ammuni-
ton train marched to the platform
and sang some rollicking college
songs, much to the enjoyment of the
visitors as we'll as the audience
With the Introduction of Colonel
Tilford, Keith Neville, the young ex-
ecut1ve of the state of Nebraska
bounded to the front of the platform
amid resounding applause and the
waving of flags and pennants. The
boys like the governors appearance.
He was one of them, for had he not
offered his services to his country and
volunteered to wear the o. D.?
Governor Neville lost no time in
coming to the point. He told the bows
that inasmuch as they were fighting
for democracy, he proposed to see that
they should have a hand in deciding
what kind of a democracy, and if the
supreme court held that they could
not vote he would call an extra session
OF the legislature and make it possible
for them to do SO. if such could be
done constitutionally This pleased
the boys, and they told him SO with
ringing cheers, and as the band started
THE Star Spangled Banner" the audi
ence arose as one man in tribute to
their country, in tribute to their state
and the governor who had honored
them with his presence
AS further climax the officers of
the ammunition train gave a BANQUET
in honor of the visiting guests in the
mess hall of Company F that even
ing. The hall was attractively deco
rated with Nebraska and ST. Louis
pennants, flags and bunting under the
supervision of Corp. J. G. Gum. A
most appetizing spread was set before
the banqueters. Chef First Sergeant
with the assistance of the bows of
various companies of the train. who
acted as walters Menu cards ~
cream color and scarlet letters were
provided, the U. of N colors. The
menu:
Celery. Sailed Almonds Olives
Oyster Cocktail
Breast or Chicken. Candied Sweet Potatoes
Hearts OF Lettuce French Dressing.
ice Cream Cake.