The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1918-02-14
President Willard Of the r. q o
Speaks in Keyser, w. Va.
To the Editor of The Republican:


Saturday evening, February End, 1918,
was made notable in Keyser, W. Va,
By an address in Music Hall on patriotic
questions now stirring the country, from
President Daniel Willard, the eminent
head of the Baltimore and Ohio Rail-
road Company. The anxious state of
the national mind and the high rep
utation of one so qualified in business
and public affairs, justified so extra
ordinary an attendance. Railroad en-
ployes, men and women, with many
public spirited citizens, filed the ample
hall from the foot lights to the doors
Upon notice of only few hours rail
way people of every grade and class,
augmented by men from nearby indus
tries. were there to hear a practically
! seasoned address by great chief of
| great system. 1t was strictly railroad
assemblage and occasion, to which
others were admitted as guests to such
vacant seats as might be found. And
! it was an imposing gathering of strong
men there listening with rapt and re-
spectful attention to a man who speaks
| but to instruct. The broad stage was
cleared of every appearance of display
or pomp. One man was there for a
| high purpose and many most advanced
in business thought and trade had come
to hear him, the chief of a powerful
corporation, chosen advisor of the
President of the United States in a
solution of problems momentous in the
world.
A workman from railroad ranks was
assigned to the stage to introduce Pres
ident Willard to the concourse of hear
ers packed before him. At the end of
few words of introduction, the dis
/ tinguished visitor evidently believed his
time was at hand to speak, stepped
lightly to the front of the stage but,
seeing the band rising for the National
Anthem, instantly stood in an easy
polse, motionless as a statue, while all
eyes were focused upon him. Under
the beat Of the light in this caught up
/ attitude, we looked Tor the first time
/ upon this man whose fame is already
/ fixed in American history. To US ne
appeared slender, of a well knit frame,
a Clearly shaver forid face and athletic
went helpfully with the utterance and
were confined to motions Of the hands
under quiet control. His voice is rot
resonant nor deep, but clear and car
ried without strain to every part of tae
/ hail, and is unusual in such eayeness as
makes each word IN the sentence SINH
lar in distinctness. He spoke as one
accustomed to a use of phrases freight
ed with important meaning. The i'd
/ dress Of forty minutes came as from
I the running machinery Of construct
i've mind serving its functions in the
hes, products to the understanding of
| otoers
The foremost idea with which he
dealt was harmony in sentiment and
union in effort to win the war by quick
/ and concentrated service from every
view point possible; to increase the
armies and supply the needs for vic
| torious ending, and to that object moth
ing was so desirable as thoroughness n
every department contributing in any
way to our success in the conflict. A
neglectful piece of work in the repair
/ shop may result in breakdown, block
the road, delay essentials and loose a
kingdom. Keep every artery open con-
veying either comforts or necessities to
the troops at the front. Most convinc-
ingly did he point out what the rail-
roads are accomplishing through the
energy and deyotian of loyal and eff
/ ficient men. In crisp direct language
MIR. Willard pictured the inestimable
service being so well done by ladies' in
every quarter of the union in work and
donations running into millions of value
for the cause; and spoke of what a
! noted Englishman of the British armies
I ildu lUlG utIii VI HOW Tue LTOODS Qdt
been comforted and the armies strength
ened by tide of contributions daily
from American ladies. The speech
was strong. instructive and inspiring
and left an enduring impression.
CHANGING over the faces of so many
robust men. some of them in their oil
stained clothing as just from the shop
or the engine, illuminated by patriotic
language from an authority none could
question. and knowing that from such
stock sprang many of the heroic youth
today in the camp and in the trenches,
we felt safe in the belief that, when in
the hour of battle, illustrious chiefs
look upon sons of such sires, they will
behold veterans as fearless and devoted
as ever answered a country's call or
marched in the wake of a nations
banner.
RELLIM.
Keyser, W. Va, Feb. 4, 1918.
Married.