Evening star., 1918-01-22
CROWD TABERNACLE
::T0PLEDGE FEALN
5000 Navy Yard Employees
Tender Resolution to Presi-
dent and Country.
PRAISED BY Mr.. DANIELS

PRAISED BY Mr.. DANIELS
Tea1ty to the government in its tasl
of winning the war was pledged b.
5000 employees Of the Washington navy
yard at gigantic mass meeting in the
Billy Sunday tabernacle on the Unior
station plaza last night Praised BY
Secretary of the Navy Daniels as 'mer
in the front rank of the firing line
the employees received an unexpected
message from their chief. They had
come to praise and were lauded in re-
turn.
In behalf of the President. Secretary
Daniels accepted. with much feeling
the mammoth resolution, containing
approximately 5000 names OF navy
yard workers. which was presented by
Capt. A. L. willard, U. s. n. command
ant and superintendent of the yard
The resolution Of the workers express
ed unswerving faith in the government
and pledged all their resources in the
winning of the conflict.
President Wilson sent a message to
the employees, which was read by Sec
retary Daniels. 1t said:
my Dear Mr.. Secretary:
Win you not convey to the employees
of the Washington Navy Yard my
warm appreciation OF their fine spirit
as expressed in the resolutions which
I have Just had the pleasure of read
ing. Such action on their part is par
ticularly significant and stimulating
and typihes, I hope and believe, the at
tttude and conviction of every worker
who has really thought out the mo
worlds crisis"
Read by Capt. Willard.
Tho resolutions of the employees were
read by Capt. Willard, as follows:
ITO the President of the United
States and the Secretary of the Navy:
Whereas, 1t is our belief that our
country inevitably became involved in
the great world conflict; and
Whereas, this war was forced upon
their utter disregard of the honor of
our country, the safety of her citizens
and the rights Of humanity: and
whereas, an expression Of loyalty
by all citizens to the United States is
opportune; Therefore, be 1t
Resolved, That we. the employees of
the United States navy yard at Wash
fngton, do hereby pledge ourselves to
aid our country in every possible man
ner to bring this war to a speedy and
successful conclusion. so that the world
will be safe for democracy and the sea
safe for our ships.
Signed by 5000 employees"
onsGt,I Secretary Daniels, address was fire.
throng in the Tabernacle manifestins
Its delight when the Secretary referred
to the present efficiency of the Navy. He
characterized the employees Of the navy
yard as real patriots behind the guns
and called upon them to steel them
selves Tor whatever sacrifices are to be
made in defense of the national in
terests.
Tabernacle Is Filled.
Long before the Marine Band struck
mp the opening concert the Tabernacle
was filled. In addition to the yard en-
pioyes there were several thousand
women and other friends of the gov
ernment workers. Patriotic songs, in
eerspersed by the Marine Band. kept
the spirits OF the crowd running high
Banners and bunting were every
where in profusion. They were over the
speakers stand, the reserve boxes and
even foated over the heads of the
audience from the wooden rafters of the
building. At the front Of the platform
was a miniature submarine chaser
named Democracy" lighted and ready
to be showed of. Miss Mary Janet Earle.
daughter Of Rear Admiral Ralph Earle,
chief Of the navy bureau of ordnance
christened the miniature boat and it
glided of the platform amid a salvo
Of applause.
The meeting was opened with a
not in good trim. for the evangelist
spoke with difficulty at times. In his
characteristic way he asked for the
blessings of Providence on all officials
and employees of the government and
the fighting men of the allies.
Pausing for moment to give the
effort added effect, Billy said with
emphasis:
We've been in many fix ince 177e.
o Lord. but the old flag has never
yet trailed the ground. And. Lord.
we're going to win this fight ii it takes
everything we've got"
When Billy concluded, the Tabernacle
rocked with applause. He retired from
audience wanted him back. They kept
up such an inferno of applause that
the evangelist walked to the edge of
the platform and bowed his thanks.
Praised the Employees.
Capt. A. L. Willard. commandant of
praised the faithfulness Of his EN-.
ployes. They are doing vital part
in winning the war, he declared.
Miss Mabel Boardman briefly re-
viewed the work of the Red Cross at
home and abroad. She mentioned its
growth in membership and said the
organization should be represented in
every home in this country.
Labor's efforts to lend solid support to
the government were described by
Frank Morrison, secretary of the Amer
ican Federation Of Labor. He said Ia
Dor has responded to every demand OF
the government. and would continue to
do so. Chaplain J. B. Frazier made m
address on behalf of the COMMITTEES
which drew up the resolutions and
pledge of patriotism.
Interspersed with the addresses were
chorals by the yeowomen of the navy
yard who were on the platform in theiI
service uniforms.
Soldiers. with bayonets fixed. stood or
guard outside the Tabernacle. Mai
RAYMOND Pullman. superintendent OF
police. was on hand with fifty of his
selected men
Mrs. Newton D. Baker. wife of the
Secretary Of War. sang 'The Battle
HYMN OF the Republic" She was as.
sisted at the piano by Mrs. Brett Fol
an encore Mrs. Baker sang "Uncle
sam" This was SO vociferously re.
cetved that she was compelled to stor
between verses.
The resolutions with the signature,
OF the navy yard employees will be pre-.
eented formally to the President toda,