Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-06-26
AT AUGUSTA

Some Jooo people gathered at the
Maine Central station Tuesday morn
ing to bid an enthusiastic farewell to
the contingent of 113 men that left
the city for Camp Devcns by a special
train at 9.l0 o'clock. 1t was By far tha
biggest quota that Division l has thus
far been called upon to furnish and
the demonstration given the depart
ing boys greatly outdid any previous
far. wells.
Promptly at 8 O'Clock the boys as
scmuled at the federal building Whel {
they received final instructions from
Chairman Plaisted and were given
rcd ribbon badges on which were
Printed the State seal and the name
and number of the division. They werl
then divided into two companies.
Lawrence Emerson of HalloWell was
put i'll charge of Co. A. with Adeldt q
Poulin Of Winslow and Paul Thomt
of this city as his lieutenants. lori-
man Hathaway Of Hallowell vas Is
signed the leadership of Co. +, and h 5
lieutenantS were Dan Denney of Wa
teryille and Norman II. Brown OF
Clinton The men formed in marching
order on Water street. At the head u
the parade was a squad of ponce lie
By City Marshal Tyler. Next i'll ilne
was band composed of score ~
members Of the Augusta MUSICIAN"
Union under the leadership OF FRANK
A, Dennis, and several members Ct
the National Home Band. All had
generously and periodically given
their services without remunera
ton. Directly ahead of the Sc
lective service contingent "ef.
Mayor Swift and the members 81
the city government. Chairman
P]aisted and Lieut.. Raymond r
Swift led the two companies OF seiec
tive service men. Each man carrie"
an American flag presented by 'ne
Red Cross chapter, The line OF mafcA
led up Water street TO Brldse Stree'
and back along the Same thorough
fare to the Maine Central station.
Marching in column of tours with a.
most the precision of veterans inc
bows received one continuous oFa''o''
from the thousands Of citizens "hJ
lined Water street OF looked on from
vantage points in store and Office WIZ
dows.
Making their way through dense
" nassed throng at the stalioh thc
men gathered on the platform ''r'
listened to speeches by Mayor S"'t,'
chairman Plaisted and Hon. l.. H.
Newbert.
"Nen Of Kennebec; soldiers of the
Irpion-You are now entering u
great national army which is |" o.
the determining factor III the VIZ
said Mayor Swift at will detefn!n :
inc whether we shall live III peace d1''
freedom under the Golden Ru'G on
whether we shall be dominated -
German autoc!acy. The soldier Is tf'e
hero Of the hour and after the WI
will hold first place in the near - Oh
tho ncople." while at first many ~
ro-ded the draft with fear. saiu IN
nayor. the benefits seen TO resu'.
from army life, and the evidence 'h't'
I-ncle sam IS good boss TO "o'
for. have changed the atti'ui9'
with .he result that many VINO at mrs
were rejected on phySlcai sfou"''
have been seeking TO make tfclh9ci
1T ror tho service. Mayor SWlt W.
tho boys that when they arrived
p,yers and saw tho thfonSs q
marching men they would set neN
cnthusiaam for the army life "" he'l
YOU arc away don't be unm'ndfui ol
a lE ne SLY l.
"N-riIe often 10 parfltta, lro!her, SIS
ter and sweetheart. You VIII be ti'c
center of their thoughts. Keep 5oui
Nelf clean You have learned 'nal d
strong pndy Is an essential equIpmt't
in civil life and it is equally 50 IN me
army. Remember that Augusta so"i
home town, the county OF kchllepcN'
and the good old State OF Maine az
with YOU and Will rejoice III the suc-
ccs., that you Will win.
Addressing the friends Of the men
about to leave, Chairman Plaisted
told them that there was something
that they could do besides applau l.
you can give Them something TO ca
w away with thcm-you can give
them a smile and not tear. Don
have any weeps-not for FIVE minuteS
anyway. That's Your part and I ;
asking mighty little of you Chant
man Plaisted then introduced hon.
z. T.. NeWbert as an eN-mayor OF tlie
city, who has a son in the service.
II have no sob stuff in my soul TINS
morning" said Mt. Newbert IT IS
time for confidence and good cheer
You boys have gone over the top. -
men ever went forth on so holy Il
mission. Remember the great wealth.
OF the nation is behind you and the
great resources of the world are
pledged to the winning Of the war
and we are going to win it. austria IS
on the run and the Germans are pc
ing driven back. You boys strong anu
athletic, are the hope of the worio.
God bless you all and the best 81
luck"
AS the boys boarded the train they
were handed gifts of confectionery
and cigarettes by the ladies OF the
If fhe Red cross.