The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-05-30
SEND-OFF
 GIVEN SELECTMEN
 LEAVING FOR CAMP
Mrs. D. A. Echols Makes In- spring Address-John- ston Tells of Oppor-
 tunity for Service

A rousing send-off was given the select men from Jefferson county, about 400 in number, who left Birmingham yesterday afternoon for Camp Sevier. Greenville, s. C.. when a patriotic programme was rendered at Capitol park under the au- spices Of the Jefferson county council ot defense.
 Mrs. H. E. Pearce, chairman of the farewell committee of the council of de- fense, presided and the invocation was pronounced by Dr. Frank Willis Bar the Music Study club sang, Onward Christian Soldiers. Keep the Home Fires Barning," There's a Long, Long Trail" and "Over There" the drafted men joining in the chorus of "ovei There.
 W. D. Nesbitt made most interesting talk in which nc assured the boys that the people at home would stand back oi them and were working from morning to night for the American boys fighting for freedom.
 Mrs, D. A. Echols, chairman of the committee of home and foreign relief oi the council of defense made a most in spring tour-minute talk. T am thank ful that 1 am an American woman" said Mrs Ecnols, for as long as there is an American man left know the women won't have to shoulder guns" The boys responded most enthusiastically to this statement. Mrs. Echols spoke of the wonderful opportunity of these men tc serve their country and fight to make this world place for their mothers, wives, sisters and sweethearts to live in and she knew every one would do hls best m this great struggle.
 This committee presented each of the men leaving a comfort kit. and in speak ing of them. Mrs. Echols stated that it was pleasure for the army of women at home to make these kits and sewed in the kits is the love and affections of the women at home.
 Forney Johnston made a stirring talk. in which he told these boys of the splen- did opportunities awaiting them, and re- lated story of seeing Homer Whited, the Jefferson county boy who was pre- sented with war cross by the French government for valiant service in France, in Washington several days ago and of hearing him tell the story of the cap ture of two Germans. MT. Johnston im- pressed on the boys the importance of the service they were doing for their country and their loved ones, whose thought would be with them no matter how far they. were away.
 H. U. Sims then explained to the boys about taking out insurance and of mak- ing allotments for dependents of the men entering the service. He assured them that all lawyers in Jefferson county would gladly assist soldiers and their families in securing this allotment with ou compensation.
 The drafted men reported at the Civic association rooms yesterday morning at 10 Q clock and were presented with iden- tification badges by Mrs. H. l.. Pearce and a committee composed of Miss Marion Walker Miss Jennie May Rosser, Mrs Cora E. Chisholm, Mrs. C. H. Ohme and Mrs J. B. Reid.
 The parade to the Terminal station was led by the band of the Boys Industrial school followed by number of Red Cross workers, members of the council of defense. the drafted men and their relatives and friends
 Lieut. H. H. Crawford and Lieut.. c. Fl. .Cagle of the 123d infantry at Camp Sevier had charge of the men.
 There were 140 men from Bessemer and Roy Ling had charge Of that division.