Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-04-20
REVIEWS IRONESS Oh,
HANOVER SOLDIERS


Tho program opened with prayer by
rishop ~. j. o'Conner of Richmond.
1T II O'clock the Spcal,ing began.
Mayor Andrew ELLIS introduced Former
senator Horny 7. Wickham. OF HEX
DRY lin, Hanover County, %ho pre-
sided over the meeting. In his address
Mr.. Wickham referred 10 the first oc-
casion for tho assembling OF troops i'm
the county. which. he said, was dur
ing the French and Indian war, and
showed what deeds of valor had been
done in this war by Hanover soliiers.
and in the Revolutionary War that
soon followed. lie spoke of the splri,
OF ratrici; Henry and Henry Clay, WHO
were both born and reared in the
county, and whose immortal deeds VIII
never he FORGOTTEN. In conclusion he
expressed his thanks 10 tho commit
tees and others who had made poss Bile
the greatest popular demonstration in
the history OF the county.
Senator Swanson was introduced by
the chairman. Il am glad to be in
,roduced by a man who has given two
sons to the wGr," was his opening re-
mark. bringing thUnderous applause
from the great mass OF people. 'NeNt
To my native county there is none
dcarer TO my heart than Hanover. !
was educated at your college. and
these historic surroundings have mad.
everlasting Impressions on mo. Then.
too, there arc other reasons why love
this county. When the American coll
onios resolved to break the bonds from
the mother country a citizen from Ham
over arose and said. I am no; a N.r-
sinian. but an American"
PRESERVED NEUTRALITY
As Long AS POSSIBLE
That America remained ont OF war
as long - she could and still preserve
her standing with nations was cm-
phatically stated. He spoke Of tho
patience which President Wilson had
exercised in dealing with Germany and
Of the violated promises Of the i'm
Ncrial government 10 respect our ncu-
trality. In 1919 hc said the German
government had the same rights in this
country as Great britain, and protests
from Grea; Britain over Gcrmany's
securing products from this country
We're OF little avail. and We still con-
,inucd 10 preserve our neutrality until
the propaganda of the German govern
mcu; to incite Mexico ana Japan
against us and divide our land. as re-
vcalcd by the Zmmermann .ct;er.
when the President could see no course
10 follow but war. He, therefore,
called Congress into extraordinary
session and issued u proclamation Of
war
After telling Of the message Of Cen
"ral Joffrc on tho eve OF the battle Of
the Marine that was sent TO his troops,
and which electrified them in ordering
every regiment to advance and every
man in the regiments that couldn't 10
stand his ground, he stirred the great
mass Of people ny Il strong appeal in
behalf OF the Liberty loan. Almost i'm
modiatc!y the service flag was un.
furlcd, ana america" was played BY
the band while cheers rent the air.
Tho unfurling was done by little Re-
hecca Hatcher, daughter Of Rev : G.
Hatcher -. D. vice president OF Ran
dolph Macon College
y cheer for senator Swanson was eff
fective!y given by the Randolph Macon
cadets. What DO the Privatcs Do?"
was rcc!tcd by Mrs. Walter Sydnor Jr.,
Of Ashland.
Senator Swanson left this afternoon
for Richmond. and vii! go TO Black
stone tomorrow. where he has been
extended an Invitation to speak. lie
VIII then return to Washington