Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1918-08-05

to everyone no matter what creed or
party the men In the service belong
to. Equally enthusiastic was the mans
ner In which the speaker described
Christian Association which was prais-
ed. especially for the broad-minded
way In which it had shouldered its
new responsibilities. 1.-THE Y. NJ. G.
A. has even taken up the business OF
supplying u soldiers with tobacco,
cigars and Observation-Disclosures 1t
knows what the men in the trenches
need. Some 'narrowminded and ex-
cessively pious minds object to this,
understand the necessity of meeting
the new demands Of an u%nusual era"
The American Red Cross, 1.-The
Greatest Mother on Earth" was
eulogized by Mr.. Bangs because 1t had
shown h European people that back
of the so-called typical American
braggadacio a warm and great heart
was beating. "Our Red Cross has
proven to the world hat we are a
nation of something else than brag-
ging and boasting-we can do things
and I am not saying too much when
I assert that without the Red Cross
it would be impossible for us to win
the war. The Red Cross is every
where. and it knows without being
specifically advised in advance. just
what are the requirements Of the
moment" J
Mr.. Bangs concluded his address
with an appeal to everybody to con-
tinue assisting financially and other
wise the Red Cross and the. other
home organizations engaged In light
ening the burdens of the soldiers in
camps and trenches.
Rismarck and william IT.
When the audience had sung the
hymn. Lord God Of Hosts. Whose
Mighty Hand, the principal speaker
o fthe day, ex-senator w. E. Purcell
of Wahpeton, vas introduced.
Mr.. Purcell who spoke somewhat
lengthily, discussed various phases of
the International facts which led up
to the outbreak of the European war,
as it was formerly called. He re-
peror William II assembled the throne,
he dispensed with services of the Iron
Chancellor. Prince Won Bismarck, be-
cause their ideas of Germany's for
eign policy did not coincide.
Bismarck" he said, had advised
the intensive upbuilding of a strong
Germany in Europe. but the young
emperor was not satisfied with that
he wanted world dominion, and so as
they could not agree. Bismarck's SER
vices were no longer required. He
pansion, it could be had within the
confines Of Europe. He had seer
what the young n strong empire
could do in the way of subjugating
weaker neighbors, like Denmark,
Austria and France. but the Kaiser
could not be satisfied with such
records" '
Government Forms Contrasted.
Mr.. Purcell outlined the principal
differences between a monarchical and
a democratic form of government,
showing that in the former the peo-
pie have practically nothing to say
regarding the form OF government
they like while in a, democratic COM
monwealth. the government was the
servant Of the people.
After discussing the German breach
of Belgian neutrality and denouncing
the German government in scathing
terms, MI. Purcell with eloquent re-
marks, dedicated the Grand Forks
county service flag.
The giant flag which had been sus-
pended between two tall trees, was
suddenly unfurled. and Mr.. Purcell
read the am of the twelve men rep
resented by the golden stars in the
red field Of the f1ag-men Of Grand
Forks county who had given up their
lives for the cause of humanity and
of the United States.
Tremendous and enthusiastic ap-
plause greeted the solemn unfurling
of the flag as 1t burst forth amidst
the green foliage Of the trees and the
wealth of golden sunshine.
I County Commissioner Thomas r.
Mooney, representing the county in
an official capacity, accepted the nag
and promised in behalf of the county
and its officials, that no treasure would
be better taken "a of than this
sacred token.
Rev. w. H. Elfring spoke the bene-
diction after which "My Country, IT'S
of Thee" was sung by the audience,
led by the Lilac Hedge singers and the
band.
Soon after people walked and drove
away from the park, having attended
what may be recorded as the mos
solemn ceremonies in the history of
the county.
The fact hat SO many thousands
had come from all parts of the coun-
ty, speaks volumes for the interest
which had been taken in the event;
but the fact that SO many remained
standing in the fierce sunshine of one
Of the hottest days of the summer. is
still ore eloquent and testifes worth
lily to the spontaneous sincerely with
which the people Of the county are
thinking of the war and the sacrifices
it exacts.