The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1918-06-19

terhoon in the Opera House for the
purpose of inaugurating the War Saw
lngs Stamp campaign in Sumter coun-
ty to secure pledges for a total of
SS5O,OOO-the amount assigned this
county as its quOta-was not as well
attended as expected by the commit
tee to which has been assigned the
arduous duty of putting Sumter coun-
ty over the top in the biggest and
most important task that has thus far
been put up to the people of Sumter
as their duty in helping to win the
war. The audience did not fill the
auditorium and the empty seats made
all who were present feel that some
thng essential was lacking-not only
the bodily presence of those who re-
NAMED away, but the spirit that
makes great undertakings possible.
II Sumter is to put the. War Savings
stamps campaign on the list of big
things successfully achieved all o,r
people must get together ana pull to-
gether with enthusiasm and determi-
nation. The war insofar as America. is
concerned has not started yet and the
people of America have not begun to
feel the stress and sacrifice that they
must feel and make if they do their
tull duty as citizens. When a meet
lng' such as was held Sunday after
noon, is in progress joy rides and af-
ternoon maps are not in order. If the
iermans were marching on Sumter
| and If the roar Of their guns were
heard in the distance, the only things
standing between this community and
heir atrocities, there would be quite
different attitude on the part Of the
JOY riders and the afternoon sleepers,
as we'll as those who have concien-
ious objections to holding such meet
ngs on Sunday. There are nearly q
million of American men who Sunday
Sumter and the Huns just as surely
md truly as if they were at Charleston
Or Dingles Mill. These men are fight
ing our battle and their bodies are
our shields and our salvation. If
hey were not in France and if we do
lot send more millions just like them,
f those of us who do not or cannot
itand shoulder to shoulder with them
IN the battle front, fail to do our full
luty in furnishing the support they
| need in money, then their sacrifice
will be in vain, they will be over
brown and trampled down by the
,nemy and after that our time Of real
suffering will be upon us. If all
he people could feel the realities OF
he situation there would be no empty
seats at any meeting called for q pa
triotlc purpose, and no urging woulC
oe needed to persuade or induce every
nan, woman and child to do to the
utmost the duty that rests upon those
who stay at home. There is no use
n singing about keeping the home
Tres burning, if we do not have the
spirit that inspires us to toll, sacrifice
md the full performance Of duty. The
luty of the present hour is to make
he War Savings Stamps campaign a
success, and it cannot be made
uccess unless the people get togeth-
er and put all their energy and en-
,husasm behind the movement
Apart from the empty seats, the
meeting was a great success, those
who were present were interested and
enthusiastic, and the addresses were
among the most eloquent and inspir-
ng that have been delivered at any Of
he patriotic meetings held in Sumter.
The meeting was called to order by
Mr.. H. A. Moses. War Savings Stamps
chairman for Sumter county shortly
lfter o'clock and the exercises were
opened with prayer by Rev. ID. NJ. Nc
Leod. After song by Mr.. Daughtry
Lieut.. james Blanding Dick was intro
luced. Lieut. Dick, who is a son OF
Mr.. l.. w. Dick and a grandson of the
tae Col. j. ID. Blanding, has just re-
turned from France after six months
service in the trenches and is at pres
mt stationed at Camp Jackson as an
| instructor. He told Of the spirit that
inmates the French people from
oldest to the Youngest, of their cheer
| full sacrifice and the inhexible de-
termination to fight on until victory
| is won and their country is once more
safe. He said that only the very old
mon. the very young boys and the wo-
men are at home and they are doing