Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1918-05-29
In DEFENSE OF HUMANITY
VERNON'S GREATEST COMPANY
OF SOLDIERS GO
This Draft win be Cashed in Berlin, =
Was the Slogan of I04 Husky
Young Fellows

One hundred and four strong, Yer
non county's last response to our gov
ernment's war call, found the men en-
trained in two passenger coaches al
the Milwaukee station, Tuesday morn
ing, buoyant and cheerful, notwith-
sCanding the threatening and dark
weather conditions. 1t was fine
company Of young men representing
the banker, the editor, the official, the
book keeper, the salesman. the me-
chanic, the farmer-a cosmopolitan
gatherings that's the makeup of
our American troops today.
Each contingent of conscripted men
sent out draws enlarged crowds to bid
them respectful farewell. The court
house was crowded to suffocation and
the gathering at the station was a
perfect jam of humanity. 1t was pro-
posed to have the exercises in the
court house park, but rain prevented
Calling of the roll found every man
present-just little remarkable con-
sidering the unfavorable conditions
Vernon county has no Stacker list like
some other places.
The speaking was by Senator ].
Henry Bennett, who made a spirited
patriotic talk and entered somewhat
into the cause of the war and the part
that the United States was in duty
bound to pursue to maintain her proud
record as nation of God-fearing peo-
pie, with tender heart for world hui
manly and Christian civilization. At
torney ]. A. Moen spoke briefly as
did Sergeant Oscar o. Grimsby, a sol
der who served on the Mexican bor-
der. He assured the departing young
patriots that he expected to meet
them in the service in the course of a
few weeks, his intention being to en-
list Rev. j. Harry Bullock, in fer
vent prayer invoked Divine blessing
for the parents of and the soldiers
who were leaving US. AS usual, the
band rendered appropriate selections
The procession covered two city
blocks, Sergeant Grimsby with the
colors, leading, followed by the band
the departing soldiers, exemption
board and speakers, Boy Scouts and
Camp Fire Girls and citizens.
At the morning exercises each sol
der boy who had not already received
one from his home Red Cross branch
was presented with a complete kit
These were made by the Committee
on Knitting and comforts for the sol
diers. The contents included a sew
ing outfit with khaki and white thread
yarn, khaki and white buttons, need
les, safety pins of different sizes
blanket pins, and other articles. There
were also toilet articles, soap, tooth
brush, dental cream, camphor ice,
comb, pencil and drinking cup.
There are reported to have beer
ten married men in this soldier con.
signment.
All the boys were entertained al
private homes in the city during theiI
stay. The cornet band arranged fol
their comfort and citizens are TO bt
commended for the hospitality ex,
tended. Monday evening they at
tended the picture snow III d body BY
private invitation.
Amund Olson was chosen captain
of the army of 104, with squad assist.
ants as follows: Harry w. Nelson
Ira B. fainter, James A. Wall, Sci
mer Larson, Oluf o. kjome, William
F. Liska, Clarence Webster, DAME
H. Beffa, Otis Williams. Clyde Cox
Perley L. Saubert.
There was general regret among
the boys acquainted with him that
George H. D. Bekkedal of Westby was
physically unable to accompany the
delegation. He is reported to be il
extreme delicate health and critica
operation may be necessary.