davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1918-05-15
e. = y. GAVE FINE
PATH0TIC PROGRAM

At the meeting of the Equitable
Fraternal Union held recently for the
purpose of raising funds for the Red
Cross there were about 100 members
and guests present to enjoy the oc-
casion and listen to the patriotic pro-
gram.
State manager of the order, J. III.
Ellis, was present and gave fine ad-
dress on fraternal societies with es-
pecial emphasis in the interests of the
f. f. u.
Judge Haight of Lansing gave a
talk along war lines and w. F. Brick
er urged the purchasing of Thrift
Stamps as being one of the ways in
which every one could help and "do
their bit" in winning the war. The
program was interspersed with music
and song. Refreshments were served
and a general good time indulged in.
Edward Belding was the lucky
guest to whom the five dollar Thrift
Stamp was awarded.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1918-05-15
SANDELl'S BANK HAS
STARTED POULTRY CLUB

A backyard poultry contest has
been started by Sandell's Bank. 1t is
open to school children, the general
public and the farmer. They are
divided into classes competing for diff
ferent prizes. The contest is now
open and will not close until October
L. next year.
Employees of the bank will be glad
to explain the contest and give every
contestant complete, authoritative
booklet on the care of poultry. The
movement is started to aid the gov
and renumerative it is ultra patriotic
and should receive much favorable at
tention. Ask the bank for full ex-
planation.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1918-05-15

i'm an effort to gain vantage in the
world settlement. But the United
States and the Allies will be content
with nothing less than complete vic
tory for democracy. There is moth
ing greater than to die for ones
country. Such q death is not really
death. 1t is Patriotic Immortality.
Right here and now want to suggest
to the governing board of the library
that a record book be kept, started
now, in which the name, address and
branch of service of every boy going
out from lonia County is recorded.
Also get their pictures if possible and
collect all the flags under which these
boys march and fight
"Then, have another suggestion.
/ would urge young Mr.. Belding to
have produced, an oil painting, life
size, of his father. Have it framed
and hung in the new library which
honors his name. He can do it and
should do it. The son is young and
has opportunities and yet age, such
as the donors ripe years, is also OPP
portunity no less. 1t is only clothed
in different dress. / hope Mr.. Beld-
ing may be spared to come again and
again and to enjoy the fruits of his
worthy life"
A communication was read by
Chairman DR.. j. III. Armstrong from
Fred N. Belding in which he inclosed
a check for $1,000 to be used in pur-
chasing books for the edifice. Anoth-
er communication from Mrs. Florence
Belding Knuckols carried 500
check and an endowment for ten
years for a like amount for the same
purpose. President Geo. K. Wagner
of the library board accepted the do
nations and also told of the receipt
of the museum of the late C. M.
Slayton.
Near the close of the program a
mammoth bouquet of American
Beauty roses was presented to Mr..
Belding Erred N. as proxy from the
schools by Miss Mildred Shores.
Young Mr.. Belding was almost over
come by the presentation, but was
able to express thanks in no uncer-
tain terms. The roses were later
taken to the hotel and given to Mr..
Belding, who was deeply moved and
asked several times for the young
lady that he might personally thank
her in words to carry back to her as
sociates. Immediately after the close
VI Tile piOBIdH HnetJlIlS Ol The
members of the board of commerce
was called in the hotel where Presi-
dent r. H. Han presented Mr.. Beld-
ing with gold headed cane as an
additional mark Of appreciation.
Following the exercises of the day
the library was thrown open for in
spection and hundreds availed them
selves of the opportunity. An or
chestra furnished music throughout
the afternoon. and evening. 1t was
the unanimous sentiment of the Wis
itors that too much praise cannot be
given Frank p. Allen & Son, archi-
tects, for their beautiful designs in
the plan of the building and Charles
Hoertz & Son, builders, for the thor
ough manner in which the building
wa erected; and especially to Mr..
Belding for the magnificent building
that will stand as a monument to his
philanthropy and commendable char
acter.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1918-05-15
MAMMOTH WITNESSES PRESENTATION OF FINE NEW
EDIFICE TO CITY TUESDAY AFTERNOON
MR.. BELONG WAS UNABLE
TO ATTEND THE EXERCISES
For Few Minutes Greet Crowd Assembled His
Honor Senator wm lden Smi Was Speaker

Belongs citizenship, business
houses, factories and all lines of in
dustry stopped Tuesday afternoon to
do honor to Alvah N. Belding donor
of the new library etiifice, on the oc-
casion of its dedication and presenta-
ton to the city. A perfect day per-
mitted the fulfillment of every plan
ned detail, the only feature marring
its completeness being the slight ill
ness of Mr.. Belding. He was able,
however, to come to the large, COM
pletely packed chautauqua tent few
minutes and greet the mammoth au-
dience. In his absence his son, Fred
N. Belding, acted for his father.
The platform was profusely dec
Grated with potted and cut flowers
and flags of the United States and
her Allies. Seated upon it were the
speakers of the day, representatives
of the Belding Bros. & Co. interests
from all over the United States and
Canada. The program, as printed
last week, was carried out in its en-
tirety, except the presentation by Mr..
Belding, which was handled by his
son in a most creditable manner.
dent of Belding Bros. & Co., in his
address, ideals" reviewed the early
life of the donor and bis parents and
enlarged upon the noble worth of his
influence to this community. His
address was masterful and sincerely
received by everyone.
In presenting the keys to the
library for his father, Fred N. Beld-
ing was most sincere and emotional.
His act was especially touching as
symbolizing the inherent pride in the
city's welfare always displayed by his
father. In fact, he said he almost
wished that he was giving the library
himself. In addition to the keys and
deed to the property Mr.. Belding
gave the city a government bond of
$1,000 the interest from which is to
be used in the upkecp of the library
grounds.
Mayor f. f. Fales accepted the
gifts for the city in an efficient way
and expressed the sincere apprecia-
ton of every citizen. He then pre-
sented the donor, through the son,
with an engraved copy of the official
resolution of acceptance passed by
the common council at recent meet
ing.
H. J. Leonard, DR.. G. F. Smith and
Z. C.. Lloyd were other speakers of
the day, each bringing some message
to the people to make the day long
to be remembered. Rev. w. A. Bliss,
and Rev. p. Ray Norton also assist
ed in the service. The male quartette
from the Fountain Street Baptist
church, Grand Rapids, and the City
Band, delighted with several selec-
tions.
The principal address of the after
noon was given by Hon. VIM. Alden
Smith. He paid the highest tribute
to the thousands of boys in the Amer
lean armies today. After enlarging
upon the grave situation confronting
the world and upon the past activi-
ties of Mr.. Belding, Senator Smith
asserted that "there never was time
in the life of Mr.. Belding. now over
eighty, that is so vital to this country
and all its interests as now. Germany
will offer peace plan after peace plan
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1918-05-15
CALL FOR MORE
MEN NEXT WEEK

The next call for men will be during
the week commencing May 25. During
this period Ionia county will send 81
men either to Camp Custer or to Camp
Wheeler in Georgia, definite instruc-
tions on this point have not yet been
received. The list itself is not yet
completed, but the names of Forrest
Beemer, Homer G. +. Mcintosh, Err
nest Upper, Arthur N. Hansen, Geo.
III. Trimble, Geo. L. Everhart, and
VIM. Case of Belding, and Rudolph
Laux of Smyrna, are in the list.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1918-05-15

Old friends in this locality of Mrs.
Elma Lyon of Ashtabula, Ohio, have
received word Of the death of her hus-
band, Chester Otis Lyon, which oc-
Cured recently at his home in that
city. He was married to Elma c.
Keeler of 0akfield township, Kent
County, February Is, 1887.
Besides his wife he leaves five chill
dren, Lena M. Geary, Gertrude 4.
Steiner, Chester A., Harry T., and
Clarence o. Lyon
Mrs. Lyon owns the Gooding block
in this CITY and has been a resident
of Ohio for many years and up to a
few years ago was frequent visitor
here
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1918-05-15

The new AIvah N. Belding Library
will be open to the public beginning
this week Saturday, afternoon and
evening. The present library books
and magazines will be moved to the
new building and ready for use at that
time. Open hours will remain the
same: 800 to $50 and TOO to 900 p.
M, daily, except Sunday.
Mary Barnes, Librarian.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1918-05-15
CHARITY BALL
FOR THE HOSPITAL

The ladies interested in the city hos
pital have arranged to give charity
ball Wednesday evening, May 20 in
Crawford hall, the proceeds of which
are to be used in replenishing the
treasury of that worthy institution.
The music for the ball will be fine,
and the bill is only seventy-five cents.
The ladies are anticipating large at
tendance.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1918-05-15
FUNERAL SERVICES
FOR MRS. WILL WHITE

Funeral services over the remains
of Mrs. Will White were held in the
Church of Christ Friday afternoon,
Rev. II. S. Ellis, officiating.
The remains of Mrs. White were
brought here from Detroit for burial,
where she died Tuesday, May Z.
Mrs. White, whose maiden name
was Jennie L. Chapman, was thirty
two years, seven MONTHS, and seven
days old. She was born in England
and when her parents came to Ameri-
ca they went to Greenville to reside.
For the past year she has been in poor
health, being confined to her bed sew
eral weeks.
The family went to Detroit to re-
side about eight years ago and she
had very large circle of friends
there. She was a member Of the Py-
THAN Sisters and also affiliated in a
social way with the order of the East
ern Star. Many beautiful flowers
covered the casket from Detroit
friends and friends here.
Besides her husband, she leaves
three children, Gertrude, sixteen years
old, Walter, ten, and Ellen six.
Her parents, Mr.. and Mrs. George
Chapman and son, George, jr., and
Mrs. Nellie Timerson were here to
attend the funeral. A brother, Ser
geant Joseph Chapman, is on his way
to France. Much sympathy Is ex-
pressed for the family over her TAX
ing away at this time in life.
Ben White, father Of Will, has re-
turned to Detroit with the family and
will horoaffox unaLo bia hama fh<ra
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1918-05-15
1t was dedicated to their memory on May 15 1918
and presented to the City of Belding, Michigan.

and presented edto the City Of Bedng
ped within the lobby
Bedine
is
middle enables
beco
and
completely filling her head ticks large built
the
% with silk operating automatically To the
The furnishings
buildings
china Here too window seats provide secluded places for careful reading
juvenile inld
ppnala afford
the
north
If desired
upholstery to
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individuality
appreciation strongly him for his generosity.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1918-05-15

The annual election of the Board
of Commerce officers will be held in
the city hall auditorium May 21, 1918,
$50 d. m. Luncheon committee,
Earl Wilson, Secretary F. A. Puffer.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1918-05-15
What the Red Cross Does


~ YER and Red Cross solicitors campaign for
membership asked the question: What does
- the Red Cross do?"
the making of socks
surgical bandge the providing of physicians
supplies medical those
million quantities by
soldiers sailors beyond that
the Red looking after families
who need help The quiet work the benefit
publicity Such help important financial aid which
shown the of What Has Been Done With the First War
Fund"
Foreign Relief:
neneI IN belgium
49,.
Relief in Italy 3,666, ,6z6 w
875,18076
Relief in Other Foreign Countries 357630000
Equipment and expenses Europe i1ssoOO0
Relief. 1926 60938
Relief
II. Hospitals 100000
II. Hospitals. 100000
u. Hospital Work 531000O0
u.
u. s. Camp Service SABLE 5OS6
u D. Miscellaneous l,llS,1464l
u. Relief S58989927
Working purchase of supplies for resale to
working cash
Fund Appropriations. 1892
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1918-05-15

F.. & A. M. communication
Lodge No. 355 F. & A. M. Thursday
evening, May 16 for work in the EA
degree. A. B. Foss, w. M.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1918-05-15

Roy A. Reynolds and his daughter,
Elizabeth, of Chicago, were the guests
of his mother, Mrs. J. Ward Wells, a
few days last week, returning home
Sunday evening. Mr.. Reynolds is still
with the Sears Roebuck & Company
and is holding down very respon-
sible position as general manager Of
the shoe business Of the company.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1918-05-15

tyand
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and
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1918-05-15

An IdssI nsxspasss and I passr
vita ideals. It's for an6 read by
New-York tribune., 1918-04-18
Roar of Cannon
On Northern Front
Makes Night Hideous
(By The Associated Press.D


WITH THE BRITISH ARMY IN
FRANCE, April II. I0:00 a. mo-
The desperate efforts by great forces
of the enemy yesterday afternoon and
last night to exploit his successes about
Bailleul and Wytschaete met with
costly failure.
The battle west of Bailleul has been
continuous and sanguinary. Time at
ter time the enemy forces flung them
selves against the defenders in intense
assaults, but on each occasion the
British troops held their own and
threw the onrushing Germans back
with huge losses.
A tremendous artillery duel is rag
ing alone the Northern front. Through
out the night thousands of guns of all
calibres made the war zone hideous
with their mighty detonations. There
was no cessation of this protracted
fencing between the heavy batteries,
and this morning the contest was still
continuing, the vibration shaking win
dows forty and fifty miles away.
In the extreme north numerous
enemy attacks during the afternoon
and evening followed the capture by
the Germans of Wytschaete and Span
broekmolen. Later in the afternoon
the battle swung further northward
and the Germans attempted an advance
The attempt was q complete failure,
and great numbers of the attacking
infantry were shot down at short range
by machine gun and rifle fire.
The German centre in this assault
appeared to suffer heavily as the waves
came forward. and the f1anks, in at
tempting a withdrawal, came under a
grillino fire, which left the ground
strewn with dead and wounded.
Hail of Death Sweeps Foe,
About Wyschaete the grim struggle
continued, the British not only hold
ing their own but putting all their
power in an effort to push the enemy
back from the town, and last evening
the British reported entering the place.
Shortly after noon the Germans de-
livered an attack against the Damn
strasse line, between Hollebeke and
subsequent enemy concentration in this
region was dispersed by the artillery.
The continuous enemy attacks all
the afternoon southwest of Bailleul
were without exception repulsed with
heavy losses. The German artillery
filled the area west of the stricken
town with gas and high explosive shells
as an adjunct to the infantry attack.
At dusk the enemy drove forward again
and made a vicious thrust at the Brit
ish lines.
The advancing troops pushed through
the hail of death. but soon wavered and
finally broke. Their casualties were
cruel.
Further south the vicinity of Festu-
bert was shelled heavily by the enemy
and Givenchy and La Bassee were also
under fire.
On the larger battlefront of the
Somme the enemy artillery was more
active south Of the river. Villers-
Bretonneux and the area just to the
north were strongly bombarded.
New-York tribune., 1918-04-18

see her going sadly from room to room
OF the place which had been her home
since the day she was married. The
correspondent found her at one time
gazing at priceless piece of ancient
Oriental embroidery, which had been
lntricately framed and hung on the
wall.
"Have you a knife?" she asked sud
denly, as she reached up and removed
the treasure.
me knife was produced. She stood
the frame before the correspondent and
said: Cut it, please. 1 will not leave
this tn for the Boche." And so the silken
fabric was slashed from the frame. 1t
seemed like sacrifice or vandalism. but
there was no other way. This embroid-
cry and few more valuables were the
only things which could be removed
from this combined inn and residence
OF one of the most prominent families
in that part of the country AS the ma
tron passed into another room she
my home NV home!''
New-York tribune., 1918-04-18
Battle in Flanders
Ragged All Night With
Terrific Intensity

(This dispatch aras receiued yes.
terday forenoon. Apparently the bat
tie has decreased in Intensity aoith
readjustments of the British line.)
LONDON, April 1.-THE battle in
Flanders is raging to-day with in
credible intensity, telegraphs the COR
respondent of Reuters Limited at the
British Army Headquarters in France.
AS far as the latest reports enable
the correspondent to judge the battle
is going in favor of the British.
Notwithstanding the desperate at
tacks of the Germans, they have
gained no further ground since Tues
day morning and apparently they have
lost some.
During his three years experience
in the war zone, the spondent
says, he never has heard such terrific
and unintermittent gunfre as has gone
on since Tuesday afternoon and which
continued as he filed his dispatch this
morning.
The British at dusk on Tuesday
were advancing in the neighborhood
of Wytschaete, south OF Ypres, and
were reported again to be holding the
ground which they had lost there.
Among the numerous enemy attacks
Tuesday afternoon and evening on the
northern front in Flanders one in
great force in the Zillebeke sector
was disastrous for the Germans, whose
massed waves were shot down at close
range. They apparently were ordered
to retire and then the British gunners
got on their sank, the correspondent
says, and the slaughter was appalling.
New-York tribune., 1918-04-18
Withdrawal or, Ypres
Front Disappointing
To English Public

LONDON, April 17.-Although the Of
fetal report from the battlefront this
morning does not record any further
German advance and has several en-
couraging features, the public here
learned with disappointment of the
withdrawal of the troops holding the
forward positions to the eastward of
Ypres.
The Ypres salient has long stood in
popular imagination as a monument to
British valor and dogged tenacity in
the face Of repeated and almost over
whelming onslaughts of the enemy
Nothing is known as to the extent of
the withdrawal in this region or the
position of the new line mentioned by
Field Marshal Hag.
Ypres Is Imperilled
There is no inclination here to mini
mize the possibility of evacuating
Ypres and Passchendaele
Under the heading "They Still Ad-
vance" "The Daily Mail" says that up
to this time in their advance the Ger
mans have been in marshy ground.
Yesterday they captured the first of
the important ridges by storminy
Wytschaete, being aided by the fall Of
ballleul, and thus 1.-THE security of the
Ypres salient, SO long the bulwark of
mortal memories to US. is imperjiled"
"The Daily Graphic" thinks it would
be wise TO withdraw the British troons
from Ypres and Passchendaele ito
avoid the risk of their being cut off and
compelled to surrender" 1t continues:
THAT the situation is made more
serious by the loss of Bailleul is oh
yious, and it would be dishonest to pre-
tend otherwise"
The paper adds, however, that as long
40 the Allied armies remain unbrokcn
Germany's purpose is not attained.
while she is exhaust'ng herself in try
ing to force a decision.
1876 Divisions Used
Correspondents on the front saw the
Germans have used up 1870 of their 200
divisions in the West and have been
able TO bring another two divisions
from Russia.
These unpleasant reverses must bs
faced steadily" says "The Times"
Their significance must neither be-
usipimized nor exaggerated. Far more
serious than the loss Of ground is the
revelation Of the growing weight Of the
German pressure.
1--WE hear far too much of the
enemy's Losses, mistakes, difficulties,
and Of their failure TO reach appointed
otjectiyes on particular days, and not
half enough about the serious fact that
they are still bringing fresh divisions
from Russia"
"The Times" says the enemy will con-
TIME drawing On their rcgery1s in
Kussja until "Aljied Statesmen stop
dreaming vain dreams about Russia and
DO something practical To- compel the
New-York tribune., 1918-04-18
Long-Range Gun Kills
II IN Paris Factory

PARIS, April 17.-Nine women and
two men among yesterdays casualties
due to the long-range bombardment of
Paris were killed by she'll falling in
a courtyard outside workshop. When
the shell exploded. a fragment passed
through glass wall between the court
and the shop where the women were
working The panic which cnsued was
quickly calmcd. The factory was
equipped with first aid appliances, and
within half an hour all the injured had
been taken to hospital
Work was resumed this morning at
the factory with all uninjured women
employees present. Another shell fell
in the middle of barge on the river,
cutting it in two. The crew dived
overheard and escaped unhurt.
New-York tribune., 1918-04-18

enemy to cease depicting the Russian
New-York tribune., 1918-04-18
Allied Armies Await
Arrival of Americans
For Counter Attacks
(By The Associated Press

WITH THE FRENCH ARMY IN
FRANCE, April 17.-While the cannon
continue to roar along the battle line
there has been virtual cessation Of
infantry combats for some days, espe-
cially on the French part of the front.
No one in the Allied camp, however,
regards the German push as being
terminated. 1t is believed that the
lull will prove temporary, and despite
their terrific losses and the exhaustion
of many of their divisions it is con-
sidered probable that the German staff
is merely pausing to gather forces for
another effort in the hope Of eventual
ly breaking through.
Any such effort is awaited confidently
by the Allies, whose commanders feel
certain that it will meet a similar lack
of success.
The correspondent has been able to
CLEAN the prevalent views of the Allied
side az to the situation Almost with
out exception it is thought the present
battle will have decisive influence on
New-York tribune., 1918-04-18

tn result of the war, but it would he
an ,,1 error to regard it as the last battle,
There has been a campaign on tho
German side to proclaim that this i'm
mense effort would result in the Allies
demanding peace, but they had not
counted on the tenacity of either the
Allied armies or nations.
AS lar as it has gone. the German
offensive may be looked on as a failure
since none of it's objectives have been
attained and the Allied armies are still
intact, while the Germans now. owing
10 the dlminution of their forces
through casualties, are in an inferior
position, to that which they occupied
before the battle began
The only result they can show is the
Iecapture OF a large tract of country
they themselves devastated. where
they may be compelled to dig them
selves in. They are engaged in doing
TINS IN some parts Of their new front.
put under continual marrying by the
Allied cannon, which are most active
day and night
In consequence of the Germans fell
ing all the trees in the Somme sector
before they retreated last year the
French and British gunners have p
perfectly clear view Of working par
ties
Await American Forces
lowed to remain thcrc until all is in
favor of the Allies, who are awaiting.
constant increase Of their strength
through the arrival Of American con-
tingents.