Connecticut western news., 1919-10-30
MASS MEETING TN
 HONOR OF ROOSEVELT
Hon. w. A. Prendergast
 Makes Stirring Y Address

A very successful mass meeting in honor of the memory of Col. l Roosevelt was held at the town hall on Sunday evening. The meeting was held under the auspices of the North Canaan Roosevelt Memorial Association and A. W. Herbst, local chairman presided.
 A very attractive program of hymns, solos and speeches was given after the invocation by Rev. F. H. Neal. Rev. A. Karl Skinner who was unable to be present sent let ter of regret which endorsed the purposes of the meeting.
 The first speaker of the evening was J. Henry Roraback, district chairman of the Roosevelt Memorial Association. MT. Roraback paid a glowing tribute to Col. Roosevelt in few brief words, praising him for his direct and square dealing with all. MT. Roraback's subject: "Roose- welt as Man" was strictly adhered to and he stated that any man or men who quit public office at this time and those who demanded ex- horbitant prices for their goods did 1-not show the spirit of Americanism Mas exemplifed by Theodore Roose- welt He concluded his address by urging everyone to do/ little more for public service and little more for public good, then we would have better Americans.
 Col. Roosevelt's iavorite hymn Hot. %ha,, sung by the audience after which re- marks were made by Rev. A. N. Griffin. MT. Griffin spoke of the Col. Roosevelt's ability as a statesman, a scholar and a man who ever loved the truth. He was ever ready to speak, act and fight for the right, ever watchful of the welfare of his fellowmen. @saa
 Miss Theodore Scott sang most beautifully "I can not always trace the way", after which the pledge of allegiance to the flag was given by the audience. Onward Christian Soldiers" was then sung by the audi ence. This was another of Roose- velt's favorites.
 2, The principal speaker of the even ing, the Hon. w. A. Prendergast, former comptroller of the city of New York and an intimate friend of Col. Roosevelt's, then delivered his address. It was perhaps one of the most stirring speeches ever made in this town and gave one an entirely new view of many acts of Col. Roose- welt. MT. Prendergast's address in full is printed herewith.
 The last number on the program was a solo "Ave Marie' by Miss Gertrude Higgins which was we'll ren- dered as the applause attested. Chairman Herbst then announced that every child in the local school had contributed something to the fund. He also said that 512 people had pledged a contribution which made slightly more than the quota allotted.
 The Committee urges every red blooded 100 per cent American to become life member of the Associa- tion The campaign will be held open for new members for one week. The News will publish complete list of members next week. Applications can be secured from any member of the committee. The amount of your subscription is whatever you feel you can afford.
 The committee particularly wish to thank the following ladies for their efforts in helping to make this campaign success: Mary Collins, Mabel Quinn, Katherine Finnegan, May Kegler, Marion Higgins, Fanny Jackson, Louise Beaujon, Naomi Carter, Elizabeth Lee, Mrs. Lathrop, Mary Sweeney, Mrs. A. w. Herbst.
 Following is the address as de- livered by MT. Prendergast:
 It would be fruitless to even at tempt a comprehensive survey of the life of Theodore Roosevelt within the reasonable confines of single address. His personality and work were so forcefully reflected in every great political, economic and social movement of the times, that to ade- quately portray his labors and achievements, would constitute a critical historical review of the two most eventful decades in the annals of the United States of America. No matter how generally or specifically we search the chronicles of our na- tional life from 1898 to 1919 we find that every great question that has arisen has felt the throb of his vigorous thought and wondrous in dividuality.
 We are contemplating the most diverse character in the national Pantheon Most of those who rise to the highest estate in the service of government are renowned for their abilities in statesmanship, or their eminence in the law. In no such limits were circumscribed the attri- butes and qualifications of Roosevelt. Statesman, publicist, man of letters, politician, naturalist, explorer, sportsman; attaining distinction in