Perth Amboy evening news., 1919-05-01
THE BOYS

Perth Amboy has done remarkably well in its campaign for funds
for a suitable welcome for the boys returning from France. In the
midst of so many other demands the people have given freely, the
bulk of the amount being subscriptions of five dollars and under.
Special credit must be given the police for the excellent work they
have done in behalf of the fund. The ball which they gave melted a
considerable sun and added greatly to The total 1t was a service well
worth while and showed the true spirit of the city,
1t is always difficult to single out any one person or team Tor
special mention n a matter of this kind for all render excellent service
and although some may secure more money than others, all work
hard rs far as their own efforts are concerned and deserve equal
praise.
In addition to the police, however, there is one committee that
al prraninenty for the work accomplished it is the indus
trial committee headed by John F. RieIey. Mr.. Rielley took this chair
manship after several others had refused and in the face OF open state
ments by certain factory heads thar little could be expected OF them
In the way of contributions.
Mr.. Rieley, undaunted, went ahead and organized teams IN the
various industries and secured contributions from certain industries
themselves so that by the time all is collected by his committee he will
have raised over $4,000.
Perth Amboy now has a tidy sum for the reception of the boys
when they come home and the campaign is going to continue after the
Victory Loan is subscribed. There is nothing pnayune about Perth
Amboy when it comes to matters like this. We have no milionaires
that can be assembled around a table and, in a single evening, raise
ten or fifteen thousand dollars between ten or fifteen men to start a
campaign with. Every dollar that is subscribed in Perth Amboy, with
but few exceptions, comes from the pocket of what IS commonly known
as the laboring man. A great deal of such contributions mean real
sacrifice.
Well may we feel proud of our city for the record it has made dur
ing these strenuous times
And it is particularly satisfying to a great many people to know
that all the money thus raised is not to be spent on decoratons ~
music. We want to give the boys a royal welcome, it is true, but there
ones gratitude and showing appreciation for services rendered MUSIC
and bunting are all very fine, but there are times when a little hnan,
cal lift over the rough spots or until one gts starred 1s asaa Is mUss
welcome. The committee is wise IN deciding to hold enough money
in reserve to be used for the boys in a way that it is most needed.
On the day of celebration what could be more beautiful or appro-
pirate than that every house and building in the city display at least
one American flags 1t makes no difference how little the flag may be,
1t will show the spirit of the occasion With a flag on every. house,
what more could be asked in the way of deeoration2
A good work has been done for the welcoming of the boys and as
the time approaches there is no doubt that the celebration VIII be held
in the true Perth Amboy style and with the real patriotic spirit every
where manifested.