Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1919-12-28

that instead of coming to you wltf
 an address, or even a small speech l ought to have come to you wltt
 doughnuts Daughter and applause) and that beverage which is SC closely associated with the Salva- tion army, and which-now that you are rejoicing over prohibition will be more than ever appreci-
 ated-commee. (Applause). Good
 strong coffee.
 I don't want to ask your in- dulgence for very long, so l will speak, if you will allow me, terse- ly, briefly, and to the point. l realize that a great and eXcep- tional honor is given to me this morning in the opportunity to talk to such a large audience of in- fluential American citizens in this beautiful city of blue skies and sunshine. The honor is empha- sized, and very greatly emphasiz- in that it affords me the privilege of addressing so many distinguish ed members of your world-famed, and world-renowned, splendid or der, the Benevolent and Protec- tive Order of Elks of the United States of America. Loud ap- plause).
 Perhaps you cannot understand how happy I am in this privilege conferred on me, because you can not all realize how fully the Sal vation army recognizes and ap- preciates the efforts of that high minded, noble band of men whose influence has always been in be- half of those agencies which have had for their object the benefit and uplift of their fellowmen. This is how it came that in the early days of the Salvation army, when our friends in this country were very few, and our opponents were many and strong, the Order of Elks were among the first to per ceive the sincerely and the worthi- ness of our then little-known or ganization. They were among the first to recognize the purity and earnestness of our spirit, the greatness of our object, and to be- come convinced that the only and all-absorbing purpose of the Sal vation arny-so small and insig- nificant in those days-was to carry hope. help and happiness to those who were in the great need; light and cheer to those who sat in places of darkness and de- spair. It was this Order of Elks, that in the most practical form, and by the most practical mea- sures, emphasized and made clear ly known, to us and to others, their confidence in our organiza- tion, and to their desire to help us by befriending us at a time when we were receiving but opposition from many who should have been the first to give aid. In those early years the Order of Elks championed our cause, voiced our claims, and were not only them selves our friends, but made for us friends even outside their own Order; and the Salvation army can never forget, or get away from a deep sense of indebtedness and gratitude to the grand body of men that is before me here this morning. (Great applause).
 When the war came, some of those who knew us we'll, knew our teachings and the nature of our activities, even said, "you are not wanted in the war; there is nc place for you on the battlefield stay at home and go on with youl street preaching" But again at this crucial hour, when we were in dire want of money and friends all over this country, from sea to sea, the Order of Elks rushed tC our aid. They very largely fur nished the funds; they pleaded oul cause; they saw to it that we had the opportunity, proving not only the strength and loyalty of the friendship of their Order, but its confidence in the Salvation army to meet a great and deep need up on the battlefields of France.
 I, therefore, deeply appreciate the opportunity that is given me here this morning to attempt to express our lasting gratitude to this Order, and 1 say without hesi- tancy that our organization could not have achieved it's exceptional success in the war, but for the splendid, practical, tangible aid that was rendered to us by the Elks. Prolonged Applause).
 I am here on behalf of the Sal vation army from coast to coast of this great country, to express to you, to the very best of my ability ,our great thankfulness You have drawn our hearts very near to your hearts. In the high principles for which you stand, the good purpose which is ever in your minds and in your hearts to make the world some better, men some nobler, some stronger for the right, we are with you. Because these same principles are ours, we know that we have friend in you, and I want every member of this grand lodge to feel perfectly confident that because these same principles are yours, that every man under our good, old blood and-fire flag is friend to your order, and a friend to you person ally. (Applause).
 congratulate you on your va liant spirit of hlep and cheer. l congratulate you on the multifari- ni1s effnrts sacrifices and tolls