Putnam patriot., 1919-08-15

i that the post can do, and do more eff fectiyely than any other organization, goes without saying. One of the lines of activity suggested by MT. Merrill is that of naturalization. The members of the post can engage in a campaign to bring about more natur- alizations in Putnam, and can assist those desiring to take out their pa- pers.
 "Above all things" said Mir. Merrill, ''this post must be honest. It must be open to no influence, political or religious, for once these influences grip the organization it becomes rot ten and loses the place it now holds. We are all Americans, and should not be open to influences"
 Activity is an essential, Mir Merrill believes. "We must be active" he emphasized. "One thing we can do is to erect memorial, and this or ganization has the fullest right to do this. We should erect memorial to those who will never come back from France It should be beautiful there are too many hideous memori- als erected. The committee in charge of such memorial should be careful ly chosen, and should consist of men who know beauty when they see it"
 Mir Merrill suggested that Putnam had no large park, and no more fitting memorial could be found than park. Many places, he said, are erecting fountains, or flag poles with orna- mented bases.
 But best of all," he concluded, would be memorial building, such as the library that has been mention ed in the press. What ever memorial Putnam erects should have three things. It should have beauty, it should have durability, and it should have utility
 Loud applause was given MT. Mer- Till at the conclusion of his talk, and it was evident that his suggestions were carefully considered in the minds of those who heard him.
 The newly organized Putnam band. with c. Dwight Sharpe leading, gave short concert program to con clude the entertainment. and those who heard the concert know just how the welkin sounds when 1t rings. The band members were cheered by the post, and at the conclusion a rising vote G thanks was given. Put uni forms on those men, and have them in the parade, and we'll tell the world they'll be the right stuff" was the general opinion of the post members.
 Before the meeting adjourned, George Baker, of the Putnam Red Cross, spoke concerning insurance and other matters of interest to ser vice men.
 Members of the Legion were advis- ed that at the Chamber of Commerce rooms Whitman Danielson, the post secretary, would have blanks which are to be filled out and sent to the Connecticut historical Society at Hartford. These questionnaires give a record of the service of the soldier, sailor or marine filling them. Those sending in these blanks will receive in return handsome certificate, signed by Governor Marcus H. Holcomb, and certifying that the owner served in the army or navy of the United States during the great war.
 The next meeting of the post will be held on the Tuesday before Labor Day, August 25 In the meantime the membership and organization com mittees are actively working, and in- dividual members are scouting around among their friends so that every man eligible for membership in Putnam and the surrounding towns will have signed up, and be present.