Belington progressive. [volume] (Belington, W. Va.) 1912-1927, 1919-07-10
Mr.. LANG's LETTER

Yesterday was great gala day at
this place. The great crowds came
by trains, in autos, wagons, motor
cycles and on foot puntil the assem-
bly, possibly was the greatest that
ever came to the city, unless at the
dedication of the Odd Fellows Home
some years ago, yet many that were
present at both of these dates believe
that yesterdays crowd was the great
er.
The occasion was to do homage and
respect to the returned soldier boys,
of the late World War for Democ-
racy and those who participated in
the Spanish American was, and the
few grey crowned veterans who
fought for their convictions from 49,
81 to 1865. The soldiers and civic
organizations met at the fair grounds
after the noon hour and, headed by
band composed mostly of members of
Sunny Italy, marched to the beautiful
park, north of the city, where a sum-
ptuous dinner had been prepared by
the excellent ladies of the city for the
late soldiers and old veterans and
srved from neatly furnished tables,
and kind hands which was much APP
preciated by all who partook of the
well prepared viands, feeling that
they richly deserved all these tokens
of love for their sacrifice, and sew
vice for the cause of right.
One feature of the parade that at
tracted very much attention was a
six ton armored war tank, with OPP
orators inside This war machine
| could be used in battle by two per-
sons, one to control the motor and
! the other the machine guns inside
! the armored turret However, it's
greatest services were in crossing the
trenches and cutting down barbed.
! wire Instructions and its use struck
terror to the hearts of the enemy.
The aeroplane not arriving as it
was scheduled was great disappoint-
ment to hundreds of persons who had
come to witness it's flights, and mcuh
unjust criticism was given the com
mittee Of entertainment which was
/ beyond their power to control, as a
machine had been sent from Wash
! ington to be there on the fourth but
/ from some mishap did not arrive. A
~ nt.1n traf
I ton and it was announced would ar
rive at Sis p. m :, it having passed
| over Philippi (the crowd still waited
the new fair grounds, witnessing
game Of baseball until late in the eve
ming the dispersed disappointed 1t
was learned today that the avi-
/ atorhad followed the Buckhannon
river from its mouth to Buckhannon
| instead Of the Valley to Elkins. Sen
ator Howard Switzerland was intro
duced by Capt Morris and made a
short but much appreciated address
in the afternoon at the stand in the
park, to the great concourse of
people, affirming that the congress
and senate of the u. S. would stand
for the League Of Nations at the
proper time, irrespective of party af-
filiations. Hon. Samuel T. Spears
was introduced and in masterful
and patriotic address declared that
the splitting of the blood of the thous
ands on the foreign battle fields and
the sacrifice that had been made for
the cause of democracy would be rat
i flied. His address was patriotic and
was applauded by the great concourse
that heard him.
The day was spent with much pleas
ure, and many friends met that had
not, seen each other for years, with
warm greetings.
We spent pleasant hour this
morning in company with Mr.. Phil
lips at the Orphans Home in the city,
which is situated on beautiful hill
on the Western outskirts of the city,
surrounded by 20 acres of land under
the management of Emmett Vanscoy
and the assistance of the larger boys
of the institution.
There are rs children in the home
at present, having been recently
placed in private homes by Miss Har-
rison, the very efficient matron, who
has charge of the institution. Miss
Harrison speaks in the best terms OF
| the splendid work and assistance that
Mr. Vanscoy has renederd her in the
task of making so good home fol
| these unfortunate ones. She spoke OF
, the moral and industrial improve
ment of these little ones since he hao
| taken charge of the farm.
The crops are looking well, not
withstanding the lateness of the
planting. The citizens of the state
should rejoice that there is so fine ar
, institution and so well cared for tc