The menace. [volume] (Aurora, Mo.) 1911-1920, 1919-10-04
The Great CONVENTION
OF PATRIOTIC SOCIETIES
Brief Report Of Proceedings and Synopsis Of Sentiments Expressed N
Delegates Os Harmonious and Representative Of All Gatherings IN
the History Of the Movement Tseven States Represented To-
gether with Dominion OF Canada Members Of Leading Patriotic Orders

to Mr.. Sheppard for their sterling
character and great ability. After
our country became involved in
the great world war, it became in
creasingly difficult to finance THE
MENACE and maintain its vast cir
culation, and nearly all similar
publications then failed and dis
appeared.
In that crisis, Mr.. Billy Parker,
who had done SO much to secure
the election Of s. j. Cats as gov
ernor Of Florida, was induced to
take the lecture platform for the
Free Press Defense League and to
assist in raising funds for the sup
port Of its work. For that pur-
pose he and Judge Nations trav-
eled together and filled lecture en-
gagements all over the eastern half
Of the United States. Mr.. Parker $
earnest appeals brought many
thousands Of dollars into the strait.
ened treasury Of the League.
Their travels and intimate asso-
citation together caused the speak
er to appreciate more than words
can express the big, honest heart Of
Mr.. Parker, his devotion to his
family, to his country and to the
cause Of American patriotism, and
his ability as a platform speaker
and as o business man.
Failing health of Mr.. Flower
and the wish Of Mr.. Sheppard to
devote his time more largely to
his profession necessitated reor-
ganization Of the Free Press De-
Tense League and removal Of its
main Office to Aurora. Judge Ma
tons then became president and
Billy Parker secretary-treasurer.
With nearly $4,000 Of indebted
ness then threatening to crush the
league and no money in its treas
ury to meet the current pay roll,
Billy Parker assumed the business
management, while the speaker
continued from his Washington Of
flee to supply copy to the paper,
fill lecture engagements and help
shape the policy of the paper and
the course Of the movement.
Under the careful and efficient
business management Of Mr.. Park
er the Indebtedness has been paid
off and comfortable balance is.
now in the treasury. The speaker
was nearly overwhelmed with emo
tons as he stated these thrilling
facts.
Loving Cup Presented
He concluded his remarks by
presenting to Mr.. Parker in the
name Of the League a beautiful
sterling silver, gilt-lined loving cup
with the following words artistical-
" engraved thereon:
Presented to Billy Parker by
Che Free Press Defense League Of
America in recognition of faithful
and efficient patriotic service.
" September nineteenth, nineteen
and nineteen"
While the various committees
we're busy with the preparation Of
heir reports, the Friday afternoon
session was devoted largely to ad-
1resses by delegates and well
Known speakers. Mrs. Helen Jack
ION told how she was taken into a
at the age Of thirteen and
here initiated into the religious
mysteries Of washing and ironing.
Mrs. jackson says that she is no
orator, for oratory is one Of the
many branches not considered es-
iential to the convent education Of
! nun; but there was eloquence as
veil as force in the straightfor-
yard story Of her unhappy experi-
nee in the pope,s sweatshop to
which she was confined. Said she |
Helen Jackson
"If the Protestant people Of |
his country had done their duty,
Helen jackson would not stand be- |
ore You today defrauded Of the
ducation due her. / was brought
lp in the Roman Catholic church, |
vent to the convent to be a nun,
nd expected to receive an educa-
ion; but all I learned there was
Q wash and iron.'
But Mrs. Jackson has improved |
he happier hours since her escape
rom the pope's penitentiary. She |
5 happily married, and her hus-
and aswell as herself was brought