Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1921-05-26
KNIGHTS Of
COLUMBUS
CORDIALLY
RECEIVED

The city of Wisconsin Rapids has
been In the possession of the K. Of c.
delegates who have been assembled in
convention here for the past three
days Monday, Tuesday and Wednes-
day, May %, "a and 25, and we take it
from evidences on all hands that they
have had good time. Our business
men and citizens have shown them
selves willing to give them a cordial
welcome and made their short stay
among us one that would impress
them with cordiality. We hopethey
have received the impress.
| Monday evening John Martin of
Green Bay, fired the first gun by Civ
ing us detailed account of his trip
abroad as one of $50 delegates who
toured Central Europe for the Knights
of Columbus organization in this coun-
try. He took his large audience with
him and described their trip from the
time they left this country until they
returned. He told of the cordial re-
ception they, received everywhere and
especially in France The French peo-
pie showed their appreciation in ev-
cry manner possible.
Speaking of the tour of the battle
fields in France, Mr.. Martin eulogized
the French and spoke of their great
almiration for America.
France loves u.s." he said, mot
only for the aid we gave her in the
war, but also for what we may dc
for her in the next war which they be-
lieve is sure to come. There is nc
limit to their generous hospitality
toward US during our stay in their
country. They are also particularly
anxious that we leave the bodies of
our American heroes, slain in the
wa,, in their graves in France
These graves are tended with the
greatest care. 1t may be their be-
lief that the bodies of our dead ly-
ing in French soil may make US the
more ready to come to the, aid of
France if she should again be at
tackled.
cit is little wonder, when one
views the ruin and desolation the
war brought upon the French vilag-'
es and farms, that they bitterly de-
mand that Germany shall be made tt
pay to the last penny. It has been
estimated that to restore the war
stricken area in France, to its for
mer usefulness would require the
labor of 100000 men for six years"
From France they went to Italy
where their reception was not so cor
dial. However, they were cordially re-
ceived in Rome by the Pope which was
one of the objects of their visit to Eu-
rope.
From Italy he and few companions
went to Ireland to learn more of the
situation there.
Contrary to the general impress
tsion," said Mr. Martin, "the warfare
in Ireland is not a religious fight nor
an outgrowth of religious bigotry.
Catholics and Protestants alike are
united in the common fight to throw
off England's yoke. Despite the reign
of terror England has inaugurated,
and despite the bloody policy of
reprisals, beside which the German
warfare in Belgium was humape,
the spirit of liberty will never be
crushed. The Black and Tan may
murder Irish patriots and they may
lay waste their creameries and
sources of substance, but the Sim
Fein movement will go on until it at
tains its end. 1t is to the United
States that the Sim Fein is looking
for support, moral and financial.
Once Americas influence is felt and
the people of this liberty loving
country signify their sympathy and
support Of the Sim Fein cause, the
victory will be won"
All day Tuesday the delegates were
in session at the Elks Club room. In
the evening banquet was served at
which 500 were seated. The banquet
was everything that could be hoped
for in edibles, decoration, and good
cheer. The program rendered was one
that was well arranged to interest
and cheer.
Wednesday was given over to more
sessions at the Elks Club. Officers e.
lected for the ensuing year follow:
Secretary, Thos. A. Delaney, Green
Bay.
Deputy, James A. Higgins, Racine
Treasurer, John ]. Jameson, Schuls- !
burg.
Advocate, Robt. H. Rohlfs, West
Bend.
Warden, E. A. Quisdorf, Ashland.
Chaplain, Rev. F. J. Petit, Mil
waukee.
Attorney D. D. Conway, general
committee chairman for the local
council Knights of Columbus, was
chosen as one of the delegates of the |,