The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-27


 Spontaneous Applause.
 Spontaneous applause ran through the audience and the rebel yell re- sounded as Governor Brandon handed the Confederate flag to General Per shing.
 With that flag and with that uni form you are wearing, all hell can't lick you" was the governors com ment as he presented the banner.
 T have been deeply touched this evening by receiving at the hands of three Alabama women three differ ent flags" was the generals reply ''I accept them. They express the at titude of the people of Birmingham and. of Alabama united for the bene- fit of all the people of our country.
 The general briefly mentioned the purpose of his trip, declaring that preparedness through the national defense act of 1920 was necessary and that the lesson of unpreparedness in 1917 should strike deep into the hearts of All Americans.
 The reserves will be continued in skeleton" he said. They will be all located according to population and will be taught the important routine of mobilization. There will
 
 sent out under trained officers. There will be no sending of men on troop trains from one end of the country and back again, as was done In the World war. We will be assured of an organization able to prepare for battle service within the smallest space of time.
 Other manhood will be drafted into industries. not under military control, but under some sort of super vision.
 Need New Blood.
 The men experienced in the World war are passing. We need new blood, and in the schools and colleges of the nation your boys are obtaining lessons in citizenship. They are being taught their duty not only in war. but the everyday duties as citizens of the country, with far reaching effect.
 People untrained in the ideas of our forefathers bring false ideas of government into America. Unless We American citizens prepare our selves the soil will be fallow and these dangerous and insidious plants may take. root and choke out those plants the seeds of which were planted in the days of the revolution
 These reserves arc trying to give the proper attitude toward the coun- try and stand out as an example of what American citizenship ought to be.
 Alabama Ready To Lead.
 T have already received the pledge of your governor that this state stands ready to take the lead in Amer canism. This means that every man and woman of voting age is to become patriotic advocate of not only military preparedness, but to educate the entire people as to their obligations and duties to that flag" Here he pointed to the flag present. co to him a few moments before. Your governor can have no greater glory than to take the people of Alabama behind him in supporting this mover snt.'
 In both of his addresses, General PerSn.hg manifested a deadly and direct earnestness of purpose which could not be ignored for a moment. This was the most striking impress sion brought home to his hearers. Unsmiling, he forcefully reminded one that his business was the grim trade of war and upholding America for Americans.
 In simple, understandable lam guage, the generals message appar- ently shot home. It was unaVoid- able.
 Look To AIabamn.
 Here in Alabama, where there is found the highest percentage of Anglo Saxon stock in the land, the nation looks for the lead So be t2ken in Americanism," Gen. John J. pershing said during his address at the banquet given in his honor in the Tutwiler hotel ball room Thurs day evening. It was a high point in his talk that brought his hundreds of auditors to their feet cheering.
 Tt gives me great pleasure to be back in Birmingham. 1 recall my previous visit in this beautiful room four years ago. Then it had been ar ranged for myself and staff to each be seated beside a beautiful Alabama girl. Often we have happily recalled that most pleasant occasion. thought was making q good speech" :" said the general. somewhat puzzled, but 1 hear no applause.
 Tt is a great pleasure to see about me veterans of the World war, for it gives me an opportunity to reiterate what was said of the Alabama sol dier during that trying time: He went to France conscious of a great obligation, conscious that great things were expected of him, not only by the people of his state, but by the people of the nation. He more than lived up to what was expected of him.
 Sees Military Spirit.
 There is a decided military spirit in this part of the country; it seems imbued in the people-a military spirit based on good citizenship. I find wonderful enthusiasm and ap- proval of the propositions l advo- cate in these visits, approval of car rying forward to a more complete development the law of 1920, a senti- ment such as never before shown, the people back of making a com prehensive military establishment, all component parts of the army har- monizing, a full understanding and realization of the development de- sired in training the youths of the country and undertaking to impress the principles of American citizen ship.
 We are making a special effort to prepare the young men of the United States to be able to defend their home land in time of peril. to fulfill great trust greater than all other obligations We of the army are trying to impress upon all those who attend the camps like that near Anniston the principles of organized government and what their attitude should be. The discipline Is of the greatest value to them and to all of us. They go out from the camps with a better conception of duty, an attitude of far-reacl<lg effect ot elevated standards of citizenship. They go out marked men. men who have the true conception of duty looped up to and observed by their fellows; given credit for the stand they have taten. They have de- clared themselves and their purpose as citizens.
 "These standards appl yto the ma tional guard and the organized re- ser.e. In course of time they will be understood and appreciated by all. a spirit of fundamental Americanism that will be given the support of all. They are representative of the best there is in America of manhood and citizenship, not only in words and glamor, but in deeds as shown in