The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1923-11-12
Former Governor Joseph M.
Devine Addresses Audience
Following a Parade
Through the : Downtown
Streets This Afternoon

Every available seat in the city
auditorium was filled today at Bis
marck's armistice day celebration. 4
The damp weather did not hinder
the crowd. it began to fill up the au-
aitcrium a half hour before the time
set for the program and continued
to stream in until the speakers COM
menccd. When seats were no longer
available either downstairs or in the
balcony or gallery they filled the en-
trance and lined the back part Of the
auditorium.
Almost with their arrival the peo-
pie were ready to enthusiastically
follow any lead in the way of proper
celebration. They were ready to APP
plaud;, for they came pre-possessed
with the intention Of honoring the
boys who went across or drilled in
the home camps. In the box seats
were a few of the "old soldiers" of
the Civil War. and scattered among
the crowd we're some Spanish Amer
lean War Veterans. =
Members of the American Legion,
in their trim kahki uniforms. some
with overseas caps, and equipment,
occupied the front part of the CEN
ter isle in the auditorium. A
paraded, headed by st. Marys band.
preceded the paraae.
Devine Speaks.
Former Governor Joseph M. De-
vine delivered the address. He said
in part:
BY many, the world war was to
end all war. Democracy was to be
made safe for the world. Little peo-
pie were to have security against
the greed and injustice of stronger
people. Minorlties were to have a
day of liberty and right. Souls of
nations had been fused in fires of
battle to common high purpose
and were never to grow apart. Peace
was to be enthroned on the dais of
the world. never to abdicate or be
dislodged..
1t was fine fair dream of man
kind that was to be in reward for
all the loss, sacrifice and suffering.
That dream helped in its day, but
it was a day soon over.
When men in KHAKI tramp through
the streets .oaay; when assembled
thousands hail them and salute the
colors they bear; when memories of
old comradeships are sharpened at
banquet boards; when thoughts of
the living grow tender in recollection
of those who never came back; when
we recall the words, 1T must not be
again." something of the former
thrill will be felt once more, but
over against all these reactions
stands the consciousness of an ugly
ominous situation in Europe.
The Turk has slashed his way with
reeking REDEEMED sword and is again
entrenched in Europe. Greece and
Italy are in militant state of mind
towards each other that could blaze
into war with binding swiftness.
Germany, 6hrepenlant, defiant and
unwhipped, refuses to pay her just
obligations to France; England is in
serious disagreement with France.
In a measure! therefore, the dream
Of five years ago has failed of real
ization; failed because the war did
not burn the dross from out the
heart Of Europe and especially Ger
many; but that fact does not destroy
the usefulness Of this day as worth
while memorial of the past and as an
,inspirationai for the future. 1t
focuses the mind Of the American
people af.r.n5n -l1e debt they owe
to those who went to war and gave
up their lives for them. It marks
a time for new common consecra-
tion to the things to which this ma
tion is committed both by its orig
inal declaration o. principles and by
its fundamental laws. It emphasizes
once again the spirit Of sacrifice and
service without which governments
are empty things and in vain. It
makes the past sign post for the
present and 2 guide for the future.
A mans achievement 1SF himself
are Soon forgotten. The recollections
Continued On Page 81
J. d - H .f a . 9 i ~ 4,