Milford chronicle., 1935-08-23
WILL ROGERS

NAAC uGdNu Vi " ia AkO6EA9 AB
etic of a return to truth and happi-
hess for our national life? We
mourn him for what he was and
meant. Is there not a prophecy in
cur tears?
Will Rogers was more than hum
orist and philosopher and friend. He
was an adYenturer. Those who knew
him best say that he was not afraid.
Without fear to distress him, he
knew the freedom of daring. That
daring was revealed in his speech,
but more so in his flying around as
a passenger in aTeoplanes. More dar-
ing yet was the last flight planned
with Wiley Post. II aviation had q
great flyer in Post, il had an en-
thusiast in Rogers. Both men we're
trail blazers, assOciating their names
with those adventuTers of all time
who marked new paths for human
advancement. Today must take
risks for tomorrow. or we are not
worthy of another sunrise.
viii Rogers was a man Of sue
cess, but was not spoiled with II. He
was not fOrgetful of those who fail
ed. He employed his talents to as
sist others. He gave freely of money.
and said nothing about 1t. He was
not beyond sympathy. He was ready
to pinch hit" in an hour Of human
need. His memory in our hearts will
serve to remind us again and again
Of his rushing across the country to
take over the role of Fred Stones in
a musical comedy. Stone was
friend of Wits and was down with
a broken leg. We shall not remember
so long that Will Rogers had much
OF the worlds goods, but that he had
very much of the worlds goodness.
ChestertOn said of Stevenson: He
died with a thousand stories in his
heart" AS much might be said of
VIII Rogers. But we also like to
think that this man died with a pic
ture of his daughter in the crumpled
coat pocket. Far away In the north
land there was the pull Of home. II
may be that was the reason for
Rogers getting so close to us all.
The home fires burned in his soul
and that might have caused the rad
lance on his face. And that face
smiled down through the hearts of
America. With a twinkle in his eye
and a grin on his nose and wrinkles
caused by Withholding laughter, Will
Rogers was ready to tell us what he
saw.
The Sage Of Beverly Hills is dead!
The newspapers will be different for
lack of wisdom. The talkies have an
example set for them in the produc-
tion of pictures with clean living
for their heroism. The radio must
make some attempt to fill the place
Of a happy messenger with his en-
and thought. The plat
form needs TO carry on. as best 1t
can, the lecturers cheer and search
ing comment.
Americas Ambassador Of Good /
viii y no more! We should now
dedicate ourselves to the task OF
meaning much to others. From 4
across the sea, in messages Of ming
led grief and tribute, other lands
have told US how they feel the
worlds loss. Wills mother thought
)f her son being a Methodist minis
er. but her boy did not miss his
The ministry of Will ROg-
srs has left the world in a debt OF
gratitude, and his own nation with
/ feeling so appropriately written
n the pages Of Pilgrims Progress:
"The Pilgrim they laid in large
.hamber, whose window opened to-
ward the sunrlsing; the name Of the
was Peace. where he slept
i'll the break OF day, and then he
woke and sang"
Peace be to the spirit Of Will
lOgers!