Evening Republican, Volume 20, Number 246, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 October 1916 — Fifty-Fifty. [ARTICLE]

Fifty-Fifty.

In the big preparedness parade which took place ip New York: tn May, and which set the example for other preparedness parades all gver the country, Digby Bell, the comedian, led a company made up largely of actors, theatrical managers and playwrights from the Lambs and the Players clubs. The marchers moved in wide lines 20 abreast, extending from curb to curb of Fifth avenue. All went well with Capt. Digby Bell’s squad until they reached Forty-Secoifd street, where an isle of safety for pedestrians stands in the middle of the asphalt roadway. He knew there must be a military command for dividing a column so as to pass about a fixed obstacle, but he didn’t know what it was. For just a moment confusion threatened his group. Then in this emergency an inspiration came to the leader. He swung about and faced the oncoming formation. “Fifty-fifty!” he blared at the top Of his voice. And, splitting in the center, the line flanked the safety isle without missing a step.