Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 173, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 August 1917 — There Can Be No Doubt Of Sparks’ Patriotism. [ARTICLE]

There Can Be No Doubt Of Sparks’ Patriotism.

Readers of The Republican will no doubt remember the article in reference to Ralph Sparks, the Lewiston, Ind., school teacher, last winter. He is the man who was charged with making unpatriotic remarks to his pupils, following which the patrons asked his removal as a school teacher. Sparks denied the charges and »n a public statement made it known that le was for the United States first, last and all the time. The following article taken from the Monticello Journal should serve to dispel all doubts as ot his loyalty to this coyn-

“A soldierly appearing Monticello young man, easily recognized in his suit of khaki as Ralph Sparks, is here for a visit at his home. /Mr. Sparks is now stationed at Quantico, Va., and is a member of the machine gun company of the 6th regiment of United States marines, a part of the U. S. fighting force that was given the honor of being the first to go to France. He has a ten days’ furlough including his traveling time, which does not give him a very long leave of absence but long enough to see his relatives and friends, which may be the last time he will see them for some time. The Fifth regiment of marines has been sent to France, and the Sixth is next in line. Mr. Sparks says the talk around the camp at Quantico is that the Sixth will be leaving for France quite a little while before the first frost, even if it happens to be an early one. He is to report back at Quantico on Aug. 13. After his enlistment about three months ago he was sent to Port Royal, South Carolina, for training and when transferred to the Virginia camp was made , a member of the machine gun company, one of the most desirable posts in the service. He says army life agrees with him and that he is very much in love with the service.”