Evening Republican, Volume 22, Number 103, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 May 1919 — WHO IS TO BLAME? [ARTICLE]

WHO IS TO BLAME?

The Blue Jacket hand came to Rensselaer Thursday morning as scheduled. A large crowd was on hand to greet them on their arrival in the city, many coming from distant points to attend the concert. Then what happens? A selection or two is rendered on the public square. The musicians start down Washington street, suddenly turn off on a side street and disappear from view, while the crowd stands fast and wonders what is to happen next. Some of them are still wondering. That is as much of the entertainment as the bulk of them enjoyed. Following their departure from the public square, the musicians were taken to the Christian church where a short program was held in the in-, terest of the Victory Loan. The band did its part and everything was run off per schedule, but the trouble was that the rank and file were not let in on the plans. The church was for the most part filled with school children. We are not protesting against the school children attending such meetings, but very few school children buy bonds, and the object of the visit* of the band was to stimulate bßnd buying in the county, which has yet to go over the top in the drive. The result was that the meeting failed to reach those for whom it was intended. . . There was much criticism on the part of many on the course taken, and it would seem that if our city is to continue to bear her good reputation as a host that some competent person must be placed at the head of such affairs who would let the people in on the know. Such mismanagement is disgusting.