Evening Republican, Volume 22, Number 217, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 September 1919 — MANY SOLDIERS RESPONDED [ARTICLE]

MANY SOLDIERS RESPONDED

HOME COMING CELEBRATION AT DELPHI WAS A COMPLETE SUCCESS. Apropos to the proposed home coming celebration for Jasper county soldiers the report has been circulated that similar attempts have been failures in other places and this report has disconcerted those interested in the plans here. However, the remarkable success attained in Delphi recently gives a fine assurance that the boys will gather together and make the affair a big success if rightly planned and the proper amount of entertainment furnished. Out of about 560 soldiers from Carroll county there were 384 responded and the parade was probably the best feature of the big celebration. It was in the shape of a historical pageant, showing first the native American Indians, then the landing of Columbus, the landing of the pilgrims, the declaration hf independence, ““surrender of Cornwallis, the coming of all nations to America, the “growth of the nation, the emancipation of the negro, the help to Cuba and the Philippines, thq call of Europe for help, America’s answer, peace, our nation under the new democracy. It is remarkable the genius with which the committees worked out the picturing of these things in parades, floats, etc. For the American Indians, which constituted the first section of the parade, consisted of the Red Men’s order. A float representing the Santa Marie represented the landing of Columbus, another float represented the Mayflower landing pilgrims quaintly dressed in the costumes of that day. Another float contained a table and colonial patriots were signing the declaration of 1 independence. The section representing the coming of all nations to America showed emigrants as Chinese, Japs, Dutch, Jews, Slavs, Italians, French,' etc. The growth of the nation was shown by floats of primitive schools, churches, etc., and then by modern schools, colleges, churches and agricultural and industrial displays. Then came the liberation of the slaves with Lincoln casting the shaekles off the negro. This was followed by automobiles carrying the heroes of the great civil war. Flags of that war were shown

and soldiers in 'blue and gray in. a firm handclasp occupied one float. The surrender of Lee to Grant was shown. Then came a float showing the Cuban negro under the lash of t.he Spaniard and followed 'by survivors of the Spanish-American war. Then the appeal ofFurope, with a tall girl in a tattered dress representing Belgium. Around her were twelve smaller Belgian girls all showing the appeal for American aid. Maimed French and English soldiers were represented. Then came America’s answer with the world war soldiers .sailors and marines in uniform. There were also the Red Cross, the Y. M. G. A., the lK.bfC..SalvafionAnny r ,aird I foodr clubs, liberty bond committees, etc. Then came the happy celebration of peace, followed by an industrial parade. There was a big dinner at noon, band concert, speaking, singing, etc., in the afternoon. At night there was a soldiers’ dance on the public square and this feature was of special interest, the dancing being on the concrete streets. It is probable there are enough war souvenirs in the possession of soldiers to make a great display and that soldiers would loan, them for the occasion. It is also probable that \the interest of the soldiers could'be secured through the American Legion, now being formed and for whjlch there is to be an active campaign to secure the membership

of every soldier in the county. The presentation of the rings Jaseould be made an especially fine ceremony, occupying a considerable part of the afternoon. It might also be possible to demosntrate some of the flexing games that figured in the physical development of the soldiers. A boxing contest has been suggested and would probably be as provided for the soldreis. The construction of Red Cross and Y. M. C. A. canteens, serving the soldiers, could be provided, showing how this seAuce was rendered in France. The success attained at Delphi and the excellence of, their plans justifies a similar program here and with ample time for preparation should be the greatest thing that ever took place in Jasper counQf. •' v i