Jasper County Democrat, Volume 20, Number 53, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 3 October 1917 — DEFENSE MEETING HELD HERE [ARTICLE]

DEFENSE MEETING HELD HERE

Stirring Speeches Warn People of Seriousness of the War. The seriousness of the war with Germany was brought home to the people of Jasper county Friday afternoon a.t a defense meeting held at the Gayety airdome. Addresses were made by Attorney L. C. Embree, one of the ablest lawyers of the state; W. L. Wood of Parr, and Rev. J. Budman Fleming and Mose Leopold of this city. Frank Welsh, chairman of the Jasper County Council of Defense, presided at the meeting. Mr. Embree, who mftkes no claims as an orator, had a wealth of knowledge of the situation that enabled him to drive home some pertinent thoughts that should cause each and everyone of us to realize the seriousness of the war and to put forth our utmost efforts to aid in every way possible. Loyalty to the administration is essential, and he who is not loyal at this time is no better than the most arch traitor. Whether among the ranks of soldiers or at home, on farm or in city, each one of us has an important duty to perform in connection with the war, and we should perform that duty cheerfully and with alacrity. Hon. W. L. Wood of Parr, state representative from this district, next took the platform and made an impassioned appeal for loyalty and whole-hearted service to the nation. Mr. Wood arraigned the kaiser and Prussiapism with an array of historical facts that left no doubt of the arch fiend’s intentions to rule the world by this might. - Rev. Fleming, pastor of the First Presbyterian church of this city, was next presented and made a patriotic speech calculated to enthuse any latent individuals with a greater purpose of assistance to the country. And there is no doubt but that his speech will have the desired effect.

The talks by Mr. Wood and Rev. Fleming were especially complimented by the perhaps 1.000 people who heard them. The closing talk was made by Mose Leopold, captain of the militia, and he sought to impress those present with the necessity and importance of this branch of our military organization. He appealed for increased enlistments and urged every able-bodied man between the ages of 17 and 4 5 to enroll at once.