Jasper County Democrat, Volume 20, Number 101, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 20 March 1918 — IN HONOR OF SAINT PATRICK [ARTICLE]

IN HONOR OF SAINT PATRICK

Knights of Columbus Celebrate the Event for War Benefits. The annual celebration of St. Patrick’s day by the local Knights of Columbus council was a little different this year than usual, but was a success in every way. The event was made to fulfill a two-fold purpose—celebrate the occasion and at the same time increase the fund of that order for war work. Consequently a program of more than passing interest to the general public was given at the parochial school hall Sunday evening and something like $35.00 net was raised for the K. of C. war fund. The principal number on the program was an address on war issues by Lieut. Fr. H«avorka of Camp Custer, Battle Creek, Michigan, a brother of Prof. Leo Havorka of Rensselaer.

The imeeting was called to order by Hon. E. P. Honan, who, in his usual inimical way, stated the purposes of the meeting and announced the various numbers of the pro' gram. The K. of C. orchestra rendered several selection that were thoroughly appreciated by the audience. One of these was Lon Healy’s latest production, “I’m Rarin’ to Go,’’ and while it is doubtful if many were aware of the fact that it was a product of our esteemed citizen, it was fully appreciated for its real musical beauty and roundly applauded. Ndxt came a reading by Mrs. Harvey Messman, extolling the K. of C. war work in a well written poem on “The Door of the Hut that Is Never Shut.” Mrs. Messman’s ability as a reader needs no comment, and her rendition was so well received that the audience recalled her for a second number., in which all praise and glory was given our flag. Miss Anna Leonard then rendered two beautiful vocal selections, “When Our Boys Come Marching Home” and “The Flag of Our Land of Glory.” Both were exceptionally well handled and were thoroughly enjoyed by the audience. Mr. Honan then introduced Lieut. Fr. Havorka, who, from the very start, convicted the Prussian military system of plots .and crimes of a nature to further deny them j a place in this civilized world. Lieut. Fr. Hhvorka quoted at length from German writers and educators of note, showing their deep-laid plots for world conquest, and gave it as his opinion that, barring any internal insurrections ‘ in Germany, this war may last from five to ten

years longer. Space forbids a detailed report of Mr. Havorka’s address, but the principal thought was that we must not whine when taxed for war purposes or asked to contribute to the various agencies working to make the life of our boys abroad all that it is possible to make it. This is the least service we can render and It should be done cheerfully and graciously. The meeting closed by the entire audience singing ‘‘America" with an enthusiasm thAt made the hall ring.