The Owosso Times

Open Meeting of the G. A. R. and W. R. C.

The G. A. R. and W. R. C. held one of their open social meetings this week on Wednesday evening, at which time a very interesting program was carried out by the members and invited guests. These meetings are held monthly and are the means of bringing together the old soldiers and their wives and the citizens generally for a few hours of friendly and patriotic interchange of ideas.

All visitors, civilians as well as old vets, are cordially received and made to feel at home at once. And further on, one whose patriotic spirit has been smouldering, perhaps, for need of some quickening cause, can not fail to catch the glow soon fanned into the fire of patriotic enthusiasm.

The meeting was opened by the long roll by Comrade Courtright and his drum, and the singing of the opening ode.
A quartette of young men sang the National anthem, when Mrs. Wiley, in a few well selected words introduced Rev. Carey V. Northrop, who warmly praised the old soldiers and considered them his very best friends. He said some one had asked him a short time ago if he had ever served in the late war. He had replied that he served during the years 1861-65 in Michigan infantry, but had nevertheless inherited a patriotic spirit. The speaker paid an eloquent tribute to Gen. Custer and his brave followers. He spoke of his early child-like patriotism and warlike experience with his companions in charging a nest of hornets, the quick retreat of the young soldiers and the impressions they carried away with them. Ever since he had been trying to understand why it is that hornets never know when to quit—when they have done enough.

Mr. Northrop, in the course of his remarks paid a just tribute to the love and courage of the mothers, wives and daughters of the war times. His reference to the present critical condition of things between Uncle Sam and Spain and the call to arms if it came was enthusiastically received by the old soldiers.

A selection of music by Comrade Jacobs, wife and daughter.

The meeting was intended as a memorial for the lost sailors of the Maine.
Miss Nora Brewer read a selection entitled "The Good Ship Maine."
The young men's quartette well rendered "Uncle Sam, What are You Waiting For?"
Flossie Dutcher, a little miss of 10 summers, in a very self-possessed manner, told the soldiers and friends of the experience of a man and his wife with St. Peter. Little Miss Dutcher made it appear that St. Peter's experience with the woman inclined him towards the man and that in consequence of this he sent the husband in one direction and the wife in the other. In doing so the husband was not sent to domain of Pluto.

Upon request Judge Smith made some remarks of a general character, speaking of the great privileges we enjoy in this country.

Nellie Crane, daughter of Comrade A. B. Crane, a little miss only seven years old, spoke of the Banner of Freedom, and did it well.
A well rendered song, "Just Before the Battle, Mother," by the young men then followed.

Comrade Duane C. Cooper being detained in Corunna, Mrs. Cooper appeared to read the memorial paper prepared by Comrade Cooper, who at one time served in the navy. This paper was really interesting and the appreciation of its contents was shown by the applause elicited. President McKinley was praised for his calm judgment and firm, dignified manner under the pressure of public opinion. It was claimed that the President's attitude in trying to avert the awful results of war, was the true attitude which a good man and a great nation should assume. Referring to the Maine disaster, Comrade Cooper said:

"Comrades, our country may be standing on the perilous edge of war, and it behooves us that we possess our souls in patience and do nothing to bring a blot upon our national honor. The choice of war is not to be made lightly except by those who know nothing of its awful realities. It is fitting, if not our bounden duty to lay aside the busy affairs of life to consider and commemorate the heroism of the sailors who lost their lives in the Maine disaster. It is not in battle alone that heroic deeds are done, nor is it only in time of war. Every man who stood beneath the flag of the Maine had, by his presence there signified his willingness to die in the defense of his country, and the maintenance of its honor, and when death came in the awful manner in which it did, the dead were no less heroes than if they had fallen before the guns of an enemy. It is but fair, Comrades, that a great nation like ours should recognize the tragic, but heroic death of their brave men. Our nation is generous in this respect and has been ready at all times to recognize true bravery and devotion to duty."

In closing, Comrade Cooper said: "Shipmates of the Maine, farewell. Your stormy voyage is over, and your brave spirits are at rest. Safely may you be anchored in the heavenly harbor of that unknown country."

Col. Moyses, in his usual humorous manner told of experiences in the south, and particularly of the experience of himself and comrades with certain drugs taken from a drug store.

Little Miss Phoebe Welton advised the young unmarried women "not to marry a man who drinks."

Mr. J. H. Hartwell made some appropriate remarks, said he had never done any fighting down south but had at home in Bennington. The speaker enthusiastically referred to the old flag.

Comrade Jacobs, wife and daughter sang "A Thousand Years."

The ladies saluted the flag according to their ritual, the audience sang "America" and a pleasant meeting came to an end with the benediction by Pastor Northrup.