Evening Journal

GOVERNOR AT THE PLAYGROUND OPENING

Chief Executive Takes Part in Exercises Including Flag Raising

COL. G. A. ELLIOTT PRESENTS THE POLE

Addresses by Governor Charles R. Miller and others interested in children's colors, a musical program and salutes by the firing squad were features of the opening of the People's Settlement Playground last night. The exercises were attended by a large number of persons, including many children. The Boys' Brigade and the Brandywine Military Band marched to the grounds in a body. The latter furnished the music.

Among those who spoke were T. Allen Hilles, president of the People's Settlement; W. W. Knowles and Colonel George A. Elliott.

Governor Miller said: "It seems that all the people of Wilmington are here tonight. When Miss Pyle asked me to come I did not appreciate the magnitude of this occasion. The construction of this splendid building and acquirement of ground has added to the worth of the city more than I can express to you. The work which Miss Pyle has been doing in this city has produced a result which is perfectly incomprehensible to me. I have been hearing of the People's Settlement through the medium of the press, but did not realize it had reached such a degree of proficiency. We are entering a new era of education in this State. My heart and soul are interested in the children. All over this country we are trying to reach the people by medium of education. Wilmington is growing to be a city of considerable size; what we want is to get together." The governor said that some time recently he was introduced to an audience of 12,000 persons as governor of next to the smallest State in the Union. The governor said in response: "There is no more self-reliant people than those found in the State of Delaware." He said that Delaware stood first in ratifying the Constitution of the United States, and she stands first in many things. In conclusion, he said: "Work for your State, for your city and your community. The one regret that I have is that I was not born in Delaware. I wish you all God speed."

Presentation of a flag pole to the playground was made by Colonel Elliott. In turning over the gift, he said: "I congratulate you on this splendid piece of ground. This is something that is worthy of the memory of the one in whose honor it was given. This is a most unusual pole. If that pole could talk and tell the history of its life it would read like a fairy tale. First it grew on a farm in Stanton, the fairest and tallest of its neighbors. Then it served its purpose as the first community Christmas tree, illumined by hundreds of electric lights, with the Star of Bethlehem shining from its top. Now it stands here tonight, topped by a gold ball, to serve as a flag staff for the People's Settlement playground--a most unusual history indeed."

An American flag was given the Settlement by W. W. Knowles, who acted for the Orange Men, P. O. S. of A. and Junior American Mechanics. In turning over the colors to Mr. Hilles, Mr. Knowles said:

"To me it is a most pleasant duty to present this most splendid flag to an organization that I have reason to believe has done so much for the city. We should be proud of our land, our State and of our flag. Let us see to it that the best is secured for the people of this commonwealth. I love to know that I live in a land where the humblest boy may rise to a position of prominence. Remember that he who loves his country is he that does the most for it. The Settlement has grown to great proportions and a great deal of money for its support comes from the pockets of its patrons."

In accepting the gift, Mr. Hilles told the story of Betsy Ross and the making of the first American standard. He declared the flag was the nation's most priceless possession.

At the conclusion of the presentation Lena Katz, aged 9 years, and Leonard Rofnholz, a year younger, pulled up the flag. As the colors were being raised the audience uncovered while the band thundered the "Star Spangled Banner." As the flag reached the top of the pole a firing squad fired a salute. The Boys' Brigade saluted the standard and sang "America"

A medley of patriotic airs was then played by the band.

The exercises were interesting, instructive and patriotic and marked a red letter day in the history of the Settlement. The playground was given to the Settlement by the heirs of Mrs. Lammot duPont and is among the finest in the East.