Columbia River Sun-April 11, 1918
Vol. XVII. No. 4	Cathlamet, Wahkiakum County, Washington-Page 1

Patriotic Citizens at Rally As Liberty Bells Ring

The Old Liberty Bell rang loud and long last Friday night in Cathlamet, 
ushering in the Third Liberty Loan with a big community rally in the Lobby 
theatre.  Citizens from far and near came to listen to a program in the 
interest of the Liberty Loans.

Professor Krause presented his students in a series of patriotic selections.  
The audience opened the meeting by singing “America” and closed with the 
“Star Spangled Banner.”

Winnie Boylan, manager of the Lobby Theatre, presented a moving picture real 
showing the “Honor Flag” Cathlamet will get also showing Secretary McAdoo in 
action appealing to the American people to make the Liberty Loan a success.

After singing “America” by the audience, the U.S. Flag was brought up on the 
stage by one of the Boy Scouts and the customary salute to the flag was given 
by the audience.  Professor Krause then asked everybody to sing Tramp! Tramp! 
Trap! Also the “Battle Hymn of the Republic.”

The next on the program was a song by the high school girls, “The 
Marseillaise,” the national song of France.

Judge H. W. B Hewen of South Bend, Wash., made a 4-minute address.  Among 
other interesting things he said that the people of America were fighting in 
several lines of trenches.  Some are in the Industrial line of trenches; some 
in the aeroplane lines; some in the Shipbuilding; some in the agricultural 
lines, and now we are called to serve in the financial line of trenches and 
expected to see everybody go over the top in the big drive.

Miss Janet Ingram rendered a very pretty solo on the piano, which brough 
cheers from the audience and an encore.  

The official Liberty Loan song, “Keep The Home Fires Burning,” was sung by 
the high school chorus.

John Gratke, editor of the Evening Budget, Astoria, made the principal 
address of the evening.  He cautioned his hearers against talking of 
important matters concerning the war, such as troop movements, the movements 
of war vessels, permanent bases abroad, or other things which might give 
information to the enemy.  He spoke of the noble mothers who are doing their 
bit-the mothers of the sons who will go over the top to victory.  He admired 
the American mothers because it is they who so care fully raised the gallant 
and courageous boys at the front.  It is they who are conserving the food 
supply of the nation.  Here, there and everywhere you will find the mothers 
doing their full share to save civilization from German “Kultur.” He 
mentioned the great ship=building and aeroplane program laid down by the 
government and the great part the Pacific Northwest is playing in carrying 
out this program.  He urged the citizens of Cathlamet and vicinity to lend 
the Government all the money they could spare.  The government needs the 
money to prosecute the war to a victorious end.

Chairman Fagstad illustrated how the Wahkiakum County bank was prepared to 
aid subscribers in making payments on Liberty Bonds.  He also mentioned the 
wonderful showing Wahkiakum county made during the first and second Liberty 
Loan drives.  In the second drive the county’s allotment was $15,000.00 and 
the people responded to the amount of $55,000.00.  Although he did not 
predict such a phenomenal subscription this time, he was positive that 
Wahkiakum County would go over the top in the Third Liberty Loan.  He made an 
urgent appeal to all to do their utmost, that our people may boast of Honor 
Flag.

A song, “Soldier’s Farewell” was sung by a double quartet.

The meeting was closed in singing The “Star Spangled Banner” by the audience.


(As transcribed by the Wahkiakum County Historical Society 2005 from original 
newspaper collection.)