Spectemur agendo; a history of the State fencibles, 1913-1919, including all of the principal events from the centennial anniversary to the end of the world war

Front matter

A HISTORY OF THE

STATE FENCIBLES

1913-1919

Introduction

The first question the Author must answer when this book reaches the public is, why "Spectemur Agendo" for a title!

In explanation of this, the Author desires to say that no more fitting title for a book of this character could be found than that given to it. Perhaps that statement calls for further explanation.

It was on July 4, 1813, that the State Fencibles held its first parade after its organization. This parade was followed by a banquet at Fouquet's Garden. During the dinner a deputation from the Second Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry appeared and announced the following toast :

' ' The State Fencibles, zealous, brave and patriotic, only want an opportunity to secure distinction. ' '

To the toast Clement C. Biddle, the Commandant of the State Fencibles and a noted scholar of his day, arose and replied, " Spectemur Agendo. '^

This Latin phrase, a free translation being, "Let us be judged by our actions"* was at once adopted by the Fencibles as its "Motto."

The Author, therefore, considering the vicissitudes of this Command during the past six years, may well repeat the words uttered by Captain Biddle, which for over one hundred and six years have explained to the public the reason for the existence of this Command.

The primary purpose of this book is to cover the events occurring during the six years in which the Author has been in Command of the State Fencibles. It was my privilege in 1911, to publish a book entitled the "Infantry Battalion

•Webster's International Dictionary (Ed. 1906), page 1916.

vii

VIU INTRODUCTION

State Fencibles and its Visit to Atlanta and Other Southern Cities. ' ' That book, while it contained a very brief history of the State Fencibles, was written principally for the purpose of perpetuating- the State Fencibles' visit to Atlanta, Georgia, to participate in the unveiling of the Peace Monument by the Old Guard of the Gate City Guard.

In 1913 I also compiled a history entitled ' ' One Hundred Years with the State Fencibles." That work gave a very concise account of all the principal events in the history of the State Fencibles from its organization. May 26, 1813, to May 8, 1913, a few days less than the full one hundred years. The closing lines of that volume are as follows :

"In futvro, the Author having promised the Centennial Committee this book for the celebration, it became necessary to close the forms on May 8th, consequently the history of the celebration must necessarily be omitted. It is hoped that some ambitious Feneible will cause to be written a full and detailed account of the same, which would be a very valuable supplement to this book. ' '

It was my intention, at the expiration of my commission as Captain and Adjutant, to sever connection with the Command and return to private life, but as has been the history of the world, unexpected events happen over night which change the career of men, the history of organizations and even the destiny of Nations; thus it was that immediately after the close of the exercises incident to the One Hundredth Anniversary of the State Fencibles, that Major Thurber T. Brazer, who had the honor to Command the Fencibles for twenty years, tendered his resignation to take effect at the expiration of his fourth commission, to wit, June 14, 1913, and at his suggestion tender of said office was made to me.

On June 23, 1913, the Board of Officers convened at the Armory, and the Author was unanimously elected Commandant with the rank of Major. The important duty of writing the history of the Command was also transferred to me, and the work, which I at one time had anticipated coming from the pen of another Feneible, I now find it my

INTRODUCTION . IX

duty to compile. Wliile, as I first stated, the purpose of tliis book is to perpetuate the events occurring during my six years in Command, nevertheless I feel that it is my duty to first complete the remaining portion of the administration of my predecessor, Major Brazer, and to perpetuate the history of tlie celebration of the One Hundredth Anniversary of the State Fencibles, an event which for splendor and hospitality has never been equaled in the history of the military events of the City of Philadelphia. One chapter of the book therefore, contains the arrangments for the Anniversary and the events which followed. The remaining portion is devoted to the events during the Author's command; years which are marked with joy, pleasure, turmoil, strife, sorrow and disappointments. Notwithstanding the fact that the State Fencibles had served its City, State and Nation for one hundred years, there yet remained persons of influence in the City of Philadelphia with patriotism so shallow, love for historic institutions so base, dislike for the State Fencibles so patent, that within a few months after the Author assumed Command an attempt was made to blot this organization from the pages of history.

Another portion is devoted to the formation of a regiment to join the Roosevelt Expedition and later a detailed account of the service rendered by the members of this Command during the World War, but I am revealing too much of the contents of this book ; read and be convinced, that, as it was written of the Fencibles of old, "Their valor was as keen as polished was their arms," and the modern day slogan, "Once a Fencible — always a Fencible," was very vividly exemplified during the past six years, and I am happy to say that our ancient motto, '^ Spectemur Agendo" has always been the guiding star, reminding us of the sacred trust committed to our care and admonishing us at all times to do greater and better things toward upholding the dignity, traditions and reputation of this Command.

The Author, therefore, respectfully submits the following pages without prejudice or apologies, of events from the Centennial Anniversary to the end of that great World War,

X . INTRODUCTIION

wherein we gave the best blood of this Command to perpetuate the ideals for which America stands before the world. And may I say of those brave lads who gave their lives :

' ' So may it be, perchance, when down the tide Our dear ones vanish. Peacefully they glide. On level seas, nor mark the unknown bound.

We call it death — to them 'tis life beyond."

These events are now history, "So that ye may read and learn," is the reason for this book.

*' The Author.''

Contents

HISTORY OF STATE FENCIBLES

Organization of State Feucibles— War of 1812— Trip to Boston— Buckshot War — Riots of 1844 — Mexican War — Civil War — Centennial Legion — Riots of 1877 — Organization of National Guards — Death of Major Ryan— Spanish-American War — Armory Dispute — Fcncibles, a Municipal Guard— Trolley Strike, I'JIO— Visit to Atlanta, Ga. — Visit to New Haven — Preparation for Centennial of Fencibles 1

CHAPTER 11-1913

CHAPTER II. Centennial Anniversary

organization of committees — invitations — newspaper accounts program of entertainment orders for parade

the arrival of visitors meeting at state house — address of hon. norris s. barratt visit to navy yard dinner at washington park the military pageant banquet vaudeville entertainment auto tour depar- TURE OF VISITORS — HARTFORD DAILY COURANt's COMMENT.

The question of the celebration of the One Hundredtli Anniversary of the State Fencibles necessarily occupied the attention of the Board of Officers for several years. An event of this magnitude required careful planning and much thought. Therefore, the matter was submitted to an advisory board to recommend such plans and suggest such arrangements as would be in keeping with the event.

The Board of Officers appointed Major Thurber T. Brazer, Captain and Adjutant Thomas S. Lanard, Captain and Commissary A. H. Burton, Captain and Surgeon Frank N. Greene of the Active Command and ]\Iajor Emanuel Furth and Captain Shaffer of the Old Guard as the committee.

The first public announcement of the celebration came on March 13, 1913, when the Mayor of the City of Philadelphia called together a citizens' committee to assist in the arrangements for this celebration.

The following is a copy of the notice sent to the members of that committee by the Mayor :

At the request of the Infantry Battalion and Old G'-nrd State Fencibles, I have the honor to name you as a memV)er of the Citizens' Committee of arrangement and reception incident to the celebration of the Centennial Anniversary of the State Fencibles on May 21st, 22d, 23d and 24th next.

IQ CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY 1913

It is anticipated that this occasion will be an interesting and historical incident of our municipal life, entertaining alike to our citizens and the many visitors likely to be here at that time.

A meeting of the Committee will be held at the office of the Mayor on Wednesday, the 12th day of March, 3:30 o'clock P. M., and you are earnestly requested to be present.

Rudolph Blankenburg, Mayor.

At the meeting on March 12th the IIoii. Rudolph Blankenburg was elected Honorary Chairman; Hon. George D. Porter, Chairman; Fred T. Chandler, Treasurer, and William F. Gleason, Esq., Secretary.

The official invitation was at once issued to all the leading ancient military commands in the thirteen original States. The following is a copy of the invitation :

The Infantry Battalion State Fencibles

The Old Guard

and

The Citizens' Committee of the City of Philadelphia Request

the honor of the presence of

To participate in celebrating the

Centennial of the State Fencibles

May twenty-first, twenty-second, twenty-third and twenty-fourth,

nineteen hundred and thirteen at Philadelphia, Penna.

Thurber T. Brazer,

Commanding, Infantry Battalioji State Fencibles. Emanuel Furth, Commanding, Old Guard.

Rudolph Blankenburg,

Mayor of the City of Philadelphia, Honorary Chairman.

William F. Gleason,

Secretary of Committee.

George D. Porter,

Chairman of Citizens' Committee.

The Citizens' Committee then considered it advisable to finance the celebration by popular subscription a; id caused the following notice to be sent to many of Philadelphia's business men and prominent citizens :

The Citizens' Committee of Arrangement and Reception for the celebration of the Centennial Anniversary of the Infantry Corps State

1913 APPEAL FOR SUBSCRIPTIONS— COMMITTEES IJ

Fencibles invito the co-operation of the citizens of Philadelphia in bringing the affair to a successful issue and conducting it in a manner commensurate with the dignity and proverbial hospitality of this City.

The celebration will be held during a period of four days, May 21st, 22d, 23d and 21th next, and will bring to the City, as its guests, many of the most prominent military organizations in the United States.

The grand military parade and the various ceremonies connected with the celebration, illustrative of the "Citizen Soldier" from the earliest Colonial period to the present day, will attract thousands of visitors and act as an inspiration to i)atriotisni and civic pride.

We are assured that the incidental expense will be borne by the voluntary contriljutions of public-spirited citizcny. We respectfully suggest that you fill out the enclosed subscription blank, sending same to the Treasurer of the Committee at your earliest convenience, and thus aid the Committee in its patriotic undertaking. Very truly yours,

George D. Porter,

Chairman.

William F. Qleason,

Secretary.

Fred T. Chandler,

Treasurer.

Rudolph Blankenburg, Honorary Chairman.

During the month of March a meetinp: was held at the Armory of the active members and the Old Guard, and the plan for celebrating the Centennial was made known. During the evening, speeches were made by Hon. James E. Cattel, William F. Gleason, Esq. ; Major Emanuel Furth and Captain Thomas S. Lanard. A similar meeting was held in April at which George W. Carr, Esq., addressed the Command on the subject of the ''Citizen Soldier."

The first newspaper notice of any importance regarding the celebration was the Philadelphia Press of March 17th :

The Ancient and Honorable Artillery, Governors' Guards, Richmond Blues and other liistoric military organizations of all the thirteen original states are to be invited to participate in the Centennial celebration of the Infantry Battalion of the State Fencibles, May 21, 22, 23 and 24, according to plan adopted at a meeting held yesterday in the Mayor's office.

The historic military guests are to parade with all the trappings of shining brass and waving plumes, which distinguish their uniforms from the ordinary, and the Old Guard of the Fencibles is to don uniforms, which will represent the evolution from the days of the "War of 1812 and the War with Mexico, and there are to be bands, celebrated throughout the land, and a half -week of military tactics and revelry and sociability.

The Citizens ' Committee, in charge, at its meeting yesterday adopted a tentative program providing for a reception on May 21st, a boat ride, shad dinner on the 22d, a parade and a banquet on the 23d and exercises at Independence Hall and a sightseeing trip on the 24th.

On April 5tli Captain and Adjutant Thomas S. Lanard was ordered to proceed to Atlanta, Charlotte, Danville, Richmond and Norfolk to assist the various commands in perfecting their arrangements to visit Philadelphia in May ; accordingly, on said day, he left the City and returned on April 14th, having received much encouragement from the Gate City Guard of Atlanta, Ga., who were the guests of the Fencibles in 1879 and who entertained the Fencibles in Atlanta in 1911; also from the Richmond Blues and Howitzers, and many other commands which contemplated visiting the city during the celebration.

The Record of April 20th, 1913, said:

The Centennial Anniversary of the Infantry Battalion State Fencibles in this City on May 21st, 22d, 23d and 24th promises to be the most interesting local event of recent years. With the exception of the First City Troop, the Fencibles is the only local command that has preserved its individuality for a century, and in the celebration of that fact the most famous organizations of the country will participate. The Old Guard of the Fencibles, under Commander Furth, will wear the original uniforms of 1813, and the Battalion under Major Brazer will wear the famous red uniform and bearskin shako.

Invitations were sent to the following commands of the Centennial Legion formed in 1876, in v/hich the Fencibles was the Pennsylvania representative : Fayetteville Light Infantry, N. C, 1793; Boston Light Infantry, Mass., 1790; Washington Light Infantry, S. C, 1807; New Haven Grays, Conn., 1816; Providence Light Infantry, R. I.. 1818; Old Guard, N. Y., 1826; Norfolk Light Infantry, Va., 1828; Clinch Rifles, Ga., 1852; Amosl^eag Veterans, N. H., 1854; Fifth Maryland Infantry, 1856 ; Phil Kearney Guards, N. J., 1868; American Rifles, Del., 1875.

^^13 VISITING COMMANDS— PROGRAMME jg

Favorable responses were received from many of the above and most of them expected to participate. In addition to the Legion, there were invited and expected to attend the famous Ancient and Honorable Artillery of Boston, which in June of 1914 celebrated its Two Hundred and Seventy-fifth Anniversary; the Second Company Governor's P^ot Guard of Hartford, organized in 1771, and whose first captain was Benedict Arnold, with whom thev stormed the Heights of Abraham at Quebec; the Putnam Phalanx of Hartford, in Continental uniform; the Richmond Howitzers and Richmond Blues; the famous Gate City Guard of Atlanta, the National Lancers of Boston, the Boston Tigers, the Detroit Light Infantry, Albany Burgess Corps of Albany and many others, including two commands of the New Jersey National Guards, and a battalion from the famous Seventh Regiment of New York.

The appeal for funds to entertain the visiting conmiands having met with hearty response, from patriotic citizens anxious to maintain Philadelphia's reputation for hospitality, the Advisory Board then announced the followijig program for the celebration of the Centennial :

May 21st, 8:30 P. M.— Reception uud dance at the Armory. May 22d, 2:00 P. M.— Exercises at State House.

4:30 P. M.— Boat ride down the Delaware River. 5:00 P. M.— Visit to League Island. 6:00 P. M.— Shad dinner at W'ashington Park. 8:00 P. M. — Entertainment at the park. 11:00 P. M.— Return to Philadelphia.

May 23d, 2:00 P. M.-Paradc on Broad Street. Starting Girard Avenue and proceeding south to Washington Avenue. 6:00 P. M.— Banquet of all the visiting commands at

Bellevue-Stratford. 8:00 P. M.— Entertainment.

May 24th, 9:30 A. M.-Automobile sightseeing tour of City for aU visiting commands. 12:00 Noon — Luncheon at Armory. 2:00 P. M.— Departure of visiting commands.

On May 17, 1913, Councils of the City of Philadelphia passed the following resolutions in relation to the celebration of the Centennial Anniversary of the State Fencibles :

Whereas, The Centennial Anniversary of the State Fencibles of Philadelphia will be observed by elaborate ceremonies extending from May 21st to May 24tli, inclusive, in which ceremonies representatives of the Citizen Soldiery of the thirteen original States will participate;

And Whereas, One of the features of the celebration will be a patriotic meeting in Independence Square, which will be of national as well as civic significance.

Besolved, By the Select and Common Councils of the City of Philadelphia, That permission be hereby granted for the use of Independence Square on Thursday, May 22d, for a patriotic meeting to be conducted under the direction of the Citizens' Committee of the Centennial Anniversary of the State Fencibles of Philadelphia.

Besolved, That the officials and citizens of the City of Philadelphia be requested to decorate the buildings along the line of the parades with the National and City colors and to co-operate in the exercises that will be conducted during the coming week.

Besolved, That all employers of members of the National Guard of Pennsylvania and of members of the State Fencibles be requested to relieve such employees from duty on Friday afternoon. May 23d.

''Penn" in the Evening Bulletin of May 16, 1913, said, inter alia, of the One Hundredth Anniversary of the Fencibles :

There was a long time when it was common in Philadelphia for the members of the militia to be organized into a regiment, a corps or a battalion or something like a separate or independent footing as distinguished from other militia bodies. It would have its own flag or insignia, its own uniform and its own distinctive name. Often the name produced a peculiarly symbolic effect in the sense of loyalty among the members of the body; in numerous bodies it was something akin to an inspiration, and it served to give the men who marched under it a distinction or identity in the public eye. ***** But today there are only two bodies left that are active and retain this sort of parlance in their official designation, the City TroofH and the State Fencibles.

Next week the State Fencibles will commemorate in a variety of oldfashioned ceremonies and exercises the Centenary of their existence. Only the First and Second Troops antedate them in their origin, and in point of the continuity of their existence, they are far older than any other military body now in existence in Philadelphia. They have

1913 NEWSPAPER COMMENT 21

undergone much of the sort of a change which has marked, in some degree, the spirit of the service of every organization under the influence of the latter-day conceptions of the National Guard and its requirements. But they preserve so far as they can their old traditions; they are very proud of their name, and while the active part of the organization is now made up chiefly of young men, the veterans have an "Old Guard" which is faithful to the memories of its forbears. *****

We have more than once had occasion to speak of the Fencibles and what they have been in the City's history. They are one of the very few infantry bodies in the United States that have some relation, collectively or individually, to all four of the chief American wars of the nineteenth century. In the affairs of Philadelphia they did much to exemplify the spirit of a democratic militia, in which men touched arms with another on the common ground of respect for their manhood, their military instinct and their fellowship as defenders of their community, whether they might be conspicuous or ordinary as citizens. One of the most notable of them in the entire career of the organization was Colonel James Page. For much more than a generation he was their Captain ; they were often called ' ' Page 's Fencibles, ' ' and it was through him more than any other one man that they gained their peculiar place in the goodwill of the public. There were other battalions or corps that also took the name of Fencibles, but they were short-lived, falling far below the standard which the Commander of the Fencibles held before them not so much as if they were to be compared with regulars, but largely as loyal Philadelphians ever ready to defend the City and the State, and yet not insensible to those delights of comradeship which made the old Militia much more of a popular social force in the community at largo than it now is. * « * * A later Commander was also well-known, although in a different way, to Philadelphia, Major John W. Ryan. In the 70 's and 80 's he brought the Fencibles to a high degree of proficiency. Everybody knew him in public places and in the Post Office when it was on Chestnut Street below Fifth, the capacious news and periodical stand which he kept within the lobby of the building seemed to make him almost as important as the Postmaster himself. But he was also a patient, hardy drillmaster and disciplinarian, his powerful voice, when he warmed up, could easily be heard a square away, and his massive dark mustache were formidable as military adornments. I have often seen him with the Fencibles on pleasant evenings in Independence Square when the Square still had the graveled walks and grass plots, and when Commissioner Dixey and Councils permitted him to use it as a drill ground, the trees giving the Commander and his men a fine chance for operations in deploying and skirmishing. But there was no military sight at that time, and for a number of years afterward, which was more thrilling and spectacular in its pomp and circumstance, than the Major at the head of the

Corps coming down Chestnut Street, all of them blazing in scarlet, the big shakos capping them with warrior-like grandeur, the flags a flying and Ben McClurg's Silver Liberty Cornet Band ringing out sonorous with the superb crashing of its martial music.

May the Old Guard and their comrades swing along Broad Street next week amidst not less of the spirit-stirring cheer of their fellow citizens.

The Committee on arrangements having selected as Grand Marshal General James B. Coryell, who was during the Spanish- American War in command of the Sixth Pennsylvania Regiment Volunteers, to which the Fencibles were attached, he issued the order for parade.

Philadelphia, May 21, 1913.

Orders No. 1,

Having been appointed Grand Marshal of the military parade in commemoration of the Centennial of the State Fencibles, Friday, May 23d, 1913, I hereby assume command and the following appointments are announced:

Chief of Staff, Major Louis L. Tafel; Staff, Colonel Harry C. Trexler, Colonel C. T. O'Neill, Colonel Howard S. Williams, Colonel Walter T. Bradley, Colonel Warner Hutchins, Colonel Lewis E. Beitler, Colonel Benjamin Wolf, Colonel Fred Taylor Pusey, Colonel J. B. Hutchinson, Major E. Claude Goddard, Major William J. Schenfelter, Major Robert M. Brookfiold, Major Jolm T. Duffey, Captain Lewis H. Schmidt.

FORMATION.

2. The Staff will report, mounted, to the Chief of Staff at the Second Regiment Armory, at 2 o 'clock P. M., on the day of the parade in fulldress imiform, white gloves.

The Commands participating in the parade will form as follows:

Chief Marshal.

Battalion of Marines, U. S. N.

Band.

Provisional War Strength Regiment, N. G. P.

Division 2.

Assistant Marshal.

Staff.

Band.

Infantry Battalion State Fenci})les.

Band.

Old Guard State Fencibles.

1913 ORDERS FOR PARADE 23

Anfiont and II()m)r:ilil(' Artillery C<inipany of Massachusetts.

Band.

Now Haven Grays.

Old Guard ctf Gate City Guard of Atlanta, Georgia.

Band.

Old Guard Second Regiment, N. G. P.

Band.

Putnam Phalanx of ITartford.

Band.

Morris Guards of Atlantic City.

Band.

The Infantry Corps of National Guards.

Line of March.

;>. The parade will move promptly at 3 o'clock P. M. south on Broad Street fiom Columbia Avenue to Federal Street.

Review.

4. The review will take place directly opposite the State Fencibles' Armory, Broad Street below Race Street.

5. The Grand Marsluil will dismiss the parade at Broad and Federal Streets.

Formation of Line.

G. The various Commands participating in the above parade will report promptly at 2:30 P. M. as follows:

Battalion of Marines, U. S. N., on west side of Broad Street, with right resting on Diamond Street.

The Provisional Regiment, N. G. P., on west side of Broad Street, with right resting on Diamond Street.

Infantry Battalion State Fencibles, Old Guard State Fencibles, Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company, New Haven Grays, on Berks Street, with right resting on east side of Broad in order as above.

Gate City Guard, Old Guard Second Regiment, Putnam Phalanx, Alorris Guards and Infantry Corps National Guards on Montgomery Avenue, with right resting on east side of Broad in order as above.

All representatives of Commands not above assigned will report to the Major of the Old Guard of the Fencibles at its place of formation.

By command of

Gen. James B. Coryell, Grand Marshal.

Major Louis L. Tafel,

Chief of Staff.

All arrangements having been completed the Command anxiously awaited the date for the opening of the celebration.

The first event was on Wednesday evening, the military reception tendered to the citizens of Philadelphia and visiting commands by the Infantry Battalion and Old Guard State Fencibles at the Armory, Broad and Race Streets. The committee for this reception was Captain Edward L. Lanneau, Captain Edwin John Prittie, Lieutenant Montraville H. Smith, Jr., Lieutenant Henry L. Woodland and Sergeant-Major Henry T. Porter.

This affair was a brilliant success. The Armory was crowded to its capacity. Many visitors having reached the City ahead of their commands were present.

Thursday morning was devoted to the reception of the different commands as they arrived at Broad Street Station, the Battalion, the Old Guard and the band acting as escort to their various hotels.

At 2 :30 P. M. all the visiting Commands assembled at the Hotel Walton and thence proceeded up Broad Street to Chestnut to Independence Hall.

Among the Commands to arrive early were the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Boston, Mass. ; New Haven Grays; the Gate City Guard of Atlanta, Ga. ; Putnam Phalanx of Hartford, the Morris Guards of Atlantic City, and delegations of the Duquesne Grays of Pittsburg, the Varnum Continentals, the Albany Burgess Corps, the Old Guard of New York, the Washington Infantry of Pittsburg, the Fifth Maryland and the Richmond Blues.

The exercises and reception in Independence Square were held at 3 :30 P. M.

The day was not very clear and just before the exercises began, rain started to fall. The Chairman deemed it advisable to curtail somewhat the program at this point, so after the music by the band and a few introductory remarks by Major Thurber T. Brazer, the Honorable Norris S. Barratt delivered the principal address, which was in part as follows :

1913 ADDRESS OF HON. NORRIS S. BARRATT

My Fellow Couiitrymcii :

Philadelphia on this beautiful sprin«r day, when all nature renews lier joy in life, welcomes back to the old home of the Declaration and the Constitution the Citizen Soldiers from the thirteen original States, which made, through their loyalty and single-hearted devotion, the birth of the Declaration and Constitution a possibility, and the Society of Colonial Wars, the Pennsylvania Society Sons of the Revolution and the Society of the War of 1812, are here to do you honor * * * * *

Philadelphia, which now welcomes you, stands for two great principles which we now believe must prevail everywhere if the Republic founded long ago is to continue and realize the dreams of the founder. These principles are: first, that to develop a good citizenship there must be encouraged a conservation of home life, because with it the home self-control is taught; that self-control must take the place in later years of outworn European State control. *****

The srcond great principle which is the foundation stone of the Republic is that the American must be a producer as well as a consumer. Grateful for the bounty of God in wonderful crops, and in a great dower of mineral resources, this gratitude, in our opinion, is best shown when man utilizes every faculty, mental, moral and physical, to add new value through his handiwork to the gifts of God. *****

Here in Independence Hall, by our dearly loved Liberty Bell, it is unnecessary for me to refer to Philadelphia's love of country, or to assure you who stand as representatives of that class in each community which hold something dearer than life, men who represent the citizens and soldiers of the land, it is unnecessary for me to remind you of Philadelphia's past welcome to the soldiers of the Republic, or to assure you that from every Philadelphia heart there goes out to you a welcome, warm, sincere, inexpressively deep, and that in no part of the Republic is there held in higher esteem the profession of arms, because in no part of the Republic is it more clearly realized that preparation of war is proclamation of peace.

No more appropriate place in the entire country than Independence Hall could be found for a gathering of citizen soldiers, and no more appropriate time than the celebration of the One Hundredth Anniversary of the State Fencibles that has preserved its identity since the stirring days of 1812, during which period we achieved finally the right to maintain an independent nationality. The British threatened our City in the Spring of 1813. We were practically defenseless, our regular troops having been sent to the West, when Commodore Beresford of the British Navy appeared off the Delaware Capes. The town of Lewes, Delaware, was at his mercy, and there was nothing to prevent his proceeding to Philadelphia. In this great emergency Captain Clement C. Biddle formed the State Fencibles, whose Centennial Anniversary we are celebrating today. *****