From Days Gone By June 16, 1917

June 16, 1917.

    A thousand people saw the mass meeting program at the court house carried out, the auditorium being packed all through the two hours' session. Profuse decorations of flags, flowers and bunting adorned the furniture and walls and the sweetest music wafted on the gentle breezes the spirit of true patriotism until the most unaffectedly inclined listener was moved by its majestic power.

    Presiding over the meeting was Editor Charles D. Roundtree as Master of Ceremonies who directed the program. Rev. Reese Griffin offered prayer just after the first song, "America". Honorable W. C. Brinson explained the object of the meeting. This was followed by the "Star Spangled Banner."

    The two orators of the occasion were Honorable Ben Hill Moye and Honorable William Faircloth, two of the county's most prominent citizens and attorney's. Col. Moye's address outlined the causes of the war, explained the system of registration an appealed to every one in the age limit to register, recited incidents of history touching the situation and concluded by relating the work of the ladies and the duty of the men in the present crisis. His speech was one of the best and well received.

    Judge Faircloth touched the feelings of every person present. He appealed to their better judgement, outlined the duty of everyone from a patriotic standpoint, asked those unable to do war service to serve their country at home by raising food for soldiers, pathetically touched his large audience with the spirit of the hour until many mothers and fathers were drying their eyes and closed the excellent address with the most affecting words.

    After the speaking the Benediction was read by Rev. J. Calla Midyett. Sheriff Willis D. Rowland and the other Board of Registrars requested the various registrars of the county to remain over to get a further incite into how to manipulate the registration.

    All men in the county in the age range marched to their precenicts on the 5th and registered. There was no disturbances anywhere in the county and the day passed off orderly. It is thought and believed there was not a slacker to be found in the county. There were 1262 registered in the county, of this number there were 658 whites and 604 blacks.