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April 20, 1917, 
Tur Granp Army oF THE REPUBLIC and their auxil- 
lary associations have been holding their annual encamp- 
ments in the City of Boston. The event this year was 
interesting, particularly because of the enthusiasm created 
by the war, the stand of colors presented by the Governor 
and the legislature, the plans for the coming national 
encampment in August and to the North Shore organiza- 
tions because of the promotion of a Manchester comrade 
to the position of Senior Vice Commander. In the course 
of time Mr. Stanley will be advanced and will become the 
department commander of the State of Massachusetts. 
The G. A. R. have and still hold. a worthy place in the 
annals of our national life, and while the Great War has 
already overshadowed that conflict by its greatness noth- 
ing can ever detract from the honor of the men of 1861-65. 
It was the service given by these loyal men then that has 
made it possible for this continent to preserve the peace 
so long on this continent and in time of war now, to 
present a unified nation to meet the attacks of an alien 
enemy. The years only increase the honor that is due 
these men for the service they gave. 
BSS 
Parriot’s Day Was CELEBRATED yesterday with a 
spirit and enthusiasm that has been unknown since the 
day was made a holiday. The observance of the anni- 
versary of the First Battle of the Revolution has followed 
the declaration of war by our country on Germany. Our 
Fathers protested against the aggressions upon their lib- 
erties as freemen and revolted. Germany has violated 
the rights and liberties of humanity the world over and 
America has protested. The spirit of two conquests are 
worthy of the best traditions of our nation. Orators of 
the day seized the occasion with enthusiasm and the com- 
mittees on public safety, the state over, have used the 
strategic holiday with clear visions of the psychological 
opportunities of the hour. Patriot’s Day, 1917, will long 
be remembered. 
SS S& 
Tue INIrrArivE AND REFERENDUM contest, precipti- 
tated by a union of progressive workers, seems to have 
lost much of its punch. The radicals lost heavily at the 
primary elections and the conservative party without much 
effort has been able to nominate a reasonable number of 
delegates. There is a growing feeling on the part ot 
many who believe in the Initiative and Referendum as a 
principle who object, thoroughly to the amendment as 
drafted by the radicals. There are others who feel that 
despite the advantages of the Initiative and Referendum, 
this is not the time for radical government changes. It 
is evident, however, that the Initiative and Referendum 
propaganda has not been making the progress expected. 
BES 
Sprinc Has Come! The week has been welcore,— 
a delight to all who are glad to bid farewell to the winter 
of 1916-17. The fields have been or are being ploughed 
and the long dark furrows lay over under a warm sun 
awaiting the spring sower. The householders have been 
enticed out of doors by pleasant and warmer weather and 
the coal and snow shovels are being displaced for rake and 
spade and wheelbarrow. The coal bin, low, tells the 
story of a hard fight with the elements, but the warm 
April sun and pickers afield for greens tell another story 
of springs awakening. Spring is not coming, it is here. 
EEE 
Present Witson Has Maps a patriotic appeal to 
southern planters to plant a mixed crop and makes this 
purpose a real test of patriotism and loyalty. The plant- 
ing of a single crop has long been a menace to the south 
and it may be that the great world war will arouse the 
south and by a new plan of service not only increase the 
supply of food stuffs for the world’s market, but teach 
the south a new way to prosperity and success. 
NER lettews.L) R Bee Ron Ae 9 
Presipent Tarr and the Republican leaders of his 
day endeavored to obtain a sane reciprocity agreement 
with Canada which would make it possible for the two 
countries to trade upon a more equitable and profitable 
basis for both partners. The Reciprocity Act as drafted 
passed through the necessary stages in America, but it 
was rejected by Canada and the plans failed; reciprocity 
was laid aside for the while. But what peace and the 
pursuits of peace could not accomplish the stress of -war 
days has made apparent. Now it is proposed that Canada 
and the United States enter into a reciprocity agreement 
on grain and flour. While Canada’s activity is inspired 
by the fact that the two nations are now allies and while 
the amount of grain is as short there as in America this 
move'nent shows that when America again suggests recti- 
procity on a large scale that it will be accepted and not 
rejected by our neighbor. 
SSeS 
Tue PresipENt HAs ANNOUNCED through another 
proclamation the attitude of the national government to 
ward aliens who plot against the government in any way. 
The position of the nation as a neutral made bomb plots 
possible and punishable with unreasonably light sentences. 
The war condition opens another line of actions. Viola- 
tions of neutrality then, are acts of treason now. The 
aliens who are within the United States border have 
nothing to fear if they go about their business discreetly 
and loyally to the government, but violations will be 
treated severely. Treason is a serious matter. 
SESS 
GERMANY Has Been Laytnc her diplomatic plans 
with a shrewdness that has been amazing. It cannot be 
that the deliberate attacks made upon our ships have been 
rade without planning. Germany has probably become 
convinced of the hopelessness of the task ahead and has 
deliberately planned to draw this Government into the 
fray in order to secure better terms of peace when the 
council of nations is called. It is easily seen that the Ger- 
man nation would have an easier time in wresting terms 
with our representative on the council board. 
Tuts Part oF New ENGLAND has at least received 
an awakening that was surprising. The ship building 1n- 
dustries along the entire coast are going through a busi- 
ness revival that could not have been foreseen five years 
ago. Essex. Fore River, Gloucester and Newburyport 
are now broadening their nlans for future operations and 
the industrv is now fully launched upon ten years of un- 
precedented progress. _ 
BES 
Tt Cannot Now Br Anytutne but an acknowledg- 
ment of weakness on the part of the German military 
authorities as the retreat began some weeks ago is con- 
tinued dav after day. If the Germans have a trap to lead 
the allies into. the shrewd officers of the allies will be on 
guard, Tt looks very much as though Germany were al- 
ready defeated. 
ms eS 
Apri, 19 Is Usuauiy the one day in all the year 
when the country estates are opened and leases made for 
the summer. Most of the houses along the Shore are now 
rented, but a few desirable opportunities are unexpectedly 
opened. Another week should see most of the summer 
rental arrangements closed for the season. 
ao 
Amateur GARDENERS, for the first. time, this year, 
will do well to consult someone who has experience over 
a long period of years. Profit by the advice of others. 
The amateur always makes the mistake of trying to raise 
too manv kinds. It will be a better policy for all to select 
a few of the vegetables that are successfully raised where 
the amateur may happen to live and care for them. 
