The Kiwanis Club had a treat last night in the appearance here of General A.J. Bowley, Commandant of Fort Bragg, who from the top of his head to the end of his toes is a red-blooded American, and believes in the perpetuation of American institutions and the development of her people.
If he had his way he would allow nothing to interfere with the progress and greatness of America, and would make her institutions living epistles and examples that all nations who run might read, and learn from the patriotism of our people which he characterized as the foundation of our country’s glory and greatness.
General Bowley, recalling the publication of some of his utterances at Chapel Hill, requested the newspaper men present not to report that part of his speech in which he called attention to the dangers menacing this country, but his operations which at times were sublime appealed to the best in one and made us proud of America, and all under the sound of his voice had their sensibilities quickened, and he was compelled to pause at intervals as the applause from the members greeted his stirring words.
One thing the General said however in complimenting the Kiwanians we should think long and seriously over, is the physical development of our children. He made the amazing statement that 40 per cent of the men from North Carolina applying for entrance into the army are rejected because of physical imperfections. He said the following statement of Mr. W.A. Lucas, chairman of the committee that 500 citizens had signed the petition authorizing the issuance of $35,000 in bonds to equip the High School gymnasium, and add sufficient playground sin rear of the school, the vote to occur in Wilson township May the 27th.
The meeting was largely attended. In addition to the General, there were two other military men present, Lieutenant Gervais and Beck, who command the military contingent here form Camp Bragg, engaged in securing recruits for the army.
The General remarked that their appearance, together with his, was a mere coincidence, for he did not think it was necessary to bring a body guard along to protect him in Wilson, for he was sure he was in the house of his friends. He also complimented the newspaper men present, saying that he believed that he could trust them to keep certain parts of his speech out of their papers. The meeting was called to order by Dr. Wade Anderson, who as president of the club, was called on different members to introduce their guests.
Mr. Albert Oettinger presented Mr. Stafford Patterson who made a very happy hit with the Kiwanians. Dr. Arthur Ruffin presented Mr. C.D. Diggs with the Blythe Motor Company. Mr. Diggs thanked the Kiwanians for the pleasure at being with them, and for the kindness and consideration that had been shown his company and the patronage extended it, since it located in this city. He said that it stood ready to serve the people of Wilson at all times.
Dr. Dew presented Mr. George Warren, who spoke of the pleasure of being with the Kiwanians, and extended an invitation for them to see the Larro picture immediately after the club meeting. Mr. Carl Capps presented his guest, Dr. Erick Bell, a leading physician of the city and President of the Lion’s Club. Dr. Bell spoke of the splendid work of the Kiwanians and the aims of the Lion’s Club in community development.
Dr. Wade Anderson presented the two Lieutenants who gave a very interesting talk on camp life, and the purpose of the expedition. They referred to the solicitation felt by the parents at home for their boys in the service.
Then came the splendid introduction of General Bowley by Dr. C.A. Woodard, which was gem of rhetoric and a fine expression of appreciation at the presence of the distinguished Commandant of Fort Bragg.
Dr. Woodard said in part that in these days of graft and inefficiency in our government, it is a real pleasure to have with us an outstanding figure of a real red-blooded American who dares to call attention to conditions and situations that menace the nation and its progress. He then presented General Bowley.
From page 5 of the Wilson Times, April 15, 1924
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