Good Old Days – 04-25-14

Compiled By The Sidney Sun-Telegraph Staff

These stories from the past first appeared in The Sidney Telegraph. Original writing is preserved, though some stories were shortened for space reasons.

100 YEARS AGO

April 25, 1914

'War With Mexico'

The inevitable has happened and the United States has clashed with Mexico. No one can foresee with any certainty how long the conflict will last or what it will cost in life and treasure. At the present time our regular army numbers approximately 85,000 men, which the president has authority to increase to 100,000. Then there is the state militia that would be available for frontier duty. Military authorities invasion of Mexico perhaps a quarter of a million men would be required. That such a force could be promptly raised in response to a call by the government for volunteers is assured but volunteers to be of value must be well equipped and receive some drilling and discipline.

The Government is not now provided with arms and ammunition for a large military force and the task of preparing men for active service cannot be accomplished in a day.

No greater mistake could be made than to assume that an American army would sweep through Mexico like a whirlwind, carrying everything before it without encountering and checks. The Mexican solders are not great fighters. Yet their courage and fortitude is not to be reckoned to lightly and inspired with the patriotic thought of defending their native land against an invader they would be led to believe meant to permanently occupy that land they would fight with all the bravery and enthusiasm of which they are capable. Our war with Mexico is 1846 lasted tow years and some sanguinary battles were fought. There is no doubt that Mexico is as well able now as then to maintain a conflict that length of time or longer and to inflict upon an enemy some heavy blows. Of course the United States will conquer, but it is foolish to imagine, as some ardent jingoes seem to do, that the task will be little more than a holiday diversion.

From every point of view war is to be deplored. It can be justified only under the most aggravating circumstances. That such circumstances warranted aggressive action on the part of the United States appears yo be the very general opinion. But let us look calmly and dispassionately at the grim possibilities and consider the tragic consequences inevitable from such a conflict.

75 years ago

April 25, 1939

'Clean-up Campaign Underway In Sidney'

General property clean-up week was instituted in Sidney this week, with cooperation of the street department. Those who cleaned up rubbish and trash and placed it in the alley will have it hauled to the city dump free of charge by the street department trucks. Only provision added to the offer was that no ashes be hauled. As a result of the city's offer, many property owners spent the first three days of the week giving their yards a thorough manicuring.

50 YEARS AGO

April 25, 1964

'First Christians Vote To Build'

The congregation of The First Christian Church voted decisively on Sunday to take the first steps towards the construction the construction of a new church edifice. The church members present for the meeting voted 65 to 27 favoring the purchase of three acres of land in the Grabill Addition, south of Legion Park. The vote also gave approval to planning for the type of church desired and for the methods of raising money with which to build it.

A part of the present church, located at 13th and Jackson, is 50 years old. An addition was constructed in 1928. Arrangements for the purchase of the land and the new church building are under the direction of the expansion committee of the church, of which LaVern Couch is chairman. Other members are Clarence Couch, Francis Butterfield, Earl Bledsoe, Vernon Walker and Jack R. Knicely, acting chairman of the church board.

25 YEARS AGO

April 24, 1989

'Turkey season underway in state '

Lincoln, Firearm turkey hunting is set to begin most Nebraska Units, and Nebraska Game and Parks Commissions Conservation Officers report flocks are beginning to break up. All firearm units except the Verdigre Late Unit begin action on April 15 and run through May 14. The Verdigre Late Unit opens April 24 and closes May 14.

Commission biologists are expecting another record harvest, as turkey populations are estimated to be up. According to staff recommendations presented to Commissioners at the January, The Southwest Unit has had a considerable expansion of turkey numbers.

10 YEARS AGO

April 10, 2004

'Public Is Encouraged To Participate During Sexual Assault Awareness Month'

April is designated as Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

In conjunction, the Cheyenne County Doves program is sponsoring activities to get the public informed and involved in raising community awareness about sexual assault. "Sexual assault is something that effects everyone," said Carley Lafler, coordinator of the county Doves program. "According to statistics one in four women and one in 33 men in their lifetime will be sexually assaulted. So odds are it will touch a person in our community and someone you may know. It's important to be familiar with it."

According to the Nebraska Domestic Violence Sexual Assault Coalition, sexual assault is defined as forced, manipulated or coerced sexual contact. Such an act can include rape, same-sex assault, child sexual assault, harassment and acquaintance and marital rape. A perpetrator uses sex to inflict physical/emotional violence and humiliation or to exert power and control over a victim. Men most commonly perpetrate sexual assaults. " I hope through the programs people will learn more information about sexual assault so its not such a taboo subject," Lafler said. "As well as what resources and assistance are out there if they need more information or are sexually assaulted."

In observance of Sexual Assault Awareness Month the public is encouraged to take part in various events through-out April.

If you or someone you know thinks they may have been a victim of sexual assault call the Doves hotline at 1-800-876-6238 to be put in touch with a Sidney advocate or 911 if an emergency.