The Dispatch, Lexington, NC.
Wednesday, April 17, 1918   [Transcript created from original article]

“GREAT CROWD SEES CHAPLIN”
Million Dollar Movie Actor Draws Thousands Here – Engaged on Serious Business He Says

The largest crowd that has gathered in Lexington in a long time was here Last Saturday afternoon to see Charles Chaplin, the world famous million dollar moving picture comedy actor, who spoke here on the Third Liberty Loan. There was no hint of the funny walk, the funny mustache and the fancy little tricks that has [sic] endeared him to every boy’s heart in the land in the appearance of Mr. Chaplin here. Of course the small boys crowded until it took the assistance of police officers for him to get from the hotel to speakers stand, but he favored them only by a funny toss of the hat. 

Mr. Chaplin was brought here from Winston-Salem by automobile by the local loan committee. Mr. G. W. Mountcastle, Chairman. Arriving earlier than scheduled, Mr. Chaplin went to the March Hotel and secured a short nap before going to the speakers stand on court square. Chairman Mountcastle presented Mr. Chas. Lapworth, formerly associate editor of the London Daily Mail, who spoke briefly on the war. Mr. Lapworth is a native of the same English county as are Messrs. Geo. And Fred Hackney of this place, and attended the same school. Mr. Lapworth then introduced Mr. Chaplin. 

The famous a actor spoke with earnestness for fifteen minutes, urging the people to come forward freely and purchase Liberty Bonds, so that the government might never have to resort to the expediency of securing the coin by sterner methods. When pressed to do some funn y stunts, he replied that it is serious business we are now engaged upon. Mr. Murphy, of the United States government, also spoke briefly. 

Many people crowded around Mr. Chaplin at the end of his speech with signed checks for the purchase of Liberty Bonds and he was kept busy autographing these checks until time for him to leave for Salisbury. Lexington is the smallest town in which Mr. Chaplin will speak on his tour from Washington to Denver, Col., where he winds up on May 4th. He is a bright and alert man of small stature, weighing 115 pounds. Monday was his 29th birthday.