The weekly times-record. (Valley City, N.D.) 1912-1922, 1914-08-20
Solemn Warning to Peo'
ple to Remain Unbiased in
Thought as Well as Action

Washington D. C., Aug l9.-Addressing the American
people, President Wilson issued statement in connection with
the European war; warning the citizens of the United States
against that deepest subtle and essential breach of
neutrality which may spring out of parsonshp out of pas
sonaey taking Sides
The presidents statement says Il suppose that every
thoughtful America has asked himself during the last
troubled weeks what influence the European may
upon the United States and take the liberty of addressing
few words you order point out that it is entirely within
choice what its effects upon will be and to urge
earnestly upon you the sort Of speech and conduct which
will best safeguard the nation against distress and disaster
The effect of the upon the United States will de-
pend upon what American citizens say and do Every
who really loves America will and speak the pure spirit
of neutrality which the spirit of mpartaly and fairness and
friendnes all concerned The spirit of the nation in this
critical matter will be determined largely by what individuals
and society," and those gathered in public meetings do and say
upon what newspapers and magazines contain upon what
ministers utter in their pupits and proclaim their opn
ions on the Streets
The people of the United States are drawn from many
tons and chiefly from the nations 1t is natural
and inevitable that there should be the variety of sym
pahy with regard the issues and circumstances of the
ict Some will wish nation, others another succeed in
the momentous struggle
1T will be easy to excite passion and difficult ally it,
Those responsible for exciting will heavy respon
sby for no less thing than that the people of the United
States whose love of their country and whose loyalty to its
government should unite them Americans all bound in hon
or affection think first of her and her interests may be
divided into camps Of hostile opinions hot against each other
involved the itself impulse and opinion, if not in
action Such diversions amongst would be fatal to peace
of mind and might seriously stand in the way of the proper
performance of duty the great nation peace, the
people holding itself ready play part of impartial med
alton and speak counses of peace and accommodation
partison but friend
81 venture therefore, my fellow eountryn1en, speak
solemn word Of warning to you against that deepest,
subtle essential breach of neutrality which may spring
of parisansp out of passionatey taking Sides The
United States be neutra! in fact we'll during
these days that try mems souls We be impartial
in thought well in action, put curb upon
nents well upon every transaction that might be
sed preference Of party the struggle before an
other
"My thought is for America. | am speaking feel sure,
the earnest wish and purpose Of every thoughtful American
that this great country of ours which of course the first
thoughts and hearts, should show herself in this
time of peculiar trial nation fit beyond others exhibit the
fine pose of undsurbed Judgment the dignity of self control
the efficiency of dspassonate action nation that neither sits
in judgment upon others disturbed in her corsels and
which keeps herself fit and free do what honest and truly
serviceable for the peace of the world.
Shall not resolve put upon ourselves the restraint
which will bring people the happiness and the great and
lasting influence for peace we covet for them?'