The Democratic banner. (Mt. Vernon, Ohio) 1898-192?, 1916-03-17
Of President Wilson For A
Second Term
"If Washington We're PrGSi-
dent His Subject

Startling analogies were drawn by
DR.. William Foster Peirce ih his lee
ture at the library Wednesday night
on "If Washington Were President"
between conditions that obtained dur.
ing the two presidential terms of the
Father of His Country" and circum-
stances existing at the present mo-
ment.
No more effective plea for prepar-
edness could have been made by the
Kenyon president, and no stronger
exhortation for the reelection of
Pres. Woodrow Wilson could have
been delivered, and yet both were in
more potent on that account.
An apostle of preparedness, with a
future foresightedness made the
clearer by a thorough knowledge of
the stern course of events in the past,
Dr. Peirce was strongly convincing in
a manner far more powerful than po-
litical orators, with frothy and super
patriotic utterances, ever could be.
His arguments were basic, dignified
and open to single construction
that preparedness must be a reality
and that Woodrow Wilson must be
honored with n second term.
Or. Peirce was presented by MIR. IL.
G. Devln vice President Kirk of the
board of trustees of the library. who
outlined future work of the library
In giving u series of lectures for the
benefit OF the citizens and as part OF
| the educational system of the com
munity.
After nattering review of the
numerous aspects of the character
and abilities of George Washington
in which he was seen as the athlete
the planter, the general, the states
man and the president, and In which
he was compared to Romulus and
Charlemagne, DIR. Peirce pronounced
him to be above all a Nationalist and
an American, and so strongly imbued
with these attributes that he never
ninched in deciding on u program In
which either Ideal was at stake
Stormy criticism, opposition, dislike
and disparagement descended on
Washington for his strong stand at
times. Or Peirce stated, and when he
finished his second term al president
he was dubbed "The Step-Father oI
His Country"
Although painful these criticisms
and harsh words never deferred
Washington's actions, and his treat
ment of the Indian revolts and dlsor
ders was quick and decisive, DIR
Pelrce ayerred lie never hesitated
to use military power against anarchy
and disorder. Although the compar
ison was not drawn, il was evident
that DR. peirce thought OF the present
Mexican trouble in this connection.
Denomlnating Washington's foreign
policy as a full and complete main
tenance of national dignity and neu
trail rights with no evasion of issues,
DR.. Peirce pointed out the boldnes8
courage and decision which marke,
the carrying out of these principle
by Washington He referred to th
war raging In Europe during Wash
ington's second administration Il
, which France. like the Germany o
p 1916, held the world at bay The Ja
; treaty with Great Britain, protectin
; the United states against impress,
/ ment OF her sailors by English SO
b captains and preventing the perm,
3 nent establishment by England q
D forts In The northwest, was cited b
! the speaker as an instance of Wasl
S ington's desire for United State
' character with no entangling all
) anoes,"
Bul Washinpton'a craed Was base