The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1916-02-02
lin STIRRING APPEAL

ton. Yet it was not a wild reception
which Kansas accorded. There was
waving of handkerchiefs. flags AND
banners. The crowd cheered and
icfapped hands for a brief minute.
AS the president stepped to the
peared on the stage. She was accom-
panied by Mrs. Arthur Capper, Mrs
J. +. House and delegation OF prom
inent club women The reception CIV
en- Mrs. Wilson was almost as gen
erous as that received by her distin-
guished husband.
Following brief prayer by Rev
Robert Gordon, w. w Webb, presl'
dent of the Commercial club, intro
duced Governor Capper. The gov
error introduced the president.
Governors Introduction.
Governor Capper's tributes to the
president and his bride met frequent
applause In his introduction the
THE people of the United States
today face a problem of governmental
policy serious in its nature and mo-
mentous in its effect upon our ulti-
mate destiny. so vital. so serious. 50
momentous is it. that it trenscends all
partisan consideration. all personal
pre- tudice. We must bring to it our
soberest. earnest and wisest thought
with this one idea in mind: What
il best for ultimate America? Nay
he question even is broader than
that: What is best for the people OF
the earth-for the human race?
The distinguished gentleman who
is our guest and who will address us
this afternoon. is honored and re-
spected and beloved by the American
people, not only because he is our
president. but because of those quail
tiles of heart and mind which endear
sood men to their fellows. He has
spoken for peace among the nations
as we would speak for it. He has
nonorably and steadfastly kept us out
OF the terrible conflict in Europe He
has sat undismayed on the hottest
lid that has seated any president
since Lincoln.
MANY of us are not in accord with
the program of vast armament, with
all its hazardous consequences. and
the theory of a chance or possible
foe But we welcome the fullest dis
cussion. and we feel the deepest re-
spect and sympathy for the head of
the nation i'm this grave hour. We
sincerely desire to avoid embarrassing
him; we earnestly wish to do all that
VIC can do 20 help shape "A policy that
shall result in the grea test good to cur
people and TO the world =
And whatever our opinions in re-
gard 20 ornaments, this day we kan
sans, all. arc for President Wilson
and for Mrs. Wilson. 100. We extend
AnHili a COL Nlldlf WILL ttNeAl NNh iNcAii7ees
welcome.
Haus1ns are n peace-loVinG peo-
pie. We maintain an efficient ma
tional guard which ranks we'll with
the militia of other states, but for
thfrty-one years thar guard has not
Seen called TO active service-a longer
period of freedom from riot and tur-
MOL than any other state has eX-
pcrienced.
I'VE are not a craven people. we
l. fr,fs. saIx rot I'll IN
the Civil war Kansas contributed a
larger number Of volunteers to the
Union army, in proportion to its popu-
lation. than any other state. We are
not afraid to fight if We must; but we
hope that necessity viii never more
atise and we pray we shall not be led
INTO temptation.
1t is with great pleasure mat l IN
troduce to the people Of Topeka and
of Kansas, the president Of the United
States.
shower of silk Flags.
III As Governor Capper concluded his
'lntroductipn, applause greater than
that which marked the presidents ar
rival was given when the governor eX-
TENDED his hand to the honored speak
ier. Just as the president stepped to
the front of the stage, hundreds OF silk
flags were thrown from the galleries.
MRS. Wilson smiled and clapped her
Hands in warm appreciation of the
demonstration.
~ Absolute order was given as the
president swung into his discussion OF
nation aft rs.
M The Presidents Address.
" Il would not be here to talk with
.yeu were this not a grave matter and
Il serious issue" said the president in
lhe introduction of his plea for pre-
paredness. Il am away from Wash
angton but for a few days and 1 come
a
Questions we must face"
4 President Wilson talked deliberate
d and with an evidence of more feel
sing than in any of his other Kansas
speeches. Often he clapped his hands
as means of emphasis
1E1'I express no condemnation for
ahyoue im,the European situation, but
l4anericas heart has bIed because OF
FfuatiOns in Belgium" he said. we
criticize those among us of foreign
what about some of those of our own
i'm Washington We have safeguards ed
she finders and protected the maya
zines against flames"
Talks : Kansas.
4 .SuddeHly the president swung into
kansas conditions.
Z This morning / read in paper that
kansas was not in sympathy -
don't believe a word OF it, declared
khe president. Let me tell YOU that
editorial opinion and popular pinior
are opposite things"
what Would Kansas Do?
We are not going to invade any
nations rights. But suppose some
nation should invade our rights
What would We do then? Whaf
would Kansas do? Why. I would be
derelict of the utmost candor if 1 die
mot tell you that it may be the duty
of America 10 safeguard the rights o.
American citizens everywhere"
The rrowd elapped its hands wheI
iPresident Wilson declared that Amer
lea would evade none of her dutiei
and surrender none of her rights
America. he said. would also protec
her rights TO sell her products in tn,
open, neutral markets of~the world.
Kansas the Place.