Watauga Democrat. [volume] (Boone, Watauga County, N.C.) 1888-current, 1916-05-11
THE PRESIDENT.
From, Senator Simmons Address at
the Democratic State Convention.

40 not KNOW WnaG may nap
pen INCUR relations with the BEL
ligerant nations OF the old world,
than ! know what will happen in
our relations with Mexico, but l
do know that nothing will be
done to disturb and disrupt our
friendly relations with the gov
emment of these belligerant ma
tions which can be avoided with
due regard to the honor and dig
nifty of this. government and the
rights of the American people;
and l know that neutrality will
be maintained and our peace pre-
served if it can be done without
sacrificing these high interests or
abandoning our duty to human
ity and civilization.
l know this sentiment repre-
sents the hopes and the prayers
Of the sorely tried man in the
White House. He hears, but he
isunmoved by the clamor of those
who want US to lend ourselves to
the caube of one side or the 9TH
er. He hears, but is unmoved by
the clamor OF those who want us
to plunge into this maeIstrom OF
war and carnage. His grea a t
mind and his patriotic heart are
centered in one great purpose
namely, to know what his duty is
and to do it.
Let no man suspect him in
whatever he may do in this be-
half as acting from any motive
other than that OF duty; and let
no man believe that he will be
swerved from the line of duty as
God gives him light to see it and
understand it,
Hyou want a "War Lord" you
will not find one in him. II you
want O. molly-coddle pacifcist,
you will not find one in him. He
is not moved by the militancy OF
the one or the rhapsodies OF the
other. He is q plain, direct, res
olute man, with a clear vision,
steady nerve and stout heart,
living always in, the fear of God,
bent upon serving his country,
humanity and civilization re-
gardless-of criticism and aggran-
disement, personal, political or
otherwise. So far as clear vision,
acknowledgement, uniaultering
loyalty:and patriotism can pro-
tect US, we are safe in his hands.
The President does not want
war. he will do everything that
q great nation and a Christian
people ought to do to avoid it,
but be wants US to be prepared if
the necessity comes to protect
our country and defend ourrigbts
wherever attacked or called in
question, upon land or sea. He
wants the world to know that we
know our rights and are able and
determined to protect and defend
them.
He is for preparedness to pre-.
serve peace and not forprepared'
ness to make war, unless it is ab'
solutely necessary. His great
ambition is to serve men, not to
kill them. To elevate humanity,
not to brutalize it. But he is
keenly jealous of the honor, dig
nifty and glory OF hiscountry and
the rights of it's people.
Not only the President but the
American people are in favor o.
preparedness. This is no longer
an issue. But there is an issue,
and an acute issue. That ISSUE
is, Peace against War! Upon
that issue the President stands
for peace and against war, anc
behind him stands the gmatDem
ocratic party, upon whose ban.
ner in the coming campaign vii
float the inscription: Prepared
ness, not for War, butfor Peacel
To keep this country at peace
with the world in this world-mat