West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1916-06-22
DEMOCRATS TAKE FIRM
STAND FOR PATRIOTISM

which has indirectly affected the life
and industry OF all nations. are bring
ing about economic changes more var
led and far reaching than the world
has ever before experienced. In or
der to ascertain just what those
changes may be. the Democratic Con-
gress is providing for a non-partisan
tariff commission TO make impartial
and thorough study of every economic
fact that may throw light either upon
our past or upon our future fiscal
policy with regard TO the imposition OF
taxes on imports or with regard to the
changed and changing conditions un-
der which our trade is carried on.
We cordially indorse this timely pro-
posal and declare ourselves in sympa-
thy with the principle aud purpose OF
shaping legislation within that field
in accordance with clearly establish
ed facts rather than in accordance
with the demands OF selfish interests
OF upon information provided largely
If not exclusively. by them.
AMERICANIsM
The part that the United states will
play in the new day OF international
relationships which is now upon us
will depend upon our preparation arUf
our character The Democratic party
therefore recognizes the assertion and
triumphant demonstration OF the in
divisibility and coherent strength of
the nation, as the supreme issue OF
this day. in which the whole world
faces the crisis of manifold change
II summons all men, of whatever ori-
gin or creed, who would count them
selves Americans, TO join in making
clear to all the world the unity and
consequent power of America.
This is an issue Of patriotism To
taint 1t with partisauship would be to
defle IL. In this day OF test America
must show itself not a nation OF par
tisans, but nation of patriots There
Is gathered here I'm America the best
OF the blood, the industry and the
genius of the whole world, the ele-
ments of a great race. and a magnih-
cent society 10 be melted into a
mighty and splendid nation.
Whoever, actuated by the purpose TO
promote the interest OF a foreign
power in disregard OF our own coun-
try's welfare or to injure this govern
ment I'm its foreign relations or Grip
pie or destroy its industries at home,
and whoever, by arousing prejudices
OF racial, religious or other nature,
creates discord and strife among our
people so as TO obstruct the whole
some process OF unifcation. is faith
less to the trust which the privileges
IF citizenship repose I'm him and dis
loyal to his country
We. therefore, condemn as subver-
2ive Of this nations unity and integ-
rity. and as destructive of it's welfare
the activities and designs of every
group or organization, political or
otherwise, that has for its object the
advancement of the interest Of a for
eign power, whether such object is
promoted by intimidating the govern
ment, a political party, or representa-
tives of the people or which is calcu-
lated aud tends TO divide our people
into antagonistic groups, and thus TO
destroy that complete agreement and
solidarity of the people, and that un-
ity Of sentiment and national purpose
so essential to the perpetulty Of the
nation and its free institutions.
We condemn all alliances and com
5inations Of individuals IN this coun.
T ry, of whatever nationality or de-
scent, who agree and conspire together
for the purpose of embarrassing or
weakening our government or of inn
properly influencing OF coercing our
public representatives i'm dealing or
negotiating with any foreign power
We charge that such conspiracies
among a limited number exist, and
have been instigated for the purpose
Of advancing the interests Of foreign
countries to the prejudice and detri-
mcnt Of our own country We Coz
denim any political party which. in
view of the activity Of such conspira-
tors surrenders its integrity or modi-
fees IT'S policy
PREPAREDNESS
Along with the proof Of our charac-
| ter as a nation must go the proof OF
our power to play the part that legiu-
| mately belongs TO us. The people of
the United states love peace They
respect the rights and covet the
Friendship Of all other nations
They desire neither any addi-
ional territory nor any advantage
which cannot be peacefully gained by
their SKILL their industry or their en-
torpHsc. but they insist upon having
absolute freedom of national life and
policy and feel that they owe it ia
| themselves. and 90 The role of spirited
independence which 80 is their sole
ambition TO play, that they should rem
| der themselves secure against the haz
ard of Interference from any quarter
and should be able TO protect theii
/ rights upon the seas or in any par
| of the world.
We therefore favor tho maintenance
of an army fully adequate to the re-
| quirements OF order. Of safety an,
of the protection OF the nations rights