Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-04-06
Nmcricn Guards Her ucritnrc

America Guards Her Heritage
- OkMAl.IN HOW, informally We have
hecn for HE last month. We are at war
By the solemn declaration of the Congress
nj tho United States the existence OF a state
OF Wal between the imperial German govern
m"ni and the government and people OF the
United states is proclaimed to the world AS
our property has been destroyed so now we
sinai 0eai destruction as our people have
suffered AND died, so now we shall deal sut
ferng and death.
The issue could not be avoided Forces
beyond human control have drawn us into
this conflict. We have endured cruel wrongs
we have been patient beyond belief VIC have
shown charity which dwarfed all proceed ent
human history supplies. We have sought by
every means. possible and mpossiblc TO con-
vince the mad autocracy at Berlin that sue
cess could not crown its ambitions hat
civilization would not tolerate lis triumph.
All such efforts have been vain In words
which shall re-ocho down the ages the prCsi-
dent announced his failure. and in that very
announcement indicted the rulers OF Germany
for their final crime against democracy Jus
tice and truth.
History vii! acquit us OF all self-seeklny
OF all vain glory. OF all desire TO profit at the
expense Of others. Urged not by our own
wrongs only. but by aspirations as common
10 ireemcn everywhere as they are unknown
TO tyrants anywhere. America casts into the
balance OF destiny her stainless sword
That action is backed by II PEOPLES con-
science. and will he supported by peoples
arms The Times-D Dispatch finds qualification
in the thought That in the time of travail and
difficulty which preceded Mr.. Wilson'S address
to Congress il never doubted President or
Congress. or people. 1t knew. and said that
the President would urge. and Congress would
declare, and people would prosecute this
holy war.
For it is holy war. To wage il, we as a
people surrender -normous war profits ana
submit 10 enormous war taxes We face suf-
ferins and the death OF our loved ones We
burden our future with a heritage OF debt
and. it may be, with heritage OF hate. We
abandon that splendid isolation which in The
past has been our glory. but which while the
world wceps, and bleeds and dies. We have
come TO would be our shame
And ask nothing, save the triumph OF
the right and that assured and lasting peace
which can never be maintained except by Il
partnership OF democratic nations" We
wan, nothing less than This. hut W. want
nothing more. We seek no now territories
aspire 20 10 new powers, accept no indemni-
ties. We envy no nation its happiness, its
progress or its wealth; rather would We re
store al OF these 70 that misguided people
which has offered them, with a greater and
more pitiful human sacrifice. on The rceking
altars Of war
TO this great task America is dedicated
The day has come. said the President TO
the Congress, when America is privileged
TO spend her blood ana her might ;or the
principles that gave her birth and happiness.
and the peace which she has treasured God
helping her, she can do no other
Nor can she Here on these shores the
fathers blHded stately temple OF human
liberty Wars have rocked its deep founda-