The Oklahoma City times. [volume] (Oklahoma City, Okla.) 1908-1984, 1917-07-11
CHAMBERS FIRST
DUTY TO NATION.
SAYS C0TTINGHAM
Continued From Paoo ~

extent. We in the interior rest in a
sense Of security and hardly realize
what an awful war it is. Burdens un-
precedented have been assumed and will
be met in true American spirit. The
flower OF the nation without dscrimi-
nations, has been called to arms and
will shortly be serving in foreign lands
where the mortality is such as to pu, all
previous wars out of comparison, to say
nothing Of the insidious foe lurking on
the way. Every home has Welded its
strongest and best with a courage un-
equalcd Boys most of them, but our
boys Not war of conquest or ag-
gression, but for humanity and our
fellow man. What this world will be
when this war is over no one can tell
or even dare predict
Patriotism Duty.
Therefore, ! conclude the. first duty
OF this chamber is one of patriotism
to sustain the president in these trying
hours, to the end that he may have the
strength to lead us in this conflict he
has so eluctantly undertaken; TO up
hold our governor and our slate, an
integral and constituent part of the ma
ton, that he may so guide us that he
may 60 down in history with other war
governors who have rendered this eoun-
try such signal service.
Already our city has taken and will
pay for more than its allotment OF Lib
erty bonds. Also we have ovcrsub-
scribed what was requested OF US for
the Red Gro. fund These are mat
ters of just pride, but we are not
through. Other requests will come for
bonds and for the Red Cross What
we have done has been the performance
of a duty; later, it may even amount
to sacrifice-thc bearing of bur
dens makes other burdens easier to
bear.
"The Chamber OF Commerce neces-
sarily should, and oherfully will, as
sumo its full share OF all such respon-
sbili,y. But we must not stop here.
That this country may act its full part
and not dsappoint the other nations
of the earth we must keep ourselves in
condition TO respond at all times and
continually To this end business must
proceed in normal way. il possible.
The eyes Of the world are upon us. We
are feeding and financing the earth and
we will emerge from this conflict a
world power. We should endeavor to
make this city a better place in which
to live,
"All civic enterprises should he care
fully Investigated and supported, when
found proper and worthy. Business en-
terprises already here should be sup
ported and encouraged. New business
and capital should be invited and made
welcome and convinced an opening ex-
lists for profitable operation.
Production Important
u am convinced our efforts in this
regard for a while, at least, might bet
ter be confined to the natural products
OF the country, such as oil, cotton,
grain and livestock, and all of their
manufactured products and. OF course,
the improvement and development OF
our city and state, Other propositions
may he presented from time 70 time and
should be disposed Of on their merit.
"ln all civic enterprise. and business
activities the Chamber of Commerce
should investigate thoroughly, and f.
nally act with such care and so fear
lesSly that our decision would never be
doubted Our Endorsement should new
er be given until we know what we are
doing In no other way can we maintain
our standing The public statement that
this civic improvement" or "th. bus-
ness enterprise is indorsed by the
Chamber OF Commerce" should carry
with il evidence of intrinsic merit and
worth To attain and retain such stand
mg should be the highest aim of the
chamber and without it our usefulness
will he nominal and the people who
support |, get very little for their mon.
cy"