Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1917-03-23
SENATOR HARDWICK SAYS
STAND BY THE PRESIDENT

had no choice but to break off diplomatic
relations with her at once, and to make
every possible preparation to defend to
the last dollar, and to the last drop Of
blood if need be, both American ships
and American citizens, engaged in law
full and. peaceful pursuits upon the high
seas in strict accord with their rights
under the laws of nations.
To provide for such defense certain
legislation was proposed during the
closing days of the last session of con-
gress. l regarded it's passage as of SUI
preme importance and left a sick bed to
aid in the contest that ensued in the SEN
ate Its failure in the senate, although
supported by an overwhelming majority
of that body was not only source Oh
real sorrow to me but OF serious appre-
hension, because l feared that the Sltua-
ton might be misunderstood aboard ana
particularly in Germany, thereby en-
HANGING and increasing the danger of
war Fortunately the president already
possesses, under the constitution, moss
if not all Of the powers of the bill sought
IN confer upon him, and is preparing to
exercise those powers to their utmost
extent, not to wage offensive warfare on
Germany, but to protect and defend
American ships and American citizens In
the exercise of their lawful rights and In
the pursuit of their peaceful ana lesltl-
mate business upon the high seas, and
to defend the American flag, Wherever IL
floats on land or sea.
1.-THE gravity OF the present situation
cannot be overestimated or overstated.
The supreme issue, war or peace, resIs
with the German government, for if the
submarines of that power fire on the
American flag, sink or attempt TO SINK
an American ship, knowing 1t to De
such and murder or attempt to muruer
American citizens, knowing them 10 De
such and murder or attempt to murder
for our government and our people Will
never submit to such outrages. and ought
not If such a war is forced upon u.s.
Germany will find, to her sorrow ana
her undoing. that a proud and self-re-
specting people will support it, with a
solid front, to their last dollar, TO their
last man.
MAY God avert the trouble. May God
i'm His infinite mercy send wisdom and
understanding to the German govern
ment and to the German people that
they mistake not the temper and mettleI
of the American people.
STAND BY PRESIDENT.
I'm the presence of this situation q
implore you, fellow Georgians, fellow
Americans, lay aside all chickering's and
pelIN QudITelSs lay dStuC SONA N'hhS'
ences on questions of domestic politics,
put behind you for tie time at least.
your petty jealousies, rivalries and am
bitions and rally as one man TO your
glorious country and its righteous cause.
Support your government and its con-
tentions Loyalty, unanimously and whole
heartedly.
God grant US continued peace; that
peace on earth and good will 10 men,
that He Himself hath ordained; but nj
war must come, if we cannot avoid III
without sullying the national honor and
losing the national self-respect, if we
cannot avoid it except at the price of
giving up our peaceful citizens TO be-
murdered on the high seas, or flag to-
be spit upon, and the WORD American
to become by-word, a term of deriSion
and reproach, of scorn and contempt,
among the nations of the earth, then
say, welcome war, though it come. full
panoplied out of the very bowels of hell
rather than a craven peace, purchased
at such a price,
And If war under these circumstances
shall come to us, our adversaries will
find our president and our government,
a united militant nation that knows mol
aorth. no south, no east, no west mo-
Democrat, no Republican, no capitalist
no laborer, but plain Americans all and
everywhere: men who have this land
that the Lord. their God, hath given TOT
them. and will fight for its honor and
die for its glory.
and when the battle hymn of the re-
public shall rise from every nook and
corner of the land until its swelling cho-
rus shall sweep from ocean to ocean,
and then across the broad seas. summon
ing to the Stars and Stripes the nations
best and bravest. it will be found that
Georgia. yes, all Dixie, will occupy once
more it's old accustomed place or honor
and of danger, the front rank"