Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-02-18
WEST V|RG|N|ANS
PLEDGE LOYALTY
Indicate Support of President
at Request of Toastmas-
ter C. M. Shinn.
GOVERNOR-ELECT PRESENT

Guarantee of support to the Presi-
dent of the United States in this hour
of international crisis was the princi-
pal thought developed at the third an
nual banquet of the West Virginia So
ciety of the District of Columbia at the
New Ebbitt House last night. Rev. DR..
James Shera Montgomery and Gov
select John j. CornwelI made stirring
patriotic addresses.
Saying that he had prayed to God
that the last war had been declared,
Rev. DR.. James Shera Montgomery
urged unanimous and strong support
for President Wilson. Il have prayed
for national peace" declared DR.. Mont
it will be before the sparks from the
great European conflict fall on our
shores.
This evening. no matter from what
state or from what part of the coun-
try we come, we are patriots and every
man is back of our splendid President.
Woodrow Wilson. Our patience as
nation has led us to the very gates
of perdition. The ships of the world
today are lying in our harbors, afraid
to sail the free seas of this world, and
innocent men and women are being
sent to their death. We are a nation
OF peace, but what are we to do?'
Saying that the little boys of Russia,
are dreaming of the time when they can
do their bit. can help in defending their
respective countries, DR.. Montgomery
said: What is the American boy doing
the stories or singing songs of patriotism
and Of the deeds of his forefathers. In
stead, however, he is too often trying to
keep up with the Joneses.'
Pays Tribute to Flag.
why shouldn't we love our flag?" he
Queried in ending. THAT flag tonight
floats over a patriotic sisterhood of states
forming the greatest republic in the his
tory of the world. Blessed be that flag
the world over and cursed be the hand of
whoever seeks to disgrace or dishonor it,
Gov.-elect John J. CornweH declared
that the President tonight is facing
what is perhaps the most momentous
period in the history of the world.
In West Virginia the sons of the
men who wore the blue and the sons of
the men who followed 'StonewalT Jack
son are standing shoulder to shoulder
in support of the President" declared
the speaker. "a few organizations have
asked for a referendum on the ques-
ton of whether this nation should go
to war. l want to tell you that this
does not represent the opinion Of the
majority of the citizens of West vir-
President of these United States and
the members of Congress are patriotic
enough and wise enough to decide what
is best for this country
There are some things worse than
war. One of these is loss of national
confidence and national self-sespect.
Our forefathers were not afraid to take
up the fiintlock in defense of their
country. AS much as we would dislike
and regret to be drawn into this great
war, We believe that in the hour of need
you will stand shoulder to shoulder in
support of the President and of Con-
gress without regard to politics or par
ties"
Toastmaster Shinn Voices Loyalty.
Charles NJ shinn. former vice president
of the organization. who acted as toast
master, called on the assemblage to stand
and show its support Of President Will
son. Il feel that with national conditions
of such moment facing US we should give
some expression Of feeling and loyalty
to the head of this nation, whose troubles
are many said Mr.. Shinn. Irrespective
of politics and parties, / want you to rise
to your feet as symbol of your loyalty"
Senator William E. Chiffon expressed
the belief that the country would not
become involved in war. He spoke of
the manner in which President Wilson
had met various international crises
preceding the present one, and de-
clared: He Is a man who rises above
party in every emergency" Rev H L.
Hout spoke Of the love all natives of
the state bore West Virginia. He paid
tribute to the work done by Col. ].
William de Grange in developing the
state society Mr.. Hout also led the
devotional exercises. Henry S. Baker,
president of the society, introduced
Mr.. Shinn as POSTMASTER. Music was
furnished by Prof. William ]. Oates
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