The Alaska daily empire., 1917-04-07

called upon to defend the honor and the rights and lives of American citi- zens''
 Forced To War
 We have been forced to declare war thereby becoming a part, in fact, of the great international struggle which has now embroiled all of the great civilized countries of the world l need not say that the resolution which passed Congress and was signed by the President today is a most momentous document. It is not to be judged lightly, but must be considered calmly and dispassionate- ly. We must stand solidly as a na- tion and as American citizens, be- hind the President in the crisis which now confronts us, through that act.
 Back the President
 This war was not of our seeking and every means known to the Presi-
  nity of this great Nation was first ex- hausted before the irrevocable step was taken. The United States has always stood for definite principles and foremost among them has been the freedom of the seas for the free and this right had been defantly broken and defiled, forcing us to take the steps which we have taken.
 This is no time for dissensions or nursing of political party differ ences We must show the world q united people for the defence of the sacred principals fought for and won by the blood of the nations founders. This is war of democracy against autocracy and imperialists. It was the imperialistic tendencies of Ger many which forced this war on the world with no other reason in view than to force autocracy on the world and extinguish this greatest right of democracy, of which the United States is the greatest exponent. (Ap- plause)
 Shoulder to Shoulder
 The time has come for us to stand shoulder to shoulder and know that when the time comes when the Presi- dent issues call for men to defend the nation and to fight for the cause of democracy. I am certain that up here in Alaska there will be many of you who will respond.
 The United States is a cosmopoli- tan nation and many years ago be- came the home of those of all na- tions who were oppressed and wished to become free That is the one foun- (ation stone upon which our Repub- lie is built. These people have been coming to this country for years and years and have always been received with open hands. The time has now come when this government and this people will expect them to show some little part of their gratitude for the chance which has been given them and respond to the call for the de- fense of the nation which they have adopted.
 q would say that there are many living among us who are citizens of the foreign nation with whom we are now at war. There will be naturally more or less trouble, but the great majority of these people will stand tion and there are without doubt a great many, in fact the great major ity of them who are decent law-abid- ing people and they should be treated with the greatest consideration.
 Comrends Organization q must commend the action you have taken in forming this organiza- tion 1 expect at any time to be ad- vised as to the policies of the Presi- dent and the nation, respecting vol unteers and l urge you to institute vigorous campaign for the enroll. ment of recruits with view to giv- ing them as much military knowledge as possible, as we can not tell at what time the call will come for us to flock to the defense of the coun try and the nation"
 Fund ls Available ! Governor Strong informed the body that an emergency fund of $10.0oO had been placed in his hands by the Alaska Legislature. now in session and that any necessary expenses which might arise would - be met from this fund on presentation to him of vouchers properly signed and pre- sented by the company commander or committee for that purpose.
 Military Pledge
 l The pledge for the company en rollment was then passed around ano signed. The pledge which was adopt ed, is as follows
 We, the undersigned, hereby re new our former pledges of allegiance to the Constitution of the Unitet States to the President thereof. <