Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-03-04
His Oath of Office

TOMORROW the President will formally
be inauSuratcd, with such pomp and ccrc-
mony as may be in keeping with republican
standards But some time to-day. probably
about midday Woodrow Wilson will take the
oath CT Office for four more years The Con-
stitutIcn prcscribcs that he shall make this
cath or affirmation: II do solcmnly swear
toi aflrm) that | will faithfully execute the
Office Of President OF the United States, and
will TO the best Of my Ability preserve. pro-
tcct and defend the Constitution of the United
States"
IL is not an elaborate. ornate or detailed
oath, hut ii includes solemn promise to
execute faithfully every duty of the great Of
flee which is the presidency of tho United
states. And at this time il is promise to
perform the wcighicst and gravcst duties
that have confronted President Of this coun-
try III fifty years. \ week a day. may bring
this ration into which will be none
the less awful because Strove by every
means to avoid II. The President will enter
INTO his now term with this thought in his
mind every moment Of tho day and night.
He will be face to face with the realization
that IN spite OF his patience ca mncss and
his ardent desire for peace. almost any mo-
mcnt may force OH him the need to call the
nation to arms
Almost as heavy OH his mind and heart
VII he the knowledge that there men in
America who arc cxcrtinG all their influence
ana tnelr strength To persuade the people TO
1t craven course Though he has yielded all
that honor could yield. they arc pleading
with The people to yield honor itself Though
American men, women and children have been
mos loully murdered ny trcachcrouS and
savage military power. they arc urging the
people TO surrender their freedom and right
!" peaceful intercourse to tho ruthless de-
mands Of this power. Though he has gone
10 the utmost lengths to preserve the peace
for us and to bring il back to the warning
nations. inspired hy lofty humanity they
have opposed his every effort to prepare this
people to defend this country
He will face. too. the certain knowledge
mat within the limits OF this friendly country
false friend has planned and plotted
Amcrlca $ destruction Sheltered by hos
ritality and protected by this coun,ry's flag
agents ot this false friend have schcmcd to
raise M hosts against US. Nor can he feel
assured that this danger has been ended nv
tho expulsion OF those detected in their plot
Tug He must wonder how many more con
Spiratcrs against its safety this country still
Such prospect. such a realization Of what
lies ahead. would strike fear and uncertainty
into the hearts Of most men The task seems
too great, the difficulties seem too many But
there Il. no fear III Woodrow Wilson'S heart
day. no doubt lost the task be too great
There is anxiety, but there is determination
and there is confidence Because he knows
and the people know. that he will faithfully
execute TN" Office OF President Of the United
States And, under God. the right will
prevail.
Three alicnists have reported there is no
reason why Harry 1'haw should not be aiken
10 New York for trial. Ills counsel haven't
tOnud the right aiicuiStS