New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1917-11-09
LONERGAN SPEAKS
ON THE GREAT WAR
Congressman Appeals for Moral,
Financial and Physical Support

and sets in the West will just and
permanent peace be made in Ameri-
ca" said Congressman Augustine Lon
ergan in an address delivered in the
auditorium of the Grammar school
last evening. For 40 minutes the
congressman held one of the largest
crowds ever assembled in the hall
spellbound as he eXpounded on Ques-
tons of vital interest pertaining to
the conflict in which America will
play such an important part. Several
times during his address he was in
terrupted by his enthu siastic audience
who voiced their approval of his
words by waves of hearty and unan-
imous applause.
Previous to Mr.. Lonergan being in
troduced by Edward M Pratt,
member of the school board. who
spoke of the congressman as an
able statesman and best of all g. true
American citizen. "A Liberty chorus,
under the direction of Professor
George Matthews opened the exer-
cises with the singing Of the Star
Spangled Banner" The exercises
were closed by the singing Of Amer
ica' by the Liberty chorus.
been flung from the gallery while be-
behind him the national colors
were displayed. Congressman Loner-
gan opened his address shortly after
Is o'clock. His first words were In
commentator of the school board
of New Britain and the Parents and
Teachers association for arranging an
affair of that character. He stated
that he knew of no other community
in which similar entertainments had
been planned for the winter months.
Congressman Lonergan then took
his audience to Washington and to
the capitol building where on the
memorable date OF April 2. 1917 the
clerk in the house of representatives
sharply raped his gavel when he
called meeting of the house Of rep |
resentatives to order. When the |
meeting had been called, Mr.. Loner- |
gan said that n formal reading Of |
the roll was held to determine |
whether or not the stamp of APP |
prevail should be placed on the reso-
luton then pending and which asked |
the question, Shall a state of war be [
declared existant between this coun-
try and Germany" OF the 400 men
present, $40 answered aye. 80 an
swered nay. when my name was !!
read I responded as I thought best |
and answered aye" said Mr.. Lon
ergRn.
He then asked why President Will |
son appearing on the opening day of |
the special session of congress last |
April. In answering this question he |
said that 1876 ships had been sunk |
on the high seas previous to that |
time in violation Of memorable Gus
49, ;.~ko
that 426 of these vessels were neutral |
ships, 10 of which flew the American !
flag.
Sinking ships on the high seas en-
gagged in legitimate traffic, he ex-
planned, was just as serious as land
Ing an invading force of a million
men on the shores of Connecticut
President Wilson knew more than
that. he said. He knew that 1875
men engaged In diplomatic service
represented this country at the diff
ferent seaports in the world In
Washington there was a representa-
tive of the German government. 1t
was assumed at that time that the
same strict neutrality which this
country had maintained was being
shown the United States by Germany
But the ambassador had engaged in
intrigue with Mexico and Japan and
offered In reward for their services
four states from the Union; or, in
other words, four stars from Old
Glory
Through the state department, he
said, 1t was learned that this ambas-
sador was the father of a movement
by a thousand agents who, by word Of
mouth. preached anti-American prop
uganda. As a result, property. as Well
rs innocent lives, were destroyed,
WAS this nation to sit idly by?
Was this government to sit by and
permit further entertainments? the
congressman asked. No; 1T was
time to speak, and the nation did
The United States. he explained,
did not declare a war against any
nation or people, but Congress de-
cared that state of war existed be-
tween this country and Germany be-
cause Of the many violations OF In
ternational law Cinanating from Ger
many. He stated that Germany now
Is observing the philosophy OF Ger
man writer's who, for the past Al
years, have advocated that the sword
must shape the DESTINY of the nation
The War Lord of Eu1orc is trying TIC
destroy the Monrr" Doctrine, he
added
The scene changed and the inter
ested audience fuunl themselves i!
Rockville. Conn, tie town in which
the congressman Wiz born and n
which he spent HI: hoyhO0d days
One-third OF the population OF tina
town is formed Of y German elemen
with whom he mingled IN his voungc
days, going to the same school which
they did end working with them II
The factories
Tho impression which l received
Et that time of the German race viii
30 with me to the grave. I hope i
does" he asserted 1T was a favor
Rhle enc
W. InlI.t hear in mind the par