The Chesterfield advertiser. [volume] (Chesterfield C.H., S.C.) 1884-1978, 1917-04-19
CONGRESS AND THE WAR

Thousands of petitions, letters and
kilograms are pouring into Washing
ton and in mosS cases urging Cong
ressmen to stand by the President in
this great crisis. America seems to
be united as never before. Parti-
sanship is sent to the rear and pat
riotism is in the ascendency.
There have cen so many expires
sions of loyalty to the President and
to the flag that The Advertiser wish
es to place upor record many of these
noble sentiments. The message of
President Wilson enthused the ma
ton. 1t was calm and convincing,
was an appeal 20 reason and not to
passion and as t lie Columbia State has
so pertinently said, SIS document
worthy of taking its place along with
the best uttera ices of American pa
triotism."
The message was endorsed by Col
onel Roosevelt in the most enthusiasts
tic and complimentary terms and he
offered the services of himself and
his four sons to enlist in the army
The first blow to be struck in the
war was given by Senator Lodge, Of
Massachusetts, when he Knocked a
man down who dared to tell him he
was coward because he supported
the President. Senator Lodge is one
of the ablest Republicans but in this
crisis he is demonstrating his loyal
ty to the President not only by his
words but with his fist. Incidentally
Senator Lodge made a convert of the
man he Knocked down. The Boston
pacifist later urged his fellow paci-
fists to support the President.
The speeches made in Congress
generally were devoid of excitement
or hysteria. We present some para
graphs taken from the remarks of a
few members of Congress, of both
parties.
Hon. G.. E. Foss, of Illinois, said :
This is solemn and momcntous oc-
casion, when this great nation, with
the greatest reluctance and deepest
regret, is about to enter this horrible
and Unnecessary war, which has now
engaged nearly half of the world. We
are forced into it by repeated acts of
inhumanity and the violation of our
most sacred rights"
Hon. w. L. Isoe, of Missouri, said !:
The President in his message deliv
cred to US on .1onday night brought
against the &c man government the
most sweeping indictment that has
been brought against government
since the dawn OF civilization. Ev
cry count IN the indictment is true
ana furnishes abundant justification
Tor war
Hon. >. {. Ii lthicum, Of Maryland
sad: Let us invest our President
with every power in arms, in muni-
toms, IN ships d I'd men. Let our fla
wave DuI never WaEcr until red Mars
sets ana the Su of international lib
erty rises on free and peaceful
world.
non, w. d. rahclS, OF New York,
sald: My cons ltucncy is to large
extent OF German descent. | can tes-
lily with pride and confidence that
they are 10 man loyal Americans.
Nno" 'hcy Il loyalty support the
declslon Of tbs congress | trust
thelr patriotism absolutely"
non X. W. Austin, of Tennessee,
sa'o me time for talking, for dis
csSSion' Tor argument, for differences
oi opinion as to war or peace are
passed Inc Imperative duty of the
'iour IS 'or eV ry true American to
Wv q man par or the honor Of the
i'''on; Tor the glory Of the flag, for
.he triumph Of aw and humanity, for
sne s;.;. vl''ica'ion OF the right of every
I'''4en >,''. o' 'he Republic The Presi-
n."' ,anr VINO ,, mas kept US out of war for
' ... man TWO years now sounds the
VI war