Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1917-05-03
Sen. KENYON'S
WAR SPEECH
Speech by Junior Iowa Senator on
War Resolution Before Con-
gress April 4th.

estly wish there were some honor
able way in which it could be avoid
ed. Matters have now reached /;
crisis. Regardless of how brough
about we have drifted into conditions
where it seems impossible longer tC
keep from this terrible conflict, how
ever much we may desire to do so.
In the present solemn time no one
can claim the great Republic has
been impatient. Patience has its
limitations, and the limit seems to
have been reached. The war in which
we are about to engage is not of our
choosing The Government of an
other nation with which we have
been in harmonious relation through
all the years is now waging war upon
us. Uncle Sam, the patient giant,
with spirit of charity, has done his
best for peace. Destiny seems to de-
cree otherwise. The people will back
the President and Congress with
men, money and loyalty. There will
! be no difficulty in finding recruits if
in the minds of the people there is
the conclusion that this is a struggle
I to help save the democracy of the
world or to maintain the honor of
the United States.
| have been firm believer that
there was Divine Providence guild
ing the destiny of individuals and of
nations. Difficult, indeed, has it been
to see much Providence in this war
but if out of this turmoil and strife
and suffering and bloodshed the self
assumptive, divine right of kings and
kaisers and czars shall be over
thrown; if thrones shall totter and
fall and in their places great govern
ments of the people arise, then the
hand of Providence may be appar-
ent.
| regret that when the war started
there was not some method of COM
polling the Gar and Kaiser and their
kind to enter the first battle on the
firing line. That would have lessen
ed its duration. Crowned heads
seem to have done none of the dy-
ing.
1t is time now that ali voice of par
tisanship should be stilled. The hour
of action is here. 1t is no time to
talk about mistakes; no time for
criticism of the President, of the
Cabinet. of Congress. They are all
doing their duty 1t is no time to
waste energy censuring and critics.
ing one another; no time to denounce
those who have been earnestly con-
tending for peace and who are fully
as patriotic as those who have been
more vocal. 1t is no time for divided
allegiance. II is time for 100 per
cent Americanism.
The people of the Nation should
stand as one man, realizing the sol
emnity of the step about to be taken.
The great Republic must accept the
challenge of authority and go forth
to help in the battle for the worlds
democracy. Our hand is now to the
gun. We must prepare, and prepare
well. When we hit we must hit
hard. The roll of honor of the Amer |
lean Republic in every war in which
it has engaged evidences no lack of
patriotism when the Nations welfare
and honor are involved.
In such a time the spirit of selfish
ness in our Nation must be dethron-
ed. mo one for himself and every
one for bis country" should be our
motto. Let us forget for while the |
of money. Let us realize
that everyone must bear part of the
sacrifice and burden. Those who in
this time of national emergency will |
try TO make excessive profit, either
in the manufacture of those things !
which the Government must have to |
carry on war or by combinations to
raise the prices of the things the
people must have to live, are Just as
guilty of treason as those who give
aid and comfort to the enemy. They |
MI hA - a.,
Republic.
We do not go to war with any
spirit of hatred toward the German
people. If the people of Germany
their government. there
would be no war. The action of the
Congress today rings the
bell for the falling of the curtain on
the house of Hohenzollern. Ger
many as republic. freed of this
bloody dynasty. will know no limita-
ton in the progress and development
Of her people.
Mr.. President, peace is a passion
with me- | am not. however, one of
those who believe in peace at any
price. Some things are worse than
infinitely so. | can
not close my eyes to present condi-
attacks upon our flag, to
the killing of our people, to plots
against our Nation. Nor can l in
imagination close my eyes to future
fieYds. sacrifices,
oodshed-that probably will be
brought about by our action here to-
day. l wish this cup could pass
from us. 1t can not. We can not
finch in the performance of our
duty. The American people must
approach this crisis in a spirit of
1t is weighty hour to
our Republic This war will not be
fought with speeches at banquets,
nor by applause in Senate galleries,
nor amid the Havanaladen atmos-
phere of luxurious clubs.
General Sherman declared that
war was hell; but modern war is
worse than hell. for no devilish in
genuity could equal modern methods
Of injury and torture in war.
At this hour when it is certain
hat war is upon us, there should be
he least division of counsel that il is
possible TO have. Outside of any
other reason | would vote for this
'esolution on that ground. 1t must
strengthen our cause if the world be-
ieves we are fairly united
If this resolution committed our
Nation to any foreign alliance |
'ould not support II. | do not con
'true 1t. Cooperation with foreign
nations was, of course. be necessary;
)ut any question of alliance must of
necessity come again before Con
sress. The question of sending our
Army or any portion thereof to the
1attle fields of Europe is a question
IS far as ! am concerned. that is not
.efflpd by a Vnfn for this rncnlntinn