Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1918-06-05
GERMAN LANGUAGE
BARRED IN iowa
ONLY ENGLISH LANGUAGE MAY
BE USED AT PUBLIC MEETINGS
DURING THE WAR.
GOV. HARDING,S PROCLAMATION

GOV. HARDlNGS PROCLAMAIlON
Public and Denominational Schools
Are Not Permitted to Teach
German Language.
Governor Harding, in proclamation
made public last Thursday DEGREES
that English must be the only Ian
guage taught in the schools Of Iowa,
whether public or denominational, and
also recommends that English be the.
only language used publicly. This
order from Iowa's chief executive is
no doubt the outgrowth of complaints
coming from certain sections Of the
state, where public meetings have
been conducted in the German and
other foreign languages. and where
possibly in some instances pro-Ger-
man views have been expressed in for
eign languages.
The proclamation follows:
To the People of Iowa:
Whereas, our country is engaged in
war with foreign powers; and
Whereas, controversy has arisen In
parts of this state concerning the use
of foreign languages;
Therefore, for the purpose of end
ing such controversy and to bring
about peace, quiet and harmony among
our people, attention is directed to the
following, and all are requested to
govern themselves accordingly.
MI. s,;o ~ 1o Nf tho I1n:foH
States and the state of Iowa is the
English language Freedom Of speech
is guaranteed by federal and state con-
stitutions, but this Is not a guaranty
of the right to use language other
than the language of this country
the English language. Both federal
and state Constitutions also provide
that "no laws shall be made respect
ing an establishment Of religion or
prohibiting the free exercise thereof"
Each person is guaranteed freedom to
worship God according to the dictates
of his own conscience, but this guar
anty does not protect him in the use
of a foreign language when he can as
well express his thought in English
nor entitle the person who cannot
speak or understand the English Ian
guage to employ a foreign language,
when to do so tends, in time Of ma
tionaI peril, to create .discord among
neighbors and citizens, or to disturb
the peace and quiet Of the community.
Every person should appreciate and
observe his duty to refrain from all
acts or conversation which may excite
suspicion or produce strife among the
people, but in his relation to the pub
lie should so demean himself that ev-
cry word and act will manifest his
loyalty to his country and his solemn
purpose to aid in achieving victory for
our army and navy and the permanent
peace of the world.
If there must be disagreement, let
adjustment be made by those in Of.
fetal authority rather than by. the par
Elephants in the disagreement. Volun-
tary or self-constituted committees or
associations undertaking the settle
ment of such disputes, instead of pro-
noting peace and harmony, are men
ace to society and fruitful cause of
violence. The great aim and object of
all should be unity of purpose and
solidarity Of all the people under the
flag for victory. This much we owe
to ourselves, to posterity, to our coun-
try and to the world.
Therefore, the following rules should
obtain in Iowa during the war:
First. English should and must be
the only medium of instruction in
public, private, denominatiOnal or
other similar schools.
Second. Conversation in public
places, on trains and over the tele-
phone should be in the English Ian
guage
Third. All public addresses should
be in the English language.
Fourth. Let those who cannot
speak or understand the English Ian
guage conduct their religious worship
in their homes.
This course carried out in the spir-
it of patriotism, though inconvenient
to some, will not interfere with their
SudI duLCcu COuSllIutlOAdl IlEAto oAu
will result in peace and tranquility at
home and greatly strengthen the coun-
try in battle. The blessings Of the
United States are so great that any
inconvenience or sacrifice should will
ingly be made for their perpetuity.
Therefore, by virtue of authority In
me vested, I, w. L. Harding, Governor
Of the State OF Iowa, commend the
spirit of tolerance and urge that hence
forward the within outlined rules be
adhered to by all, that petty differ
ences be avoided and forgotten, and
that, united as one people with one
purpose and one language, we fight
shoulder to shoulder for the good of
mankind. IT,.
! In Testimony Whereof, l have here
unto set nay hand and caused to be
affixed the Great Seal of the State of
Iowa ..a-
Done al. Des Moines, this twenty
third day of May. 1918.
BY the Governor:
w. L. HARDING,
w. S. ALLEN,
Secretary of State.