Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1918-05-30
FOREIGN LANGUAGES
ARE BARRED IN IOWA
Governor Harding Issues Proclama-
ton FOrbidding Use of all For
eign Language i'm the State

TO THE PEOPLE OF IOWA:
Whereas, our country is engaged
in war with foreign powers; and
Whereas, controversy has arisen
~ 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 di-
reCted to the following. and all are
requested to govern themselves ac-
oordihgly.
The official language of the
United States and the state of Iowa
is the English language. Freedom
Of speech is guaranteed by state and
federal constitutions, but this is not
guaranty of the right to use a
language other than the language
of this country-the English lang
mage. Both federal and state con-
situations also provide that mo
laws shall be made respecting the
establishment of religion or prohib-
iting the free exercise thereof"
Each person is guaranteed freedom
to worship God according to the
dictates of his own conscience. but
this guaranty does not protect him
In the use of foreign language
when he can as well express his
thoughts in English, nor entitle the
person who cannot speak or under
stand the English language to en-
ploy a foreign language. when to do
so tends, in time of national 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 rela-
ton to the public should so demean
himself that every 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
II there must be disagreement, let
adjustment be made by those in Of
fetal authority rather than by par
Elephants in the disagreement Vol
untary or self-constituted commit
tees or associations undertaking the
settlement of such disputes. instead
of promoting peace and harmony.
are a menace to society and fruit
full cause of violence. The great
aim and object of all should be I'M
ity of purpose and solidarity of
all the people under the flag for
victory. This much we owe to our
selves, to posterity, to our country
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. UNCONVENTIONAL or
other similar schools.
Second. Conversation in public
places. on trains and over telephones
should be in the English language.
Third. All public addresses should
be in the English language.
Fourth. Let those who cannot
speak or understand the English
language conduct their religious wor-
ship in their homes.
This course carried out in the
spirit of patriotism. though incon-
venient to some, will not interfere
with the guaranteed constitutional
rights, and will result in peace and
tranquility at home and greatly
strengthen the country in battle.
The blessings of the United States
are so great that any Inconvenience
or sacrifice should willingly be
made for their perpetuity.
Therefore, by virtue of the author
ity in me vested, l, w. l. Harding
Governor of the State of Iowa. COM
mend the spirit of tolerance and
urge that henceforward the within
outlined rules will be adhered to by
all, that petty differences be avoid
ed and forgotten. and that, united as
one people with one purpose and
one language. we fight shoulder to
shoulder for the good of mankind.
In testimony whereof l have here
unto set my hand and caused to be
affixed the Great Seal of the State
of Iowa.
Done at Des Moines, Iowa. this
twenty-third day of May, 1918.
(SEAL) w. l.. HARDING