Missouri Valley times. [volume] (Missouri Valley, Iowa) 1874-1931, 1918-05-30
A PRocL iMorioN

sand
! w hereas, controversy has aris-5
en- III parts of this state concern
ing the use of foreign languages:
therefore, for the purpose Of
ending such controversy and to
bring about peace, quiet and har-
mony among our people, atten-
ton is directed to the following,
lana all are requested to govern
themselves accordingly.
The official language of the
United States and the state of
iowa is the English language.
freedom OF speech is guaranteed
by federal and state Constitu-
tons, but this is not guaranty
OF the right to use language
other than the language of this
counlry--the English language.
Both Federal and state Gonstitu-
tons also provide that mo laws
SHAH be made respecting an es-
adjustment of religion or pro-
hlblllng the free exercise there
OF. Each person is guaranteed
freedom to Worship God accord
ing to the dictates of his own con
science, but this guaranty does
not protect him in the use of a
foreign language when he can as
Well express his thoughts in En-
sllsh, nor entitle the person who
cannot speak or understand the
English language to employ a
1orclgn language, when to do so,
tends, in time of national peril.
TO create discord among neigh
bors and citizens, or to disturb
The peace and quiet of the com
munity.
Every person should appreciate
and observe his duty to refrain
from all acts or conservation :
which may excite suspicion or
produce strife among people, but
In his relation to the public he
should so demean himself that
every word and acy will manifest
his loyalty to his country and
his solemn purpose to aid in ach-
loving victory for our army and
The permanent peace of the
world.
Ii there must be a disagree
mont, let adjustment he made by
those in official authority rather
Than by the participants in the
disagreement. Voluntary or self
constituted committees or asso-
Citations undertaking the settle
ment of such disputes, instead of
promoting peace and harmony,
are a menace to society and
a fruitful cause or violence. The
great aim and object of all should
be unity of purpose and solid
arity of all the people under the
flag for victory. This much we
owe to ourselves, to posterity, to
our country and to the world.
Therefore, the following rules
should obtain in Iowa during the
he became superintendent of the
war:
First. English should and must
be the only medium of instruc-
ton in public, private, denomina-
tlonal or other similar schools.
Second. Conservation in public
places, on trains and over the
telephone should be in the Eng
lish language.
Third. All public addresses
should be in the English lam
guage.
Fourth. Let those who cannot
speak or understand the English
language conduct their religious
worship in their homes.
This course carried out in the
spirit of patriotism, though in
convenient to some, will not in
teriere with their guaranteed
constitutional rights and will re-
suit 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 sacri-
flee should willingly be made for
their perpetuity,
Therefore, by virtue Of author
i!y in rae vested, |, w. l.. Harding,
Governor of the State Of Iowa,
commend the spirit of tolerance.
tn'! urge that hencefcrWard The
within outruled dulles be adhered
TO by all, that petty differences
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.
In Testimony Whereof, | have
set my hand and caused
TO be affixed the Great Seal of the
State of Iowa.
Dated at Des Moines, this twen-
ty-third day ofMayi918.
BY the Governor: