Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1918-06-20
MUST TALK NOTHITC
BUT THE ENGLISH
Governor Harding Insists That He
Had Plenty of Authority to
Issue Order and Asks The
People to Comply

Quite a number of persons from
various parts of the state as well as
from Audubon county, have written
to Governor Harding with reference
to the proclamation demanding that
only the English language be spoken
in the schools and in public. The
following circular letter has been
sent by the Governor to all persons
who have written him, and several
have been received in this city:
Your communication of recent
date is before me. In this you make
some inquiry concerning the applica-
ton of the recent proclamation in
regard to the use of the English Ian
guage in this state.
Because of the fact that German
propaganda is being spread through
out our state in all foreign languages
and for the reason that there have
arisen in many places in the state
serious conditions because some
were speaking foreign languages, l
deemed the proclamation necessary,
and acting upon authority in me vest
ed, issued the proclamation.
"A careful reading of the procla-
nation, copy of which is enclosed,
and a reasonable Interpretation of
it, will assure you that it does not
hamper with the use of a foreign
language for the purpose of reach
ing, where necessary, the hearts of
any people for patriotic and various
war activities.
No offense should be taken by 10y
al Americans of foreign birth or de-
scent, for the proclamation in no in
stance classes any one with our COM
mon enemy. 1t is confined strictly
to the using of foreign languages,
all of which are a medium of Ger
man propaganda.
1.-THE Italians of Des Moines, in a
signed resolution, have heartily en-
dorsed the proclamation. The Scan
dinavian churches of Sioux City have
decided to hold all their services in
the future in strict compliance with
the proclamation. The Bohemians of
Cedar Rapids, who were most vigOr-
Gus in their protest, having come to
full realization of the motive that
prompted the issuance of the proc
lamation, and fully understanding
the Interpretation of it, have now
withdrawn their protest and heartily
endorse the proclamation A broad
and unselfish acceptance of the spir-
it of the proclamation is of course,
expectd from all.
1.-THE spirit in which the procla-
nation is received is a good test of
the wisdom and necessity of it. The
sooner we learn to speak the English
language the better, and the closer
we confine the use of any other Ian
81 n - L. ln
English, the greater will be the elm
ination of German propaganda in our
state.
THE total elimination of the use
of foreign language cannot be accom-
plished in few days, but of neces
sity must be brought about gradual
ly and by the realization of its mis-
use is resulting in discord among
our own patriotic people and in CIV
ing our enemies an opportunity to
hinder the work of our gvernment
during these critical times.
do not place any credence in the.
voice of those who say 1.-The Govern
or did not have any authority to is
sue the proclamation" | have plenty
of authority for issuing the procla-
nation, and of course, plenty of au-
thority for its enforcement.
Il do not desire to make trouble
for any one and am satisfied that
when the whole matter is under
stood, and approached in the proper
spirit, there will be none left in the
state who insist upon defying the W
thority which issued the proclama-
ton.
''Some have suggested that it is a
sacrifice, not to use a foreign Ian
guage exclusively. Already Iowa has
sent in the neighborhood of 10000
boys into the service of our coun-
try. Each one of these boys has made
supreme sacrifice. i am sure that
none desire to remain at home and
complain that they are making sac
rifices when they realize how much
it means to these young men who
have left us.
"Those who take the proclamation
in the spirit in which it is issued will
receive every help from me- Those
who stiffen their necks and assume
defiant attitude will injure them
selves and our country's best inter-
ests.
with the assurance that l am de-
handing neither the impossible nor
the unreasonable I am sure Won as