Webster City freeman. [volume] (Webster City, Hamilton County, Iowa) 1884-1946, 1918-05-27
Governor w. L. Harding Issues Proc.
lamatiOn on Use of Foreign
I Languages in the State
of Iowa.
English, Only, is Official Language and
Must be Used Exclusively in
4
Public.


lamation forbidding the use of foreign
languages in the schools of Iowa and
asking the, use of only English in all
public places, on trains, in telephone
conversation, in public addresses and
those who are unable to understand or
speak English are asked to conduct
whatever religious services they wish
7 in their own homes.
The Proclamation.
The proclamation follows:
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 ending
such controversy and to bring about
peace, quiet and harmony among our
people, attention is directed to the fol-
lowing, and 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 con-
situations, but this is not guaranty of
the right to use language other than
the language of this Countrywide Eng
lish language. Both federal and state
constitutions also provide that mo
laws shall be made respecting an
establishment of religion or prohibit
ing the free exercise thereof" Each
person is guaranteed freedom to wor-
ship God according to the dictates of
his own conscience, but this guaranty
does not protect him in the use of a
foreign language when he can as we'll
express his thought in English, nor
entitle the person who cannot speak
or understand the English language
to employ foreign language, when to
d. so tends, in time of national peril,
to create discord among neighbors and
citizens, or to disturb the peace and
quiet of the community.
Duty of People.
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 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.
If there must be disagreement, let
adjustment be made by those in Off
cial authority rather than by the parti
cipants in the disagreement. Volun-
tary or self-constituted committees or
associations undertaking the settle
n,ent of such disputes, instead of pro-
melting peace and harmony, are a
menace to society and fruitful cause
of violence. The great aim and object
of all should be unity of purpose and
a 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.
Gives Rules.
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
telephone 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
worship in their homes.
This course carried out in the spirit
of patriotism, though incOnvenient to
some, will not interfere with their
guaranteed constitutional rights and
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
conveyance or sacrifice should will
snept yade for their perpetuity.
,,. by virtue of authority in
-, w. L. Harding, Governor
80. :. ), of Iowa. commend the
~ n rance and urge that
-. - :, within outlined rules
clerhorn are III, that petty differ