Decorah-posten og ved arnen., 1918-05-31
\ PROCLAMATION BY GOV.
HARDING.


the following proclamation:
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 ac-
cordingly.
"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
constitutions, but this is not a
guaranty of the right to use a
language other than the language of
this country the English language.
Both federal and state constitutions
made respecting an establishment of
religion or prohibiting the free exer-
else thereof Each person is guaran-
teed 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 we'll express
his thought in English, nor entitle
the person who cannot speak or an
derstand the English language to
employ a foreign language, when to
do so tends, in time of national peril,
to create discord among neighbors
and citizens, or + 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
t o the public should so demean him
self 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
official authority rather than by the
participants in the disagreement.
Voluntary or self-constituted COM
mittees or associates undertaking the
settlement of such disputes, instead
of promoting peace and harmony, are
a menace to society and a fruitful
cause for 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 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 spirir
of patriotism, though inconvenient TO
some. will not interfere with then
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 and sacrifice should
willingly be made for their perpetuity,
Therefore. by virtue of authority
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 out
lined rules be adhered t. by all; tina,
petty differences be avoided and for
gotten and that, united as n people
with one purpose and with one Ian
guage. we fight shoulder to shoulder
for the good of mankind.
ain witness whereof. ! have here
unto set my hand and caused to be
affixed the great seal of the state o.
Iowa.
Done at Des Moines this twenty
third day of May, 1918,
(Seal.) w. L. Harding"
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