The weekly Alaska citizen., 1919-05-26
"A PLEDGE OF LOYALTY"


 II am proud that the United States of America is my country, the Stars and Stripes my flag. No matter from what race sprang. or what nation may claim my friendship, my watchword shall be America first A citizen by birth or choice. l will ever strive to make my government revered at home and respect ed abroad. believe in open, just and honor able covenants with other nations to establish, in keeping with the laws of God, a world of justice and peace"
 Such is the first paragraph of "A Pledge of Americanism" adopted by the citizens of Spokane, Wash, as expressing the community spirit of patriotism. The declaration was made up from scores of suggestions offered at a series of conferences participated in by rep resentatives of civic bodies secular institu- tiors, labor unions, city officials, patriotic so- cieties and the Chamber of Commerce
 Other sections of the pledge are:
 "Above all party or selfish interests, l will uphold our officials in the administration of the laws I will abide by the decisions of the ma ajority and respect the rights of the min ority I will support the constitution of the United States and oppose every organization destructive of my country's good. I will fol- low no party that does not carry the flag and keep step to the music of the Union.
 "As member of this great nation, a democracy in republic, sovereign nation of many sovereign states, I will cherish and up hold the divine principles of freedom, equality, justice and humanity, for which America patriots sacrificed their fortunes and their lives; and pray God to bless my country an her people.
 ''I believe my country's protection. her rights and privileges, her burdens and duties should be justly distributed to alto the poor the rich, the laborer, the capitalist I believe that our industries and commerce should pro 'mote social and spiritual as well as material welfare; that the laborer is entitled to faj' wages, reasonable hours of work, propc' working conditions, decent home and oppor- tunity for recreation, education and worship. and that our government should insure to every individual security of life, limb, health and prosperity.
 q will do my best to keep physically strong, morally clean and mentally active; to know my country's history and the laws of my city, state and nation, so that with the voice and vote of citizen may take an in- telligent part in our government
 q believe in the vital importance of edu- cation, the sacredness of the home and the marriage tie. As my country's future depends upon the intelligence and character of its peo- pie, of myself and my neighbors, will evc strive for higher standard of citizenship
 Since our Constitution guarantees that no religious text shall ever be required as a qualification for public office, and since con- gress can make no law to establish religio or to prohibit the free exercise thereof, I will never discriminate against any citizen because oi his religion.
 ''I hold in grateful memory the galla service of our army and navy in defense of our liberty and our rights. I honor the men who served our country in time of peril, who carried our flag thru the wars'which gave us freedom. I will make my gratitude practical by helping in every way to restore them to place of honor and prosperity in civil life.
 Therefore, I PLEDGE to my countr, the love of my heart, true, constant and ab- solute loyalty; pledge respect and obedience to her laws. I pledge my property, my ser vice, my honor, and, if need be- my life to d. / fend her. pledge allegiance to my flag and to the republic for which it stands, one nation indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
 THE 8O-ROD STRIP