Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1920-09-02

pronounced a moral obligation tof
course, superior to legal obligation
and of "a greater binding force
"What, then, becomes of the argu-
ment that Congress, not the President,
In this instance at any rate, might
keep us out of war; Technically, OF
course, 1t could do so. Morally, with
equal certainty, II could not do so nor
would 1t ever do so. The American
people would never permit repudia-
tion Of a debt of honor.
sam I not right, my countrymen,
In saying that we needed only the
outbreak of war between Poland and
Russia to make uss realize at least
one Of the things which, In the words
of Secretary Lansing, we would have
been let In for but for the restrain
ing hand of the senate, and to fetch
home to us the danger Of commit
ting our country in advance to causes
that we know not Off
Not Our Purpose.
zone can have no quarrel with those
who have convinced themselves that
our underlying purpose In entering the
great conflict was to create league
of nations. The fact remains, how
ever, that no such intent was officially
acclaimed. no allusion, nor even sug-
gestion to that effect appeared in the
joint resolution of Congress which de-
clared the existence Of state Of war
between this country and Germany.
For myself left no room for doubt
Of the motives which led me to cast
my vote In favor of that resolution.
II so happened that made the con-
Guiding speech upon the war resolu-
ton. from my place In the senate, on
the night of April 4, 1877. These were
my own words at that time:
"I want II known to the people Of
my state and to the nation that l am
voting for war tonight for the main
tenance Of just American rights, which
is the 6rst essential to the preserva-
ton Of the soul of this republic.
IT vote for this Joint resolution to
make war, not war thrust upon us,
II could choose the language Of the
resolution, but q war declared In re-
Spouse to affronts; war that will
at least put q soul Int eur American
life; war not for the cause Of the
allies of Europe war net for France.
beautiful as the sentiment may be lin
reviving at least cur gratitude to the
French people net precisely aswar for
civilization, worthy and inspiring az
that would be; but war that speaks
for the majesty OF a people properly
governed, who finally are brought to
the crucial test where they are re-
solved to get together and wage con-
fiict for the naisteRance Of their
rights and the preservation Of the
covenant Inherited from their fathers.
1--WE have given to the world the
spectacle of great nation that could
make war without selfish intent. We
-unsheathed the sword some eighteen
years ago for the first time in the his
tory Of the world, in the name of hui
manity, and we gave proof to the
world at that time Of an unselfish ma
ton. Now, whether It Is the fate. or
fortune, or travail of destiny, II has
WHY W uuo w nubShtNshC INV o"ohe
again, not alone for humanity's sake
through that splendid inspiration will
be involved-But to unsheathe the
sword against great power IN the
maintenance of the rishts of the re-
public, in the maintenance which will
give to Us new guaranty of nation
ality. That's the great thing, and
IA L. ma
ators. that this is the iRpelling thought
with me for one, when cas-, NV vote
For Same Guaranty Today.
at is for that same guaranty ol ma
tionality' that l stand today, and shall
continue to stand inaexibly, so long
as | shall he lpermitted to live. The
independence ofSSur great republic IL
to me priceless and sacred inheri-
lance. Time was when an American
did not hesitate TO- proclaim himself u
aware, Is sometimes 70 invite the
sneers Of cynicism. But why should
any true American not be free TO say
I am patriot, wholly evoted to my
country. which hold TO be Gods best
inspiration 10 man for higher attain
ment and the promotion of the worlds
best civilization?'
But ! have special reason for
making this reference today. chal-
lenge the statement that the patriot
ism which holds America first com.
prehends either narrownes or selfish
ness, or as implying tacit suspicion and
jealousy Of other peoples.
ITO assert.sas soules have asserted
heediessiy, that those Of us who honest I
siy believe e&that America can best
serve all mankind as America, free
and untrammeled, rather than as. one
No a pitiable minority among many
states in merged world. government,
hack consciousness Of the rightfuI de-
mands of humanity, is to utter . gross
and objectionable iibet To attribute
meanness TO those. of us who, In the
Performance Of our public duty, re.
fused to participate In what we sin
cerely regarded as betrayal OF our
own country in the Interest Of others.
is to discredit the intelligence and
discrimination OF the great mass of
American people who directly by
their votes, put us In our positions of
trust. For myself, yield to no man
In willingness. aye. In eagerness, 10
render the greatest conceivable assist
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