Belington progressive. [volume] (Belington, W. Va.) 1912-1927, 1920-07-15
HARDING.S MESSAGE
Americanism Without Any Altera-
ton or Reservation.

ton or Reservation.
This IS TIE rhcaccvarh moss
age of Senator Warren G. Hard
ing, Republican nominee for
President, to the American peo-
ple-an answer to the challenge
of the Democratic party:
My countrymen, the flaming
torch of Americanism was light
ed in framing the federal con-
stitution in 1887. The Pill
grims signed their majestic
covenant a full century and a
half before and set ahame their
eacon of liberty on the coast of
Massachusetts. Other pioneers
of new world freedom were rear
ing their standards of liberty
from jamestown and Plymoth
for five generations before Lex
ington and Concord heralded a
new era.
| 1t was all American in the
destined result, yet all of it lack
ed the soul of nationality. In
simple truth there was no
thought of nationality in the
Revolution for American indie
pendence. The colonists we're
resisting a wrong and freedom
was their solace. Once it was
achieved, nationality was the on
ly agency of this preservation.
Americanism really began when
robed in nationality. The Amer
lean republic began the blazoned
trail Of representative popular
government. Representative |
mocracy was proclaimd the same
agency of highest human freed
ON. Amrica headed the for
ward procession of civil, hui
man and religious liberty, which
ultimately will affect the liberia
ton of all mankind.
The federal constitution is
the very base of all American
ism; the ark of the covenant of
American liberty; the very
temple of equal rights. The
constitution does abaide and
ever will so long as the Republic
survives.
Let us hesitate before we sur
render the nationality which il
the very soul of highest Ameri-
canism. This republic has new
err failed humanity or endanger-
ed civilization. We have been
/ tardy sometimes, like when we
! We're proclaiming democracy and
neutrality while we ignored our
national rights but the ultimate
and helpful part we played in the
great war will be the pride of
America so long as the world re-
cites the story.
We do not mean to hold aloof I.
we choose no isolation; we shun
no duty. / like to rejoice in an
American conscience and in
big conception Of our obligat-
ions to liberty, conscience and
civilization. Aye, and more, /
like to think of Columbia's help
ing hand to new republics which
are seeking the blessings por-
trayed in our example but / have
a confidence in our America that
required no council of foreign
powers to point the way of
American duty.
We wish to council, cooperate
and contribute, but we arrogate
to ourselves the keeping of the
American continent and every
concept of our moral obligation.
1t is fine to ideal, but it is very
practical to make sure our own
house is in perfect order before
we attempt miracle of the
world sterilization.
Call it the selfshness of nat
ionality if you will; / think it an
inspiration to patriotic devot-
ion:
To safeguard America first.
To stabilize America first.
To prosper America first.
To think Of America first,
To exalt America first.
To live for and revere Ameri-
ca first.
Let the internationalist dream
, and the Bolshevist destroy. God
, pity him "for whom no minister
ed raptures dwell" In the spir
it of the Republic we proclaim
! Americanism and acclaim Amer