Polk County news. [volume] (Benton, Tenn.) 191?-1983, 1921-03-10

uTtSS VI IItSlutlll w al Cll VI AAeAA NAi'S
was as follows:
My countrymen-When one surveys
the world about him after the great
storm, noting the marks of destruc-
tion and yet rejoicing in the rugged
ness of the things which withstoOd
It, If he is an American he breathes
the clarified atmosphere with a strange
minging of regret and new hope. We
have. seen a world passion spend its
fury, but we contemplate republic
mistaken and hold our civilization Sc
cure. Liberty-liberty within the law
and civilization are inseparated, and,
though both were threatened, we find
them now secure; and there comes to
Americans the profound assurance
that our representative government is
the highest expression and surest
guaranty of both.
Standing in this presence, mindful
of the soemnity of this occasion, feel
ing the emotions, which no one may
know until he senses the great weight
Of responsibility for himself l must
utter my belief in the divine inspira-
ton of the founding fathers. Surely
there must have been Gods intent in
the making of this new world re-
public. Ours is an organic law which
had but one ambiguity, and we saw
that effaced in a baptism of sacrifice
and blood, with union maintained, the
nation supreme and its concord in
spring We have seen the world rivet
its hopeful gaze on the great truths
on which the founders wrought. We
have seen civil, human and religious
liberty verified and glorifed. In the
beginning, the old world scoffed at our
experiment; today our foundations of
political and social belief stand I'M
shaken, precious inheritance to our
selves, an inspiring example of free
dom and civilization to all mankind
Let us express renewed and strength
fened devotion in grateful reverence
for the immortal beginning and utter
our confidence in the supreme full
fillment.
Progress Proves Wisdom
The recorded progress of our re-
public, materially and spiritually, IT.
self proves the wisdom Of the inner
tied policy of non-envolvement in old |
world affairs. Confident of our ability |
to work out our own destiny and
jealousy guarding our right to do so,
we seek no part in directing the des- |
TIMES of the old world. We do not |
mean to be entangled, we will accept |
no responsibility except as our own
conscience and judgment, In each in
stance may determine.
Our eyes never will be blind to a
developing menace, our ears never !
deaf to the call Of civilization. We |
recognize the new order in the world, |
with the closer contacts which prog
ress has wrought. We sense the call !
of the human heart for fellowship, |
fraternity and cooperation. We crave
friendship and harbor no hate. But |
America-our America, the America
builded on the foundation laid by the
inspired fathers, can be party to no |
permanent military alliance. 1t can |
enter into no political commitments, |
nor assume any economic obligations
which will subject our decisions TO
any other than our own authority.
/ am sure our own people will not
nj u-ilI tho world |
misconstrue. We have no thought to
impede the paths to closer relation
shin. We wish to promote understand
ing. We want to do our. part In max
ing offensive warfare so hateful that
governments and peoples who resort
TO II must prove the righteousness or
their cause or stand as outlaws be-
fore the bar of civilization.
Association for Counsel
We are ready to associate ourselves
with the nations Of the world, great
and small, for conference, for coun-
sci. to seek the expressed views OF
world opinion; to recommend way
20 approximate disarmament and re-
lIeye the crushing burdens Of military
md naval establishments. We elect
TO participate in suggesting plans Tor
mediation. Cancellation and arbitra-
t,on and would gladly join In that
oxnressed conscience of progress
which seeks to clarity and write the
laws OF international relationship and
establish a world court for the dis
nosition of such justicible questions
ne nations are agreed to submit
thereto. In expressing aspirations in
seeking practical plans, In translating
humanity's new concept of righteous
ness and justice and its hatred of war
into recommended action we are
rendy most heartily TO unite, but every
commitment must be made In the ex-
ercise OF our national sovereignty
Since freedom impelled ana inuepenu,
ence inspired and nationality exalted
: world super.goyernment is contrary |