Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1921-11-15
The Duty Of All Americans
(Communicated)


as the advocate of the limitation o.
armament, that we as a nation are
sincere in our ambitions and aims IS
not to be doubted by all who at heart
are full f7edged Americans. Our duty
is plain, we must perform that duty
not alone for America, but for the
world at large. The boldness OF Sec
rotary Hughes in stating the ques-
ton of armament and its limitation
cannot be passed or pushed aside.
but must stand out both forclbly ans
prominently before the conference
now in session as concrete program.
the adaptabiity of which is before
the world powers.
Americas object cannot be cues
toned or doubted at, it is not only
cessation of naval building but re-
duction of expenses and relief to the
already over-taxed nations now IN
conference, but will be the means of
developing commerce in all parts OF
the world, creating relations of com
merce and bringing all nations into
closer relationship and understand
ing, that will show the real feasibility
of, the limitation of armament. How
can the duty of Americans be per-
formed, by supporting to the last man
and woman the President and the
delegates appointed by him, IN sup
Porting them, by all of the political
parties, laying aside all plans for
campaign ammunition and putting
America, first, not letting political
life or its compensation enter into
the question at ALL
1t calls for patriotism and duty to
America first to the world and hu-
manity at large, that the repetition
OF the world war in all its honor,
courage and suffering may be ca
lamity that may never befall the
world again. America can but show
the way, let US back up the confer
ence by united support, casting
aside all political party lines and be
Americans first and last, letting
political affairs became secondary OF
party nature.
Let LIS show the world that we can
not only do our duty for the salvation
of humanity in war, out that we can
in peace do greater duty to hui
manity, by doing that which we are
now bringing before the world pow
ers now represented by their chosen
representatives in Washington.
This should not be looked upon
from only the political or commercial
standpoint, but should be viewed from
that of closer relationship of reli-
gious and social standpoint as well.
Thi is just as important as the
purpose of the conference, the limita-
ton of armament, why because 1t
will create an understanding among
the nations that are all vitality con-
ceived in the outcome of this confer
cnce, of thorough understanding and
confidence which go a long way TO
dimish the distrust and doubts that
now exist as to the sincerity Of the
aims and purposes that now exist
among the nations of the world at
large.
We come before the world with
spirit Of good viii and amity, that
cannot be doubted, for we have stated
our program, it means sacrificing
hundreds of millions of dollars, but
if an agreement can be had among
the nations assembled in conference,
America will have performed as great
if not grester duty to civilization
and the world, by being the means
of bringing the world. its nations
to an understanding, that will re-
bound to the high and noble object
Of America as nation, the United
States. We have taken the lead, let
US rally as one, support the Presi-
dent and the men he has chosen, let
US lead the world, its nations into a
higher order of citizenship, confidence
and understanding, that in the end
will be founded upon justice and
right to all and special favor to none.
This will bring closer understand
ing and confidence that will add an
other page to American history,
which not even time can diminish its
lustrc, but will go down in the annals
of history as one of the brightest and
most cherished OF all. for it will have
but shown that America is ever ready
to do her duty in the name of hui
mainly and for the sake and saliva
ton of the world, its nations and
mankind at large. As nation we
cannot fail, if we do our duty as q
nation. +. B. H.