PERRY'S ORATION ON 
 
 THE 
 
 AMERICAN 
 
 FLAG 
 
 DELIVERED NOV. 29th, 1917 
 AT SHOSHONI, WYOMING 
 
 PRICE, FIFTY CENTS 
 
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 EAST AURORA, NEW YORK 
 
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 I AN ORATION DELIVERED | 
 
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 I I REV. GEORGE PERRY j 
 
 IN SHOSHONI, WYOMING j 
 
 i 1 NOVEMBER 29th j 
 
 1917 II 
 
 Price, Fifty Cents 
 
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 Printed By | 
 
 The Roycbofters, East Aurora, N.Y. s 
 
 1918 
 
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 Copyright, 1918, By Rev. George Perry. 
 
Have You Read Perry's 
 Oration on the American Flag 
 
 Delivered November 29, 1917 
 Shoshoni, Wyoming 
 
 HERE stands in bas-relief a day, spent in 
 visiting the historic spots of Richmond. One 
 incident particularly is recalled with peculiar 
 signiiBcance at this crisis in our world affairs. 
 Reverently sitting in the cathedral-twilight of 
 old St. John's church, in the very pew where 
 Patrick Henry stood when he delivered his 
 famous speech before the second Virginia 
 convention, March 20, 1775, 1 closed my eyes, 
 picturing the scene as it must have appeared that day so long ago, 
 ^ There were all the great men of the day, including George Wash- 
 ington, Jefferson and many others, some of whom had traveled long 
 distances to be present, filling the pews to overflowing, even to the 
 window ledges outside, and in their midst an orator delivered him- 
 self of words of fire, even as did St. Paul at Athens of old. 
 Suddenly a voice broke my reverie and the stillness of the church. 
 It was our old guide repeating the words Patrick Henry uttered a 
 century and a half ago, quietly and deliberately at first, but as he 
 neared the end of the speech, even the immortal Henry himself, 
 could he have heard, need not have been ashamed of the humble old 
 orator who, as he progressed,* bedame more earnest and impressive: 
 ^"The war is inevitable — and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it 
 come! It is vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry. 
 Peace! Peace! But there is no peace. The war is actually begun. The 
 gale that sweeps from the North will bring to our ears the clash of 
 resounding arms. Our brethren are already in the field? Why stand we 
 here idle — is life so dear, or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the 
 price of chains and slavery.? Forbid it. Almighty God ! I know not 
 what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty, or 
 
 give me death! " ,<=>> 
 
 4 €)Gi.A499033 
 
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 In these modern times, are we not impressed with the spirit of 
 sacrifice, found in these great leaders and statesmen? Generally 
 speaking, sacrifice means that which is devoted, surrendered, pre- 
 sented, or abandoned for the good or welfare of another. A grain of 
 corn placed in the ground is sacrificed for the nourishment of human- 
 ity, and the flower-seed sacrifices itself to bring beauty and fragrance 
 to the world. 
 
 Man must sacrifice himself for the help and comfort of other men, and 
 for succeeding generations. The toiler in mill or mine, the worker in 
 shop, store or office, the inventor, philanthropist, physician, the brain 
 worker, and all men engaged in any honest endeavor are sacrificing 
 their time, energy, and talents that others may enjoy the results of 
 their labors. While man is making a sacrifice for the benefit of others 
 he is also receiving benefits for himself, and realizes the satisfaction 
 that comes from deeds accomplished, and victories won. 
 The highest and most noble example of moral sacrifice, in this day, is 
 the soldier who leaves a comfortable home, kind friends, pleasant 
 companions, and enters a conflict that requires all his physical and 
 mental energies. He knows of the hardship and dangers ahead, and 
 yet, unconsciously, he is making a sacrifice that others may enjoy 
 liberty, peace and the pursuit of happiness. 
 
 In these stirring times, which demand so much from our loyalty, 
 and patriotism, and when the display of the National Emblem 
 should inspire not only cheering, but also reverence and respect for 
 that for which it stands, a discussion of how the eagle became our 
 nation's symbol seems especially fitting. It is probable that few have 
 ever given a thought as to why the eagle was adopted as our 
 national bird. It is in no way particularly significant of America, 
 and is not purely an American bird. 
 
 The subject was given considerable thought by our forefathers and 
 soon after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, John 
 Hancock was placed at the head of a committee whose attention was 
 turned to creating a national flag or seal. When this committee re- 
 ported to Congress, none of the designs submitted seemed suitable 
 to that body, although Jefferson had worked out a shield, containing 
 something symbolical of all the peoples that entered into the making 
 of America; the Government represented as a herculean figure with 
 a giant club, standing between Vice and Virtue, was John Adams' 
 idea: Franklin had created a seal, using the story of Pharaoh pur- 
 suing the Hebrews into the Red Sea. 
 
 5 
 
The committee dispersed. In the ensuing years five distinct groups of 
 men submitted over forty suggestions. In June of the year 1782 
 Congress finally approved of the eagle design: the eagle with the 
 olive branch in one claw and arrows in the other. When Franklin 
 heard of this he was much displeased and could not approve of a bird 
 which he knew from his observations to be a rascal among the deni- 
 zens of the upper air; affirming that he was a lazy bird and a great 
 bully, none of which was at all characteristic of the new govern- 
 ment *•» **» 
 
 Considering the ability and influence of Franklin, it is surprising that 
 the eagle was ever adopted at all, but in these Twentieth-Century 
 times it is hardly possible to conceive of any more fitting symbol, 
 than the American eagle soaring forth to lead triumphant Allied 
 troops to a deserved victory over German autocracy. On June 14, 
 1777, Congress enacted that the stripes should be reduced perma- 
 nently to thirteen, and that a star should be added for each new State 
 admitted. The new flag was flown over the House of Representa- 
 tives April 13, 1818, but to-day our beautiful emblem is conspicuous 
 in every land, and is known everywhere. 
 
 In the present war the Stars and Stripes stand for freedom of the seas, 
 observance of international war, and the right of American citizens to 
 travel in foreign lands, in the peaceful pursuit of profit or pleasure, 
 unmolested in person or property. Our flag also stands for justice, 
 civilization, and the laws of humanity : for the preservation of democ- 
 racy against autocracy, and in defense of the rights of weaker nations 
 against unjust aggression and invasion. 
 
 It represents a government that believes treaties and agreements mean 
 more than a '* mere scrap of paper," and that it will hold to strict 
 accountability any overt act or violation of its rights. It stands back 
 of a united patriotic people who prefer peace, but are prepared for war 
 in defense of the principles upon which this country was founded, 
 fought for and perpetuated. It has stood in the past, as it will in the 
 future, that the strength of a nation is the strength of virtue and piety. 
 ^ It demands that our citizens, wherever they may go, shall enjoy the 
 same protection and privileges that aliens of other nations are 
 accorded here. It insists upon the right of our ships to sail the seas, 
 unrestricted except by the usages of international law, requiring 
 visit, search, and absolute safeguarding of life of passengers and crew, 
 before seizure or destruction, if such is warranted. Our star-spangled 
 banner, true to its glorious traditions of the past, is again unfurled 
 6 
 
in battle in freedom's cause, and calls us to the colors, in defense of 
 home and country, and the pursuit of life, liberty and happiness; so 
 that in the words of the immortal Lincoln: "Government of the 
 people, by the people, and for the people, shall not perish from the 
 earth." *•» &o» 
 
 Now that war is actually upon us, let us all show our true patriotism. 
 There is something for each one to do, whether man, woman or child. 
 Not every one can go to the front. If you can, go gladly and quickly. 
 Let every person wear a tiny flag and display a large one at his 
 residence, if possible. We, as a nation, need the attitude of loyalty 
 and patriotism, " As a man thinketh, so is he." Don't be the last 
 person to rise when the National Anthem is sung. Don't wait for a 
 policeman to ask you to remove your hat at sight of " Old Glory." 
 ^ There should be a flag of our country in every home. It should be 
 considered as necessary to the welfare of the family as the Bible, The 
 two are indissolubly connected in our history. There are many lessons 
 which can be taught the children in the home in which the Flag has a 
 prominent part. Parents should not leave the teaching of patriotism 
 to teachers alone. Forestall the teacher in this duty and the children 
 will be doubly benefited. The occasions of state and national holidays 
 afford excellent opportunities for such instruction. Have a place where 
 the home flag can be conspicuously displayed and be sure each child 
 knows why the day is celebrated. 
 
 The significance of bars, stars, field and colors will prove interesting 
 topics. Teach the salute and along with this give instructions in the 
 proper deportment in public places where the national anthem is 
 rendered. You owe this duty to your children; you owe it to the re- 
 public in which you live. Character-building is more important than 
 money-making. A reverence for the flag and the institutions it 
 represents is heritage of more worth than great riches. Three hundred 
 years ago a little ship crossed the Atlantic, the Mayflaiver. People 
 would not venture to cross the Atlantic in such a tub to-day. You 
 could have swung it upon the deck of one of the great steamers of to- 
 day without having appreciably added to the freight. That little 
 ship carried in its hold a company of men and women who had left 
 home and fatherland for Jesus' name, carried moral force enough to 
 lay the foundation of the mightiest republic the world has ever seen. 
 I ask the question: Shall it be overthrown? Some may say, " It 's 
 only a matter of sentiment." Nay, friends, go with me to the Hall of 
 Flags in Boston. Look at those battle-torn and tattered. Think of the 
 
 7 
 
men who carried those flags and who fought for them and tell me, if 
 you can, that it is only sentiment. Teach the children — even the 
 smallest — ^^to love the flag and to wear it. The first and last text-book 
 in a republic should be citizenship. See to it, teachers of our public 
 schools, that our youths are taught the duties, obligations and 
 opportunities of citizenship, if they are not taught so much about 
 business affairs; these will come soon enough. 
 
 James W. Gerard, our late Ambassador to the German Imperial 
 Court, has said: " People of other countries have been wondering why 
 it is that the German government is able so easily to impose its will 
 upon the German people. I have told by what means the control of 
 the army is kept in the hands of the class of nobles. These are not 
 the only means by which the system controls the country. These 
 alone would not sufiice. From the time he is four years old, the 
 German is disciplined and taught that his government is the only 
 good and efiPective form. The teachers in the schools are all govern- 
 ment-paid, and teach the children only the principles desired by the 
 rulers of the German people. There are no Saturday holidays in the 
 German schools, and their summer holidays are for only three to five 
 weeks. You never see gangs of small boys in Germany. Their games 
 and their walks are superintended by their teachers, who are always 
 inculcating in them reverence and awe for the military heroes of the 
 past and present. On Saturday night the German boy is turned over 
 by the state-paid school-teacher to the state-paid pastor, who adds 
 divine authority to the principles of reverence for the German 
 system." «•► s^ 
 
 THE very atmosphere that an American boy breathes is preg- 
 nant with industrial ambition and impulses. Every American 
 child should know that he or she lives under the best government 
 system in the world; that politically this nation is breaking away 
 from European systems, with the establishment of a new order of 
 things under new systems; that pure and impartial liberty, based 
 upon the eternal and God-given rights of all men, is a flower of 
 American growth and cultivation. 
 
 And when you swing away from American ports for foreign lands you 
 come under the influence of systems of government where men are 
 not regarded as political equals, and where the rights of man as man 
 are more or less curtailed or denied. The basis of our system is that, 
 politically, all men are equals. This system is popular in form, from 
 8 
 
the chief executive down to the most subordinate office in the smallest 
 local community : all power emanates from the people and every 
 public servant is accountable to the people, for the proper exercise of 
 the measure of power entrusted to his keeping. 
 
 Our nation, founded in heroic patriotism, retained in that marvelous 
 constitution but one provision suggested by expediency instead of 
 principle, and seventy years later it came near costing us the total 
 disruption of our national life. The war settled some things for all 
 time — Freedom forever and everywhere on American soil; that this 
 land shall always be " the land of the free " as it has always been 
 " the home of the brave "; that this is not a confederacy of jealous, 
 jeering, petty communities, but in fact as well as in form, a nation, in 
 a civilized age among the civilized nations of the earth. 
 That the American mind w411 tolerate almost any political heresy 
 short of treason to the idea that we are an indestructible nation; but 
 that the slightest assault upon that principle, the first attack upon 
 that flag, so beautifully typifies this national idea that it will summon 
 from American work-shops, American farms, and American firesides 
 a convocation of freemen that no human power on earth can success- 
 fully withstand. 
 
 And in these serried ranks would be seen here and there an old 
 scarred veteran, who in his boyhood days had marched against that 
 flag in duty's sacred name. Coming up with his wasted form and 
 tottering frame, we can hear him saying with the illustrious Webster, 
 when swelling with pride in the greatness and glory of his native land, 
 "I was born an American, I live an American,! shall die an American." 
 ^ Under the Stars and Stripes people may, if they are wise enough 
 and honest enough and virtuous enough, live together and prosper 
 under one nationality, down history and the ages, or until the end of 
 time. If the Constitution was worthy to be idealized and venerated in 
 the time of Washington and Jefferson, how much more should it be 
 cherished and appreciated now? Young men of my own generation, 
 can we ever forget, or become faithless to the priceless legacy of 
 liberty and blessing that has been preserved to us by the heroism of 
 these men and women before us, and by the thousands of their com- 
 panions whose hallowed graves are dotted over every State in this 
 broad Union, making sacred and consecrated forever, every foot of 
 American soil.'' 
 
 I would have every American mother take her child upon her knee and 
 recite the names and deeds of American heroism in war and peace, 
 
 9 
 
until the young cheek shall burn, and the young heart swell with love 
 of our native land. I would have every college, and every public 
 school a school of patriotism and statesmanship, every American boy 
 a little prince, and every citizen a king and queen. I would per- 
 petuate all that is best and noblest in our American institutions, 
 until the proudest boast of civilized men shall be " I am an American 
 citizen." 5o» 5*» 
 
 In the several great wars in which the United States has been engaged 
 since the Declaration of Independence, a suitable slogan that has 
 expressed the feeling of the American people has always been origin- 
 ated. In Adams's administration, when we were having trouble with 
 France, the slogan " Millions for defense, but not one cent for trib- 
 ute " was the watchword of this country. 
 
 During the War of 1812, Perry's famous words, " We have met the 
 enemy and they are ours," found their way into the hearts of the 
 American people. Another famous slogan, " You may fire when ready, 
 Gridley," was expressed by Dewey at the battle of Manila Bay, 
 during the Spanish-American war. During the present struggle, the 
 War of 1917, Admiral Sims surprised England by saying, " We can 
 begin at once." The American " Sammies " who recently landed in 
 France have already invented a slogan that expresses the feeling of 
 the whole American people, " Can the Kaiser." These slogans will go 
 down in history, along with others that Yankee wit can be expected 
 to originate. 
 
 WAR has had a weird and mysterious part in the development of 
 the humcin race; by it tyrants have enlarged and maintained 
 their kingdoms, and by it they have been overthro^Ti s^ By it 
 brave men have defended their altars and their firesides. It has been 
 the ally of avarice and sin; but it has likewise been freedom's strong 
 defender. One by one the principles of human liberty, under the 
 benign protection of which we are living to-day as a free people, have 
 sprung as if by magic from soil drenched with patriotic blood. 
 Marathon, Thermopylae, Runnymede, Waterloo, Concord, Lexing- 
 ton, Yorktown, Bunker Hill, Gettysburg, Vicksburg, Champion Hill, 
 Winchester, Missionary Ridge, Shiloh, and Appomattox: the history 
 of political progress — aye, the reclamation of mankind from a con-* 
 dition of barbarism to that of civilization — cannot be written without 
 using these imperishable names. 
 
 The philosopher and philanthropist look forward to a day, which we 
 10 
 
trust may be near at hand, *' when the nations shall learn war no 
 more." But the students of history cannot fail to discover that the 
 liberties that we now enjoy have one after another been vindicated at 
 the point of the bayonet and the sword. Periods of national peace are 
 in danger of becoming periods of moral stagnation. The average 
 citizen will endure much of misrule before he will assert himself for 
 the public good. Patriotism is the only safeguard of a free people; 
 a republic poor in patriotism would be poor indeed. When I consider 
 that the world has thus far learned its greatest lessons of heroism and 
 patriotism from the battlefield; when I consider also that the prac- 
 tise of war, except in self-defense, or in defense of a righteous principle, 
 is not compatible with morality nor with the highest condition of 
 civilization, I ask, how are the altars of patriotism to be kept aflame 
 in a great republic in time of protracted peace, and in a time when 
 the ambitions and labors of a people are given over to the material 
 conquest of the world.'* Manifestly by educating every citizen on the 
 genius and principles of our institutions and what they have cost s» 
 Are we determined to make whatever sacrifice is necessary that that 
 flag shall still be emblematic of the institutions which it represents 
 to-day, and of the fundamental principles underlying the rights and 
 privileges enjoyed by the American people, that they may be extended 
 to other peoples who too need them, that, they, too, may rise above 
 their present state? 
 
 What the monument really stands for is best told in the words of 
 Daniel Webster himself. After addressing himself to the Marquis 
 deLafayette, in appreciation of his presence, Mr. Webster said: 
 " But our object is, by this edifice, to show our deep sense of the value 
 and importance of the achievements of our ancestors; and by pre- 
 senting this work of gratitude to the eye, to keep alive similar senti- 
 ments, and to foster a constant regard for the principles of the 
 Revolution. Human beings are composed not of reason only, but of 
 imagination also and sentiment; and that is neither wasted nor 
 misplaced which is appropriated to the purpose of giving right 
 direction to sentiments, and opening proper springs of feeling in the 
 heart. We wish that this column, rising toward heaven among the 
 pointed spires of so many temples dedicated to God, may contribute 
 also to produce, in all minds, a pious feeling of dependence and 
 gratitude. Let our conceptions be enlarged to the circle of our duties. 
 Let us extend our ideas over the whole of the vast field in which we are 
 called to act. Let our object be, our country, our whole country, and 
 
 11 
 
nothing but our country. And by the blessing of God may that country 
 itself become a vast and splendid monument, not of oppression and 
 terror, but of wisdom, of peace, and liberty, upon which the whole 
 world may gaze with admiration forever." 
 
 There are many laws and commandments which we are bound to 
 obey, and one of the greatest of these commandments is " Honor the 
 Flag." You may ask, why must we honor the flag.'' It is only a piece 
 of cloth made of red, white, and blue. This is true, but did you ever 
 stop to consider what it means, or to think that it has a history. It 
 means liberty. Its history is of exceeding interest and brings to us a 
 throng of sacred and thrilling associations. Consider what we owe to 
 the people who fought to win this liberty. They were men who had 
 taken their lives in their hands, set aside all their possessions for the 
 " doctrine of liberty." To gain liberty, valiant young people rose up 
 against an old tyranny, to establish the most influential political 
 doctrine the world has ever known. 
 
 Throughout the country millions of men, old and young, are to-day 
 wearing the flag. They w^ear it as an expression of loyalty and devotion 
 to country. Many of them have deep appreciation of the institutions 
 which it represents, of the fundamental principles underlying the 
 rights and privileges which they enjoy. Yet, some of them wear it 
 superficially. To such were recently addressed words necessitating 
 sober thought. In a speech in Madison Square Garden, New York, 
 an aged veteran of the Civil War said: " The man who wears the flag 
 to-day has consecrated to it his life, his property. If he has not, he 
 has no business to wear it." Have all who wear the flag to-day sol- 
 emnly resolved to defend what it stands for, with life and property.'* 
 ^ There is a strong and valid objection to using the flag as a trade- 
 mark in business, or for advertising purposes. It is neither necessary 
 nor good taste. It cheapens regard and destroys sentiment. At the 
 theaters, advantage is being taken more and more of these fine 
 sentiments to get a hand for a poor act, by introducing at the critical 
 moment the flag, or a few bars of the national anthem. This brings the 
 audience to its feet and carries the sketch that would otherwise die a 
 natural death. It is simply commercializing the flag and making 
 patriotic sentiment serve a selfish purpose. Everybody sees the trick, 
 but few have the courage to object to it. We read that hotels and 
 restaurants in large cities, including those in the national capital, 
 '* exclude from patronage, whenever possible, men in the uniform of 
 an American soldier or sailor." 
 li 
 
They mean no offense to the uniform, yet do not respect it suflS- 
 ciently to permit its wearers to become guests and patrons, though 
 divested of the uniform they serve them as they do other guests. 
 They seem to have an idea that the uniform is distasteful to the 
 public because rendering the wearers conspicuous. 
 
 BUT who should be more conspicuous than the men who stand 
 ready to sacrifice their Uves, if need be, to protect not only 
 these hotels and restaurants, but lives and property of American 
 citizens everywhere? And what better insignia of loyalty and 
 patriotism than the uniform which the defenders of this country are 
 required to wear? Answering these questions as they should be 
 answered, men wearing American uniforms will be made welcome, 
 where to-day they are in some cases ostracized. The uniform 
 deserves all the respect that may be given it. 
 
 There is something peculiarly thrilling and impressive in the spectacle 
 of an assemblage, standing bareheaded and reverent when the 
 national anthem is played, and the Stars and Stripes waved. Our in- 
 most feelings are touched and our sacred obligations to country and 
 home are brought solemnly to mind. These deep and patriotic senti- 
 ments should not be lightly trifled with, nor should they be subjected 
 to the whim or call of every self-seeker who chooses to make capital 
 out of them. If you have land, much or little, plant it with the spirit 
 of patriotism to vegetables and food products. It is patriotic senti- 
 ment and duty. " Hats off to the Flag! " 
 
 The United States is at war with Germany. That means that every 
 person, whether native or foreign born, who claims the protection of 
 the American Flag, is at war with Germany. War is more than fighting. 
 War is service. War is sacrifice. War is the elimination of self. War is 
 country first and the individual last. This war will directly or in- 
 directly affect every person living in the United States. This war will 
 not be won unless every person does his or her part, gives his or her 
 services, makes his or her sacrifice, places self behind the need of the 
 nation s» o«. 
 
 The flag means freedom for us all, but the flag, in time of war, does 
 not mean freedom of action for the individual. The flag means re- 
 straint, cooperation, obedient recognition of authority, preservation 
 of law and order. Most of all it means economy. It means loyalty in 
 little daily things as well as loyalty to the great principles of our 
 government. It means the conduct of our lives so that nation may be 
 
 13 
 
hourly strengthened. It means the giving of our best effort for the 
 universal good. It means careful living. It means stopping of waste. 
 It means the uttermost use of our resources, our abilities and our 
 strength for the Great Cause. It means guarding our talk and avoid- 
 ing useless discussion. It means that the United States is first, para- 
 mount, supreme, and that the want or pleasure or action of each 
 individual must be subordinated to that fact. Three cheers for the 
 Red, White and Blue! 
 
 Whatever the original cause of this world-war, its present issue is 
 Democracy vs. Autocracy. The London Daily Chronicle truly said the 
 cause which precipitated the conflict " was not worth the bones of a 
 single soldier," but the issues now involved are worth life itself to 
 every man, woman and child. This world-war jeopardizes human 
 rights, should victory rest with autocracy. Autocracy is government 
 of, for, and by class. It looks to the perpetuity of ruling families at 
 whatever cost to the governed people. It is founded wholly on the 
 principle that " might makes right," therefore holds sacred no word 
 or pledge that becomes inimical to its purpose. Autocracy is the 
 antithesis of democracy which Abraham Lincoln defined as govern- 
 ment of, for, and by the people. Next to divine right come human 
 rights, one of which is self-government. Democracy is the world 
 issue to-day. 
 
 Democracy means equal rights, and equal protection in the enjoy- 
 ment of common rights and privileges. It means equal opportunity 
 not only in self-government but for self -advancement — ^for the pros- 
 ecution of all legitimate aims and purposes. It means freedom of 
 thought, speech and action, with due consideration of the rights of 
 others, and security of person and property from the aggression of 
 individuals or nations, because based on the fundamental principle 
 that " all men are created free and equal. "Now equal rights imply 
 equal obligations, and obligations are threefold — to self, to society, 
 and to government, or nation as a political organization. The in- 
 dividual citizen must compel, if necessary, respect for his personal 
 rights; he must join in the protection of community rights; he must 
 defend national rights whenever endangered — ^for when government 
 created of, for and by the people, cannot minister to the people, the 
 rights of the people are destroyed. 
 
 In a democracy especially, popular government is the keystone of the 
 arch of civic and political rights; and when it falls the arch collapses. 
 Obligation is discharged in many ways. In proportion to their ability 
 14 
 
all citizens pay taxes. As selected by their fellows all citizens serve as 
 jurors. When elected they fill the offices of government, etc. They 
 must do all these things to have popular government and free in- 
 stitutions. In like manner they must aid their country in war. From 
 this conclusion there can be no dissent. Democracy cannot be divorced 
 from universal obligation to military and naval service, and to do 
 whatever else may be deemed necessary for public good. 
 All this is simply elemental but necessary for full conception of and 
 proper emphasis to, the deduction now made: in a democracy there 
 should be no call for volunteer service in either the army or navy. The 
 government must have the right, if it defend individual rights, to 
 summon every man to render service according to ability — if not in 
 the army or navy, then on the farm, in the mine, the mill, or factory, 
 on railroads or canals. And government not only has this right, but 
 must exercise it, if war is waged to successful issue. The experience of 
 Great Britain proves this. The Civil War proved it. Better face this 
 fact now than later. 
 
 In a democracy there can be no argument against compulsory mili- 
 tary service or the selective draft, because authority comes from the 
 people and powder is resident in them. The volunteer may do his duty, 
 but the man who refuses, should volunteers be called, practically 
 impeaches his own citizenship. Therefore, in the exercise of their 
 power and authority through their government, the people direct 
 what each shall do toward national defense, and the quality of 
 service rendered measures citizenship. Effective service means 
 effective warfare, for the common cause which in this world-war is the 
 triumph of democracy. 
 
 This is what democracy means to you and me, to us all — the best 
 service for human rights of which we are capable. It is the meaning 
 of the " New Freedom " of which Woodrow Wilson is so strenuous 
 an apostle, and of " Ideal Democracy " of which he is so ardent a 
 champion. It catches the spirit of this Twentieth Century watch- 
 word, " He serves best who serves others," because it demands that 
 God be first, the people second, and rulers third, permitting no 
 precedence, other than that which comes from service well per- 
 formed *•► «•» 
 
 And nowhere else in the world should this spirit, this ideal obtain in 
 greater measure than in these United States, the greatest, most pro- 
 gressive democracy on earth. In closing an address, the Secretary of 
 the Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, Organization for Defense, said: 
 
 15 
 
" With the Stars and Stripes Commodore Perry unlocked the gate 
 that disclosed the emerald isles of the Pacific and pointed a hermit 
 nation to civilization. With that same flag Admiral Dewey broke the 
 shackles of the Filipinos, and General Shafter freed the Cubans. With 
 that same flag the American people will now banish from all Europe 
 military autocracy, and make its ' subjects ' free people like our- 
 selves." That, too, was Lincoln's luminous hour; that was his vision, 
 that his self-appreciation, his prayer. The trade in human lives was 
 exhibited in all its awful iniquity that day. Husbands were being torn 
 from wives, and mothers from children; even the Christian character 
 of some slaves was emphasized by the stone-hearted auctioneer as an 
 adequate reason for increased prices. The boiling blood of the young 
 countryman, rail-splitter, and river-boatman lifted to his quivering 
 lip the defiant slogan, " By the Eternal, if I ever get a chance to hit 
 that thing, I will hit it hard." 
 
 We were the only nation on earth who first tried to educate all the 
 people; the first three words of the Constitution are, " WE, THE, 
 PEOPLE." That means the slums of Chicago and New York, the 
 negroes of the South — ^people speaking every language in the world, 
 believing in every religion, and upholding every idea and form of 
 government known to man. 
 
 NOT a few, as I said before, but the majority of our people, must 
 be educated. Not a few, but the majority, must be honest. 
 Not a few, but the majority, must be law-abiding. Not a few, 
 but the majority of the people, must be devoted to the public good, 
 and ready to sacrifice therefore when necessary. It is this people who 
 in time of national crisis, pledge themselves to support the military, 
 financial and economic policies of our country. We do this first, be- 
 cause the United States stands for democracy; for the right of the 
 people to a voice in their government. Under this government we 
 have received a good education; we have been protected in our life 
 and property, and we have had an opportunity to enter any activity 
 in life for which we were fitted. We make this pledge, secondly, be- 
 cause we believe democracy, not only in the United States, but also 
 throughout the world, is threatened by the ambitions of the German 
 Kaiser and his advisers. He has established a military system whose 
 avowed purpose is conquest; he has waged war by barbarous and in- 
 human methods, the principal sufferers of which have been helpless 
 men and women and children. He has encouraged a course of instruc- 
 16 
 
tion by which the youth of his nation have been educated to believe 
 in force and conquest; he has repudiated treaties; he has violated all 
 the principles of humanity and international law in his treatment of 
 the conquered Belgians; he has conspired against our countrv while at 
 peace with us; he has sought to embroil us in war with other countries- 
 he has based his policy toward other nations upon falsehood and deceit' 
 For these reasons we accept the judgment of the President that no 
 man and no nation can depend upon the word or treatv of the present 
 German government. For these reasons we pledge ourselves and our 
 property to the cause of our country, and we will accept whatever 
 service we are able and fitted to undertake. 
 
 And so be it in the great conquest, that is upon us as a nation, that 
 in the language of true patriotism—" Yes, I 'm bleeding and dying 
 but ' Old Glory ' never touched the ground,"— this victory will mark 
 a new America, and, please God, will give further inspiration to all 
 peoples, to individual and national righteousness to the end that 
 democracy triumph, and autocracy perish from the face of the earth, 
 leaving a better world for all mankind to live in. 
 AH honor to him who in his country's need is ready to rise and sacri- 
 fice himself in her defense, and who is willing to die in order to per- 
 petuate the principles in which he believes. The most prominent 
 feature of the American people is the desire to give to every one the 
 privilege of upholding the principles in which they believe, and this 
 feature of our Americanism will be put to the test when this great war 
 shall have ceased: and may we be able to stand the test, and come out 
 with honor to ourselves and our country. 
 
 There are professed lovers of the flag who are actual traitors to it. 
 Love for the flag demands interest in the people that live under it. 
 Men greedy of personal gain who disregard the rights and profit by 
 the misfortunes of others are traitors of the meanest type. No flag can 
 win and maintain the highest respect when its citizens prey upon°each 
 other. The presence of the vulture suggests the carrion. Wild nature 
 lives by the destruction of nature around it. Civilized people live most 
 when they help the weak grow strong— by eliminating what leads to 
 decay s«. s*. 
 
 But here and there the conscienceless human vulture pounces upon 
 the unfortunate in common danger and sinks his talons of greed into 
 the little they have, thereby dishonoring the flag and marring the 
 image in which he is created. Such men, however lustily they may 
 cheer Old Glory, are traitors to the Stars and Stripes. Honest returns 
 
 17 
 
for investment and effort should be accorded every man. More than 
 this is treason to national progress. Such conduct lowers the flag. 
 The Armageddon of Autocracy and Democracy is here. Dear as have 
 been the traditions of the Fatherland, we must resent the German 
 disregard for others and her policy of gain at any cost. The New World 
 was born of Freedom and has learned to love her heritage. A mailed 
 hand seeks to crush all the principle we hold dear. The flag of freedom 
 is held in derision, her people are counted negligible. 
 Sons of Freedom, you and the flag must lift the gauntlet of oppression 
 and hurl it and all it stands for beyond possibility of recovery. Not 
 antagonism of people but of principle is to be the aim of your effort. 
 In the way you can help most it is your duty to honor the flag by 
 making its principles the redeeming force of people now oppressed, 
 and guaranteeing to all the world freedom, equity and peace. 
 When Garibaldi was thrown into prison, he said: " Let fifty Gari- 
 baldis be thrown into prison — but let Rome be free! " He counted 
 himself as of no consequence, but his cause as everything. Such a 
 spirit set Italy on fire. When he went before a crowd of young men, to 
 appeal for recruits, they demanded what he had to offer as induce- 
 ments. The old man replied, " Poverty and hardships and battles 
 and wounds and victory." They caught his enthusiasm, threw their 
 hats into the air, and enlisted on the spot. 
 
 As Israel Putnam left the plow in the furrow and mounted a field- 
 horse, when the bugle sounded for the rallying at Cambridge; as the 
 minute-men of Middlesex left workshop and farm at Paul Revere's 
 call to Lexington; as the youth of our land are responding to the call 
 for volunteers in time of war — so our patriotism should have men 
 work, and watch, with their finger on the latch under the inspiration 
 of a going which, be it near or far off, is a going of a sorrow or of joy 
 forever to our freedom ! 
 
 " Hear the tread of pioneers, of nations yet to be; 
 The first low wash of waves, where soon shall roll a human sea. 
 The rudiments of empire here are plastic yet, and warm; 
 The chaos of a mighty world is rounding into form." 
 
 So nigh is grandeur to our dust, so near is God to man, 
 
 When duty whispers low, Thou must, the youth replies, I can." 
 
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LiBRftRY OF 
 
 CONGRESS 
 
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