over others--and that true freedom can be experienced only in a nation
whose citizens highly resolve to protect the freedom, the rights and
interests of all.
Both plutocracy and Bolshevism are new forms of tyranny. Neither have,
as yet, run their course. None can refuse to take note that during the
last decade some of our rich, as for instance, Mr. Henry Ford, have
begun to learn the lesson of the stewardship of wealth. With what pride
and pleasure we have observed, too, that organized labor in America
has rejected Bolshevism and declared ardently and almost unanimously
for purely democratic methods of action. It is not among the twenty
per cent who are organized; it is among the eighty per cent of our
workers who have not the capacity to organize, or who are denied the
right to organize, that Bolshevism is raising its ugly head and weaning
the workers away from democracy and from the love and service of their
country. If our Union is to be preserved in our day, it must win a new
hold upon the affections of this vast number of our people, native-born
and foreign alike. Among them all its interests must be made the
subject of constant thought and conversation. All must learn that no
man who hates his neighbor can sit down in peace under his own vine
and fig tree. So, to this, our altar of unity, we who labor for social
peace must bring in absolute sacrifice the work of our hands and all
the cultural results of our civilization. Only thus shall we be enabled
to lead the warring classes back to Americanism. The Union, if it is
to be preserved from social disintegration, must be established upon
character as well as upon a common material interest.
[Illustration: Consecration to the Flag]
The time has fully come for all Americans to reason together and
finally think this thing through. Who among us can say that he knows
exactly what to do? But this we all can say: That if our people
approach this whole matter in the attitude of affection, one for
the other, if we consider this issue as ardent patriots and sincere
Christians, then we are sure to discover, presently, the straight way
in which all can walk together in unity and fellowship.
The Ku Klux Klan is composed, I trust, of men who will face this
crucial issue with relentless firmness. We shall say to Americans of
all classes who now prepare their minds for civil war that they must
and shall make peace. We do not propose, as the years pass, to wait
and wait and drift and drift. Let none mistake our purpose. Civil war
is the most terrible curse a nation can suffer. We do not propose to
look idly upon the mischief of others until it rages all about us. We
shall prevent war by planning for peace, by preparing for peace, and by
knowing in our inmost hearts that peace can be maintained. The way to
the peace we demand lies through justice, righteousness and affection.
"The Federal Union, it must be preserved."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account