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"Americanism"
My countrymen, the first claiming source of Americanism was
writed in framing the Federal Constitution in 1787. The pilgrims
signed their simple and suggested covenant a whole century and a
half before, and set aflame their beacon of liberty on the coast of
Massachusetts. Other pioneers of New World's freedom were rearing
their new standards of liberty from Jamestown to Plymouth for five
generations before Lexington and Concord heralded the new era. It
is all American in the best and result, yet all of it lacks the
soul of nationality.
In simple truth, there was no thought of nationality in the
revolution for America's independence. The colonists were
resisting a wrong, and freedom was their solace. Once it was
achieved, nationality was the only agency suited to its
preservation. Americanism really began when robed in nationality.
The American Republic began the blazed trail of representative,
popular government. Representative democracy was proclaimed the
safe agency of highest human freedom. America headed the forward
procession of civil, human, and religious liberty which ultimately
will affect the liberation of all mankind. The Federal
Constitution is the very base of all Americanism, the ark of the
covenant of American liberty, the very temple of equal rights. The
Constitution does abide and ever will, so long as the Republic
survives.
Let us hesitate before we surrender the nationality which is
the very soul of highest Americanism. This republic has never
failed humanity, nor endangered civilization. We have been tardy
sometimes -- like when we were proclaiming democracy and
neutrality, and yet ignored our national rights -- but the ultimate
and helpful part we played in the Great War will be the pride of
Americans so long as the world recites the story. We do not mean
to hold aloof, we choose no [isolation], we shun no duty. I like
to rejoice in an American conscience, and in a big conception of
our obligation to liberty, justice, and civilization -- aye, and
more. I like to think of Columbia's helping hand to new republics
which are seeking the blessings portrayed in our example. But I
have a confidence in our America that requires no council of
foreign powers to point the way of American duty. We wish to
counsel, cooperate, and contribute, but we arrogate to ourselves
the keeping of the American conscience, and every concept of our
moral obligation.
It's time to idealize, but it's very practical to make sure
our own house is in perfect order before we attempt the miracle of
Old World stabilization. Call it the selfishness of nationality if
you will. I think it's an inspiration to patriotic devotion 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 America first. Let the internationalist
dream, and the Bolshevist destroy. God pity him for whom no
[minstrel raptures dwell.]
In the spirit of the Republic we proclaim Americanism and acclaim
America.