Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 307, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 January 1918 — GOVERNOR URGES A RIGHT START [ARTICLE]

GOVERNOR URGES A RIGHT START

TELLS OF CIRCUMSTANCES WHICH COMPELLED US TO ENTER WAR.

A plea to start the new year with the consciousness that the cause of this country in the war is just, and determination to win, is contained in a new year’s greeting message issued by Governor James P. Goodrich. The message to the residents of the state follows:. ' ' “Nearly a year has passed since the Imperial German government by officially declaring its intention of disregarding the rules of civilized warfare and humanity forced the United States to enter the world struggle. In the year which has passed much has been accomplished in America, but there is still a great deal more to be done before the war is won. \ “Thounsands of young men in every part of the United States have flocked to the colors and thousands more are awaiting the call into the service of their country. The people of America have turned over the dollars by the billions to the government for the prosecution of the war and are prepared to turn over billions more; they have generously donated hundreds of millions to the Red Cross and will continue to see that our boys at the front do not suffer from lack of the comforts to which they are entitled. “Since it is plain that the people of the country have not failed in their duty an J are facing the future wth a growing determination to see the war through to final victory it is well that we begin the new year with the resolution that we shall not fail in doing our individual share, to the best cf our means and ability, in the defense of oar country * z “This resolution can best the fortified by the calm consideration of the reasons for which our country entered the great war. “We did not plunge into the conflict for revenge, for commercialism or because of race hatred. On the. contrary we draw the sword to protect American lives and American rights, and now that.the sword is drawn we do not propose to sheath it again until the forces responsible for the world-wide conflict shall be taugh that.might and right are ultimately on the same side and that American rights and the laws of civilization cannot be violated with impunity. When these, principles became generally recognized the danger of future world-wide conflagrations will be greatly lessened. One man power and insidious secret treaties between governments will no logner be recognized by civilized nations.

“Worthy accomplishments always follow lofty motives; good deeds seldom result from sinister designs and purposes. It is because then that our aims in the all engrossing struggle are of the highest that we may gain the inspiration and determination necessary for the future. It is because .we are right’ that we will ultimately win. But the consciousness of the purity of our motives is not sufficient to achieve victory. In a crisis like the present one, this consciousness must be the inspiration of real effort, to unselfish i sacrifices and suffering too, to the grim determination to go on io the goal which is victory. “Although there are many sacrifices ahead, I have no doubt of the outcome. The American people, when they haVd\ work to do, never quit until iy is accomplished. The knowledge that /we are right and that we must win will count heavily in the end and will count for victory. “Let us, then, start the new year with the consciousness that our cause is just and that we are going to make it win. If we do this there need be no fear as to the future. “JAMES P. GOODRICH, “Governor of Indiana.”