“Nor can the blame be shifted.  So far as was humanly possible, objections were met.  Reservations stating our complete compliance with the fundamental organic law, needless as they were in a strictly legal sense, were proposed.  Others were accepted where they seemed to be animated by proper motives, but good faith prevented acceptance of those which proposed to withdraw the pledge in the same document in which it was plighted.  As was observed in the address accepting the designation as champion of the party, every boy in our schools knows that war may be declared only by act of Congress and that the American Constitution rises superior to all treaties.  Still, every friend of the Covenant was ready to acquiesce in proposals that would state these propositions, and more, if that would prove a solution.

“Failing in this effort, the resolution was formed that the only other method lay in submitting the matter in a solemn referendum to the conscience of America.  In that great judgment we now are.  Men are but instrumentalities of the Divine Will, worked out, we pray, in the nations.  Few things are of smaller importance than the temporal fortunes of men; no things of greater importance than the destiny of mankind.  Willingly would we undergo crushing defeat to save the principle for which we strive, guiltily would we assume power won by appeal to baser motives and selfish fears.

“There is in this year, for the causes here outlined, a militancy as of the Crusaders, marching over mountains and deserts to wrest the Holy Places from unworthy hands.  There is a sacred fire in the countenances of those who speak the message, there is a joy in proclaiming the tidings, there is a zeal in spreading the word.  We are preachers this year of national righteousness, of honor, of faith and of high purpose.

“We scorn to think of our mission in ordinary terms.  We disdain to look upon the early days of November as a test of rival organizations in their power to muster votes.  We have no mind to compete in lavish outlay, we have no purpose to resort to sinister methods of electrical appeal.  If we are to be chosen, it is to be because we have won the conscience of the nation, and God helping us, we will appeal to nothing else.

“We turn from the external duties of the country to its internal.  Promises with respect to these matters must of every necessity be in general terms largely because the problems are vast and must adjust themselves to all parts of the country, harmonizing with conditions that vary widely.  Back of all legislation, back of statute and executive policy worth while, there lies one unvarying hope and purpose—­to right wrong, to secure justice and to give equal opportunity.  All measures must be tested by these great principles and on them rest securely if at all.