"I stand here, and have taken the high solemn oath," he said,
"because the people of the United States have chosen me, and by
their gracious judgement have named me their leader in affairs. I
know now what the task means.
"I pray God that I be given wisdom and prudence to do my duty in
the true spirit of this great people. I am their servant, and can
succeed only as they sustain and guide me by their confidence, and
their counsel...
"The shadows that now lie dark upon our path will soon be
dispelled. We shall walk with light all about us if we be but true
to ourselves-to ourselves as we have wished to be known in the
counsels of the world, in the thought of all those who love liberty,
justice, and right exalted."
We cannot here follow in detail all the steps by which Germany
forced America at length to declare war. It was in a spirit of
service that Mr. Wilson took up his office for a second time, of
service not only to his own country but to the world. In the cause
of that service he saw himself forced to lead his country into war.
Germany had filled America with spies, plotting constantly against
her peace and her honour. She had run amuck upon the seas, and by
her submarine warfare endangered the lives and welfare of all mankind.
She had become a menace to the world's freedom. The President loves
peace even as the soul of America loves peace.
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