It is significant that the women are here as a part of your numbers. It is likewise becoming. Clothed as they soon are to be with the right of suffrage, it is a fine example of their appreciation of the responsibility of this added duty of citizenship that they observe this first opportunity to show their interest and concern in matters political. Whatever differences there may have been over the granting of the right of suffrage to the women, there can be no question as to their fitness, their capacity, their patriotism and their earnestness. Whenever the American women determine upon a course they have universally made a complete success. They will regard their obligation with seriousness and always with a concern for their country's welfare...
Our country is suffering today in common with much of the world as a result of the great war. We have this difference to distinguish us from Europe: We have actual peace, though not formally declared, while much of Europe is engaged in war, directly or indirectly. The European states have made their covenant, but war continues. We have entered into no covenant, and we have actual peace, but we have also the aftermath of the war in high cost of living, in disturbed social conditions, and in uncertainty in our industrial and financial affairs...
My Countrymen: Two sons of Wyandot County are here today who have made the greatest sacrifice for country which men may offer short of life itself. They were blinded under the flag, our Flag, in the Argonne. I want to publicly pledge to them and to their comrades who suffered impairment for a full part in life the Republic's unfailing and grateful consideration. They are the heroes of a nation and civilization preserved.
And I want to pledge them something more. I know what inspired their heroism. I know what made them proud soldiers of the Republic. They were fighting for America and American rights. They answered the challenge of American rights. They fought to defend American lives, American freedom on the seas, and American ideals of international relationship.
If it had been for democracy alone, they would have gone when Belgium was invaded. If it had been for humanity alone, they would have answered the Lusitania's sinking. Their hearts were stirred, their supreme offering was made when America was imperiled.
They can never see again Old Glory, sublime at home and signaling our concept of freedom and justice throughout the world. But I pledge to them this afternoon an assurance in their hearts where their blind eyes cannot convey — there never shall be a substitute for the Stars and Stripes they last beheld.
The "two sons of Wyandot County" are James Hulin and Charles Stevens, both of Upper Sandusky.
In September, this editorial cartoon is published in Republican newspapers:
His Pledge to Them: "Turning from his audience to two visiting blind soldiers, Senator Harding said in speech on August 25th—"there shall never be a substitute for the stars and stripes you last beheld."
Sources:
- "Senator Harding Pays Tribute to Blind Heroes of Argonne." Fort Collins Coloradoan. 3 September 1920.
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