[Vigorous applause
from all sides of the House.] We are thinking also of the mothers who
must give up their sons, of the women and children robbed of their
mainstay and support, of those whom, to the anxiety of their loved ones,
the pangs of hunger threaten. To these will very soon be added tens of
thousands of wounded and crippled soldiers. To stand by them all, to
ease their misfortune, to alleviate their immeasurable need--this we
consider our compelling duty. [Vigorous applause.]
With a victory of the Russian despotism, which is stained with the blood
of the best of its own people, much, if not all, which concerns our
people and their future in freedom will be at stake. [Storm of
applause.]
It is necessary to ward off the danger in order to render secure the
culture and the independence of our own country. [Vigorous applause.]
Thus do we actualize what we have always claimed--in the hour of danger
we do not desert our Fatherland! [Vigorous demonstrations of approval.]
In this regard we feel ourselves in perfect accord with the
International, which has at all times recognized the right of every
people to natural independence and self-defense, just as we agree with
it in denouncing every war of conquest.
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