"We Do Not Fear the Future"

This week, four days after Franklin Roosevelt died, the new President of the United States went before the Congress. The applause was deafening as he entered by the center door, and it increased as he mounted the rostrum.

Then Harry S. Truman, a friendly and a humble man, stood in the forum he liked best and as President made his first address to the nation and the world.

The occasion was moving. The diplomats and the cabinet members were there; the galleries were jammed. Stoutly controlling a trace of nervousness as he read from a big, black notebook, Harry Truman first paid eloquent tribute to his predecessor, and added:

"Our departed leader never looked backward. He looked forward and moved forward. That is what he would want us to do.

That is what America will do. ...

"In the difficult days ahead, unquestionably we shall face problems of staggering proportions. However, with the faith of our fathers in our hearts, we do not fear the future."

Looking ahead, Harry Truman said little that was new, used few phrases which have not been used before. But he said what the country and its allies wanted him to say, and he said it in a clear, firm voice.

He said that:

P: He would defend the Roosevelt ideals "with all my strength and with all my heart."

P: There is no substitute for unconditional surrender.

P: Those responsible for this war must be punished.

P: The grand strategy of the war will not be altered, and the top U.S. generals and admirals will remain in command. Cf The United Nations must remain united for peace.

The speech was a dedication rather than a proclamation, the dedication of a modest man to the service of his people. In closing, Harry Truman, devout Baptist, reached back to the Book of Kings for a prayer:

" 'Give therefore thy servant an under-standing heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?'

"I ask only to be a good and faithful servant of my Lord and my people."

This file is automatically generated by a robot program, so reader's discretion is required.