their ways, for at that
hour the armistice went into effect and the war was over, with Germany
and her allies humbled and defeated.

November 11 has become one of the great dates in world history, but it
was already great in the history of the nation whose entrance into the
World War determined beyond question its final result.

In the State House Library in Boston, there lies in a glass case a very
precious manuscript. It is the _History of the Plymouth Plantation_
written by Governor William Bradford. It is often called _The Log of
the Mayflower_, for it records the journey of the _Mayflower_ carrying
the Pilgrims to a land of freedom. It tells the story of the forming
of an independent government by members of this little band, strong
only in their faith and in their desire for liberty.

In the glass case the written manuscript lies open at the record of the
solemn compact made in the cabin of the _Mayflower_ in order that all
who look may read and know the aims of these few courageous men and
women in seeking a new world.

This was about 300 years ago, on November 11, 1620. Let us read again
the compact of these brave and adventurous souls, who saw the vision of
democracy, a dream not realized for the whole world until 298 years
later, on November 11, 1918.

"In the name of God, Amen. We whose names are under-written, the loyal
subjects of our dread sovereign Lord, King James, by the grace of God,
of Great Britain, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith &c.
having undertaken for the glory of God and advancement of the Christian
faith, and honor of our King and country, a voyage to plant the first
colony in the Northern parts of Virginia, do by these presents solemnly
and mutually in the presence of God, and of one another, covenant and
combine ourselves together into a civil body politic, for our better
ordering and preservation and furtherance of the ends aforesaid; and by
virtue hereof to enact, constitute and frame such just and equal laws,
ordinances, acts, constitutions and offices, from time to time, as
shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general good of the
colony, unto which we promise all due submission and obedience. In
witness whereof we have hereunder subscribed our names at Cape Cod the
11th of November, in the year of the reign of our sovereign lord, King
James, of England, France, and Ireland the eighteenth and of Scotland
the fifty-fourth. Anno Dom. 1620."

It