The menace. [volume] (Aurora, Mo.) 1911-1920, 1915-08-07

the movement in opposition to
political Romanism now numbers
twice as many voters as Il did at
the time Of last falls elections. The
greatest growth has been since the
beginning Of the present year; due
partly TO work previously done, and
partly 10 the contemplate efforts
made by papists 10 intimidate by
means Of threats and the boycott.
Nothing particularly spectacular
or sensational has happened beyond
the well-known attempt Of papist
l congressman TO secure impossible
legislation against protesting pub
lications. The present growth is
merely the quiet crystallizing Of
public opinion, the extent Of which
is measured by gains in the mem
bership Of patriotic organizations,
by renewed activity in older organ
izations, and by a change Of tactics
on the part Of the enemy. The
papist press has quietcd down 10 q
| degree hitherto unknown; and, for
saking its old brow-beating tactics,
is trying to make popery appear
wholly gentle and altogether low
able.
Attention is called to this re-
markable success, not for the pur-
pose Of vain boasting, but TO point
out a possible danger due to the
proximity Of next years national
election. This enlarged solidarity
Of the movement has created a tre-
mendous power which will be active
previous to and during the national
political campaign Of 1916. The
long-sought opportunity to strike
telling blow for Americanism is at
hand. The people are in the hu-
NOR, and are determined, TO stop
this meddling in American politics
and affairs by papal agents. All
that is needed for a glorious VIC
tory, and the discontinue Of the
enemy, is 10 keep the one object in
view; and side-step each of the
many schemes which will be used
to weaken and disrupt the move
ment by its alert enemies and its
supposed friends.
We are going into the biggest
| fight in the history Of the move
ment. The one thing needful to
insure success is to keep our heads,
keep cool, and not be lead aside by
the artifces Of private, selfish inter-
ests. Beware Of the professional
politicians whose everyday bust
ness consists of playing for politi-
cal power, and who will assuredly
try to make something out Of this
sentiment generated by patriots. A
politician plays for just such power
as the anti-papal movement has
created. His bait will be ready and
his hook will be sharpened for the
unwary. He will catch honest and
sincere patriots il they don't guard
themselves, and more especially
guard their cause.
While the patriot, who supports
this movement with his money and
abor, does so for the common good,
here are plenty Of cold-blooded
sharks ready to capture patriotic
organizations and use them for pri-
vate personal advantage. II the
politicians possibly can, they will
take advantage Of this great popu.
lar uprising to ride into office with,
out regard for its principles or vel
fare. Be careful whom you vote
for, and especially whom you sup,
, port at the primaries. IL your
candidates are true blue and have
proved their honest devotion Il
Americanism, their election need
, not fail; but If they are with III
for revenue only they will not only
defeat themselves but also defeat
and discourage the whole move
ment.
II such men capture the move
ment they will certainly abuse it
They will turn it to their own pur
poses, and the cause will lose al
the effort you have made in its be
] half. And that is not all; abuse o.
J power destroys it. The politicians
captured the A. P. A. movement
! and it is no more. Let us profit b.
; experience, and see that the OLE
mistakes are not repeated. 0u
object is to preserve and perpetu
ate principles and not TO promOt
persons. We must use people il
; our work; but, in so doing, it i
4 essential to select the right kind o
; people. THE MENACE should not
will not, and can not make this Sc
! lection. II is not in the provinc
Il Il - all e. wo.I.-