Omaha daily bee., 1916-04-22


LINCOLN, April Alto the Editor or
The Bee: Lest silence be interpreted as
aeduiescence In the present policy Of
President Wilson as enunciated before
congress under date OF April 10, 1914,
desire 20 avail myself Of the privilege
You courteously extend to express my
own heartiest disapprovai OF tho same
and 10 enlist 80 far o. I may the activo
support Of the many likewise minded.
That there may be no nnisapprehension
as 10 the motiveg Actuatlng me, I may
state In Qualification OF my stand that
merely exercise the right guaranteed
under the constitution Of this state and
Of the federal government Of expressing
myself In the same manner ns are others
on tho same subject, though, perhaps,
without agreeing with me thereon. This
being a government ny the people, Of
this people and for the people" / take
pleasure IN taking such active part in It
as my small sphere pcrmits I am by no
means defending any nation In its present
policy In the great European war. I am.
however, most earnestly desirous to
plead complete aloOfnsss on the part Of
this nation ia the present conflict ] am
a firm disbeliever OF w9r. knowing that
war settles no great question. Time, edu-
cation and general evolution of thought
and life bring about the lasting and de-
sired changes IN the lives or nations.
War brings about chaotic conditions am
archy. hatred, economic and civil strife.
! applaud the clear and succinct state
ment made by Republican Leader Mann,
which ought to be very apparent 70 all,
that President Wilson'S policy no mat
ter what motives aetuate him, IL q very
partial one. lie can no more expect
compliance from Germany than from
England. France, etc. I believe in fair
play with regard TO this nations atti-
fude. Both Germany and England have
given ample warning az to what each
considers 10 be war areas. is Il not
simple matter for Us 10 stay away7 As
one citizen, l say most assuredly we
should refrain from ieopardizng the
peace OF this country. The president
speaks Of battling for the rights OF hui
manlty. Since when are Wa become pro-
tectlve knights as Il were7 Must We
fight manknd's battles. l believe in
allowing every nation 10 work out its
own salvation This country has nothing
to gain, but all 10 lose, IN entering con-
flict IN Europe and also in Mexico, We
are moddling With affairs that are none
Of our concern.
Legislative or constitutional enact
meuts should be passed 10 restrict the
presidents power 10 emhroll the nation
IN war or 20 mako reckless statements
that cannot be retneted without loss OF
dignity Whatever dignity this nation
may have lost WAS self.somght BY the
president and tho secretary Of state
Neither were ever auite willing 20 hack
up their demands BY force Of arms Il
is we'll II is 80, though We must blush
for shame for the sorry situation We
find ourselves IN a. nation. Complete
alnavowal of their acts az not holns REP.
Fenentative 81 ours the people " the
safc oourue willingness 10 enter the
monster conflict on the part of any one
should constitute pFima faeio evidences
81 enlistment IN ease ~ war aud an these
folks wha welcome the same should be
assigned a. tha front ranks ara 10 work
IN the trenches haif hlef Wiih Watsf
ere aN0ndN WFInENFELp