New Ulm review. (New Ulm, Brown County, Minn.) 1892-1961, 1917-08-01


telling article against Militaaism
which is of great Importance and
should be pusrued by every reader
of the Review. 1t is as follows: ...
Conscientious Objectiors
"Conscientious objector" is an I'M
unfortunate phrase used to designate
those persons whose ideals forbid their
participation in military service. I say
unfortunate for the reason that it lays
emphasis upon the less important and
therefore wrong aspect of the contro-
versy now before us. It is true of course
that the conscientious objector' is
opposed to war under all circumstances,
and objects to personal participation
in the operation of war.
But this is only one very limited,
although at present momentous, ap-
plication of a fundamental spiritual
principle - tia of the integrity of the
Individual conscience, and of freedom
in the maintenance of that integrity.
Through a score of centuries, number
less brave men and women have asserted
this princidle in the face of the tyranny
of church and estate. Their action
wrought martyrdom and immortal re-
nown for themselves, and liberty for
all other men. Their sacrifice is the
proudest chapter in the history of de-
mocracy. The Conscientious objec-
tor is today perpetuating this tradition.
He is indicating the age-old principle
of freedom of conscience in opposition
to modern evil, just as his predecessors
vindicated it in opposition to ancient
evils. He is writing anew the story
of human liberty.
In regarding war as an evil in which
conscience forbids participation, the
conscientious objector'' presents case
which can be clearly defined. He finds
himself unable to accept characterize
ton of war as necessary, defensive, bene-
fcient; for he sees that statesman have
never lacked DISCUSSES in which to mask
the horrible reality. The German war
is commended to the German people by
their government as a war of defense.
War for Humanity
The conscientious objector" finds
the plea that war may be fought for some
great end of humanity and civilization
unconvincing; for he sees that history
is one long tale of so-called indispensable
ends, offered in justification of abhorrent
means. Infanticide was justified by
no less a man than Plato, as means
The conscientious objector" finds
himself unmoved by the assertion that
there are things worse than war; for he
has never seen these things specified.
Any abomination from cannibalism to
the Inquisition can be similarly defended.
The conscientious objector" finds
himself untroubled by the charge that
he thinks life is too precious to be laid
down for great causes; his willingness
to lay down his own life for the cause OF
conscience is his ,all-suficient answer
to such SANDER. War to the "con-
scientious objector'' is simply the agree
ment between men that, under certain
conditions and for certain purposes
moral law can be suspended. Murder
theft, falsehood, deceit, violence these
can be made right, honorable, and Of
good report. This the conscientious
objector" finds himself forced to deny
To his mind, moral law can no more be
suspended than the law of gravitation
He believes the will of God is not il
mans power to break or amend. Mar
can say, if he so will, EVIL be thou my
good''. But evil still remains evil
State is On Trial
It is this which the "conscientiou
objector" today asserts, and by thi
assertion he finds himself forced to stant
at any cost. What the state will d,
to him or with him, does not great.
concern him. For not himself, bu
the state is on trial. The old battle 70
liberty is again joined. If the stat
harries the conscientious objector''
Furnishes him, kills him, instead of en-
listing him in those forms of nationa
service which he can gladly render - thel
is the modern state become as the medic
vol church an instrument If noreoo,,
ton. Then in the name Of patriotism
will the old crimes done in the name O
religion be done again. The trenche
of France and Russia may or may no
be the backgrounds of liberty; histor,
will decide that question generation
hence. But that the exemption tri
bunals before which the plea of tn
conscientious objector" will be hear
and answered is such battle-ground
is already plain. The question, 81