The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1917-08-17
SHUT UP OR BE SHUT UP.

II one sincerely believes that the
United States went into this without
good reason, no law can change that
opinion.
If any person really believes that
''thls is but rich mans war;, that
their are many "kaisers" and more
dangerous ones in United States than in
Germany or even il he has been hypno-
tised into that belief by others. law in
itself cannot supply brains to that per.
son.
There some people who don't believe
in "conscription." Some of these are
of the ultra religious, some are anarch-
lists or soc .alist. There are others who
think that "George should do it" or
anyway some other than themselves or
relatives. The law does not interfere
with the opinions of these persons.
Another the most peculiar class,
are those who refuse to fight for their
country, but appear perfectly willing to
die fitting rather than fight. Most OF
these persons we're born that way and
cannot help.it, neither can mule.
OF course there are some. who claim
that they were born with the right to do
as they please without reference
to Others. We havn't time or space to
analize all the varieties of kickers.
But in this last paragraph We have
introduced another word. In the form.
er paragraphs we said all these people
had the right to believe what they plea
sed, which in most of their cases
~ ans what they are personally to
pleased believe.
The distinctive words we refer to are
"believe" and "do''.
A man may believe what he likes,
but he may not do as he likes, unless
like most persons, he likes to do as
others do.
Liberty without law is license or an
archy. No person can have or enjoy
real liberty except under law. Law is
the collection of rules of conduct by
which men are protected in their rights
from aggression by others. The basis of
Jaw is ''the greatest good to the greatest
number. What is best for all is decid-
ed in democracy like ours, by the
majority Of all the people. 1t is q con
sensus of beliefs common to the major
ity.
Because law must be obeyed, tho in
dlvidual must obey not with standing
his individual beliefs. The individual
conscience must bend to the public con-
science. In that case the responsibility
passes from the individual to the public.
Do ,asionally the individual may be
right and the public may be wrong.
But there are million chances to one
when the man finds himself in a minor
ity Of himself and perhaps few others,
that he is wrong In his own conclusions.
SO no matter what may be your per-
sonal opinion Of the causes and prosecu.
ton OF the war against Germany, don't
forget the difference between '.thinklng''
and "doing."
And "doing" just now, IN war time,
means "giving aid and comfort to the
enemy" and opposition to the prosecu.
tion Of the war In any way by word or
deed, is treason. If
In peace times q man or newspaper
may say almost anything they may
choose, because it does not materially
interfere with the rights or comforts Of
others. But in wartime what man
says makes difference. The spoken or
written word that preventsya boy from
|enlisting is treason, and the person who
thps preyents Or opposes enlistments is
Z traitor TO his country. rs
1 This county u in s critical situation
perhaps more critical than most people
yet believe. Wehave sent our sons and
brotbsrs. an6 are sending moro to Fight
for the liberties Of this country and Tor
the liberties Of all countries. What
ever this one Or that one may believe
personally, that is Whist the vast major
ity Of people Of this country believe and
70 that opinion the individual whoever
he may be- whatever he may believe,
must bow.
People e ! whole have 10 patience
With back biting traitors, who assume
e know moro than all ths rest II tic
people md spout thsirs poison On the
strssts Of even n tAs nsvspapers. 81
lfyou ars q heart trailer to your