The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1917-01-24
Lisbon Man on Americas Duty.

| Lisbon, n. D., Jan. 18.-Editor For
UNI: With peace agitation uppermost
and the United States expected to Of
fer unbiased good will towards its dis
cussion, it might not be amiss to set
forth views as to American sentiment.
This country views with alarm the ex-
istence of foreign influence and senti-
ment caused by the European. war.
| Over jealous friends Of one side or
the other of the warning factions dis
regard American interests and in most
cases their own self-interests by in
dulging in comments and other active
participation. 1t is an indication OF
one of the effects Of the war upon this
country and expressions that should
be moderate as to the outcome when
| compared with the duty they owe the
United States of America. Many OF
these have been able to see the folly
of such unAmerican sentiment and
the, contradictions they are led into
and in this respect American sent-
ment is stronger than ever before.
The presence, however, of this foreign
sentiment amongst our own people. is
sufficient to cause apprehension re-
garding the sources of its encourage
ment. Citizens interested in the Euro.
pean conflict through promise OF
special privileges, immediate gains,
or misdirected enthusiasm, indulge In
practices in this country that tend to
undermine our national purposes and
result in conditions and Eardships
equal to those of war, to q large num-
Der of our people and is detrimental to
the United States. 1t leads to tndi-
vidual and national exploitation
through the border countries and
through international affairs.
European systems of government
are dangerous to the American style
of government and harmful to indl-
vidual peace and safety. Especially Is
this the case during such active strife
as events leading up to the present
war when each country anticipating
the struggle, using every means to
gain favor and strength. Such activity
affords an opportunity to manipulate
industrial conditions leading to in-
visible interference in legislation ana
the economical condition Of the coun-
try.
The countries of this continent must
be allowed to develop independently
and in accord with the fundamental
principles of the United States and
upon responsible foundations.
During the European hostilities
these conditions detrimental to the
United States have not entirely dis
appeared, and the future OF the United
states Win It's MANY new ClIA0ShS eAAAN
prospective citizens should be assur-
ed of a more conservative ATTITUDES to-
ward it If 1t is to be included in the
benefits of the peace agitation.
It is not so much the encourage
ment of a national spirit in American
law. language, literature, art and re-
ligious institutions, as it Is the lack OF
seriousness regarding our national
dirty and overlooking the great
privileges afforded by free and
independent government The United
States, through it's declaration OF
principles, its great resources and ma
tural advantages has a duty to per-
form toward the rising generation and
the future, as well as immediate en-
poyment of the government which the
citizens and their forefathers have
sacrificed and labored to establish.
The future of the United States is
assured; however. a due sense4of hon
or towards it will be necessary. re-
CARELESS of the liberaiity of its quail
fications for citizenship. among those
who honestly seek to better their own
conditions and find freedom from
strife and share in the endowment OF
equal opportunities and the pursuit Of
n''p 1850. Al. j. ROBERTS.