Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1917-06-08
TIME FOR A SHOWDOWN

When a question Of political policy, or of economic
expediency is under consideration, sensible men observe
some measure of moderation and accept measures of
compromise with reasonable grace. One may fight Wig
orously for the success of his political party and the
principles which it represents, but, If the verdlc, ~
against him, he will accept the decision, at least for the
time being, and will harbor no feeling of animosity
against those who have differed from him. and who have
conducted their side of the contest in a fair and square
way.
When the question is one of business policy the same
practice prevails. A man believes that the plan which
he advocates is wise, and that its adoption will be bene-
hcial. But If the decision is the other way, or if there
is made a compromise between his OWL plan and some
other, he will yield without raising a disturbance, and
again there is no feeling Of personal antmosity.
But when the life of the nation and the perpetual
ton of the principles on which it is founded are at stake,
yielding and compromise are not to be considered. IN
a time like this a man is either with his country or with
the enemy. There is no middle ground, no twilight zone,
no doubtful or neutral territory. And it is time. now,
at the outset of this war which is going to be a solemn
thing for many of US. that there should be a showdown.
q definite understanding as to which side a man is on.
Shortly after the revolutionary war began Benjamin
Franklin received a letter from an Englishnan with
whom he had been on terms of intimacy and friendship.
In the letter the writer belittled the cause Of the colon
lists in a rather mild way, and referred to the friendship
between himself and Franklin, which friendship, he
hoped. was to continue. Franklin responded with spirit.
He declared the justice Of the cause in which his coun-
trymen were fighting, and declared, in closing, that un-
til the independence of the colonies had been won you
are my enemy, and I am-Yours, B, Franklin"
That was a letter addressed to a citizen of a coun-
try with which his own was at war. and even in that
case. where each man would naturally be expected to
line himself up with those of his own land. Franklin
felt that considerations Of personal friendship were to
be forgotten. But with how much more reason ought
there to be drawn a line between the loyal citizens of a
nation at war and those of its people who, enjoying the
security Of its territory and the protection Of its flag,
plot and conspire against 1t or utter reasonable senti-
ments against 1t.
The chief business Of the American people today
is the business of war. It is q bloody and disagreeable
business. We do not desire to continue in it a moment
longer than may be necessary. The war will be ended
when success has been won for the cause of democracy
for which we fight. 1t will not, it must not, it cannot be
ended before that time. There is no proper place outside
Of a prison for any man in this country who attempts,
by placing a single obstacle, no matter how slight, in
the way Of the successful prosecution Of the war, to pro-
long 1t and it's horrors by a moment.
If a man cannot or will not talk and act patriotism
let him shut up. If he will not shut up voluntarily, let
him be shut up by force.