The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1917-05-09
A Reasonable Conference

Citizens of Washington received
yesterday the following telegram, a
copy Of which was handed The
Times:
Strong group representing
labor, socialism. peace, religion,
politics, plans first American Con-
ference for Democracy and Terms
OF Peace, New York. May so.
Basis of invitation to be accept
ance in principle OF following:
Speedy and universal peace, no in
IDENTITIES, no anneXations, no
foreign alliance, international or
Kanization after the war. state
merit of terms by our Govern
ment. opposition to CONSUMPTION,
characterization Of diplomacy, de-
Tense of free speech and press, OPP
position to lowering industrial
standards. Heavy taxes OF war
Industries and incomes.
May we use your name on call
for conference? Please reply wire
collect.
Room 900. 20 Fifth Ave, New
York City.
Emil BaIeh Morris Hilquitt
Joseph Cannon Judah Msgnus
LOuAE A2ONAAANAr
The names signed to this telegram
ne those of an extreme pacifist
group which did all they could to
bring on the war by inducing Ger
many to believe that the United
States was so thoroughly indoctri-
mated with their principles that it
would not fight under any circum-
stances Germany INDUCED to its
cost in the presumption that the
shrillness of these grasshoppers on
the hedge-rows indicated the volume
Of expressed opinion. Now, defeat
ed and discredited in their original
propaganda, they have the impu-
dence to propose a meeting in New
York, on May 80, two months after
our entrance upon the war, of the
ssFirst American Conference for De-
mocracy and Terms of Peace"
The omnium gatherum platform is
spread with molasses to catch flies.
Everybody is in favor Of speedy and
universal peace; of an international
organization after the. war, and its
necessary consequence, the democra-
tization of diplomacy; Of free speech
and free press, limited, however, as
this group would not restrict either,
by forbidding reasonable utterances
and literature; and Of holding up our
industrial standards. But no patriot
can oppose the operation Of the con-
scription act, and others should be
sternly dealt with if they try to. The
revenue act will probably be passed
by May 80, SO the whole propaganda
centers on displaying to the enemy
the weakness of a plea for peace
without indemnities or annexations
and the folly of opposing alliance
with our allies.
The whole thing is rank treason
and should be so regarded by the
Department Of Justice if the plans
for this meeting are carried out. The
conference is timed to the arrival Of
the American mission in Russia
whose purposes Of encouragement
and cooperation American Socialists
have already done their feeble best
to nullify. If it were not for the in
jury to the good causes which this
group is trying to adopt as their
own, and the delicacy Of our relations
with Russia, these enemies of Amer
lea might be left alone for the sake
Of the healthy reaction that would
undoubtedly follow their reasonable
utterances. Under the circumstances
they should not be left alone and if
they are counting martyrdom
through Imprisonment, punishment
should be added by the enforcement
Of silence, while they are kept in
communicate to the end of the war.