davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The menace. [volume] (Aurora, Mo.) 1911-1920, 1917-06-02

the effort; and to suddenly discover
that either they or their president
had been laboring all that time under
misapprehension.
A Peculiar Program
In the confusion that resulted
someone not inappropriately raises
the question as TO whether the United
States had started out to destroy
Prussian autocracy by fastening the
same kind Of an autocracy upon the
American people.
1t begins to look, Mr.. President, as
though the war for democracy had lost
its commander-in-chief by desertion
before the first battle. These ques-
tions and observations are not
prompted by a captious disposition or
the desire to annoy. The League
and its friends are as desirous Of say
ing free speech and freedom Of the
press from its erstwhile friends as
from the bolder assaults Of its open
enemies. With them it is not ar
academic question to be treated Of IN
books and discarded In action. They
are very much in earnest about it.
If they were to express themselves
it would be as several United State.
senator's who will here be quoted al
they have recently spoken on thi
subject on the floor Of the senate. l
seems that numerous members Of tn
national legislature still cling wit
the League to the democratic theor
that "Freemen need no guardians
and that the light of publicity afford
greater safety than the censor
scissors. Here are the remarks Of
few:
SMITH OF GEORGIA
I believe It ID wiser at this time to perm
the fullest and freest Of publication than
risk the possible harm which might CON
from restriction. -. -. -. -. 80
There will necessarily be many blunde
made by those upon whom we place .responl
bility In the large, and to q great extent. ne
work In which they are engaged. i belle
that the calling Of public attention to VIII
10 being done, the fullest publicity about
: is calculated TO correct errors and to add
the effort to avoid them, and that beneh
may come from such line Of publication.
So, Mr.. President my conclusion, with
great deal Of hesitation, with the most Narns
effort to find out what II my real duty,
: that I should vote against any provision {
censorship at the present time--Senat
Smith Of Georgia. Cong. Rec, page aiSl.
JOHNSON OF CALIFORNIA
In this day the preservation Of free spec
and the preservation Of q free press are
more than ordinary Importance. OF trs
Uesndant Importance ID II whenever there
time Of strsss, whenever there y sxei
l ment. whenever there arc enthuSiasms
The menace. [volume] (Aurora, Mo.) 1911-1920, 1917-06-02

preservers. 1t is because we believe
in free and unrestricted discussion
that we believe in freedom of speech
and of the press which make extensive
discussion possible.
It is the mission of the League to
defend those essential conditions of
discussion from their ever active enc
mies-those reactionary powers which
are now as ever hostile to progressive
ideals and institutions.
AS a statesman and student Of his
tory, Mr.. President, you are aware of
ths three reactionary influences which
am now making themselves manifest
in this country.
During the past fifty years many
of the more serious thinkers who are
deeply attached to the fundamental
democracy Of the Declaration of In
dependence and our Federal Constitu-
ton have viewed with increasing ap
prehension the rise and onward
march of these sinister influences in
our republic, which are as impatient
of wholesome criticism as they are in
stinctively anti-democratic in spirit,
aim, and desire. We refer to:
The Reactionary Influences
1. The feudalism of privileged
wealth, or that wealth that is depend
ent on unearned increment or which
is gained by indirection;
2. The militaristic and bureaucratic
element in officialdom which is prone
to be jealous of power and impatient
Of the public will;
3. The Roman Catholic hierarchy
one of the most perfect representa-
tives Of monarchial sovereignty il
history and whose theory is as funda
mentally and Numerically opposed t.
freedom of thought, speech, press, ant
public assembly as 1t is implacabl,
opposed to popular non-sectarian edu
cation and to the principle Of abso
lutte divorce Of church and stat
whenever and wherever Rome be
comes a dominant power in a ns
tion's political life.
You, Mr.. President, have nobl
evinced the stateman's vision and tn
historians knowledge Of the menac
Of selfish privilege-Seeking interest
to fundamental democracy in you
magnificent work, The NeV Freedom
This work thrilled with joy and aC
miration millions Of fundaments
democrats who found in it a master
ly articulation Of their own convi'
tions. In like manner few statesme
in our history have displayed mol
resolute determination to respect til
democratic rights Of other peoples
, the presence of the mighty pressul
. of the trinity of reaction, privileg
seeking wealth, militarism and IL
! Roman Catholic hierarchy in yor
consistent stand against the enemi'
! of fundamental democracy who sougl
} to crush the friends Of that san
] democracy in our sister republic. "
< call to mind a conversation which Il
e president of this League had with Il
y manager Of one Of the great dai
$ newspapers Of Boston during yoV
first administration. He had just r
It turned from Washington and e
+ pressed his grave apprehension in +
+ gard to the Mexican situation sayil
+ he doubted if any president could su
f cessfully combat the combined /
The menace. [volume] (Aurora, Mo.) 1911-1920, 1917-06-02
President Of Free Press Defense League Calls President Wilson's Attention
to the Many He HasExpssed and tered Since
He Became Chief Executive and Points Out the Inconsistency Of the
Present administration Measures With Those lerances

The following letter was sent BY the Free
Press Defense League under registered mail
to President Wilson on May 2s;
Aurora, Mo-, May 26, 1917.
Hon. Woodrow Wilson,
President United States, HAh
Washington, D. c. isIs
Mr.. President:
Press dispatches published In this
weeks papers quote you as insisting,
in q communication to Chairman
Webb of the House Judiciary Com
mittee, upon the enactment Of the
newspaper censorship provision OF the
pending espionage bill.
To us. who have quoted your ex-
pressed sentiments In behalf of free
press, and who, because Of what you
have said and written, have relied up
on your continued championship of
free speech and publication, this de-
mand you have made upon congress
comes as surprise as well as a dis
appointment.
We have read and approved this
declaration in your book, The New
Freedom, wherever any public busi-
ness is transacted, wherever plans af-
fecting the public are laid, or enter
prises touching the public welfare,
comfort, or convenience 60 forward
- over that place a voice must
g>eak, with the divine prerogative OF
k!PEOPLE'S WILL, THE WORDS
LET THERE BE LIGHTP"
Championship Of Democracy
The Free Press Defense League
rejoiced at your eloquent champion
ship of democratic principles. Youl
intention to wage war that "the worlt
might be made safe for democracy
harmonizes with our opposition to po
litical Romanism's war on freedom o.
speech, press and assembly; its oppo
sition to the principle Of divorce O
church and state and to our non-sec
tartan public school-we have sough
to make America "Safe for Democ
racy."
We share your often expressed en-
thusiasm for those peculiar nationa
institutions which foster persona
freedom and popular government. w
approve your refusal to become tn
agent of reaction when that power
represented by the Roman Catholi
hierarchy, would have caused you t
make war upon the neighboring re
public Of Mexico.
We have quoted literally an
printed prominently from your recen
documents and from your forme
writings to familiarize our reader
with what we conceived to be thei
snobly patriotic content. Among thos
products Of your pen we would ca
Special attention to the followin
paragraph from your well-mow
work entitled "The State:
"Discussion Is the greatest Of a
lreformers. 1t rationalizes everythin
1T touches. 1t robs principles Of a
7 false sanctity and throws them bac
~ on their reasonableness. If they ha,
no reasonableness 1t ruthlessl
crushes them out Of existence and se
up its own conclusions in their stead
This paragraph is assuredly mo
sound exposition Of pertinent and CO.
sequential truth. We, too, believe di
cussion to be the greatest of reforr
ers, and moreover tho greatest
The menace. [volume] (Aurora, Mo.) 1911-1920, 1917-06-02
IN OUR NEXT ISSUE.

win told the greatest victories free
an shows L the Of
Of it a
4 h apd cont # very tn If spNps
destroying y
The Columbus courier. [volume] (Columbus, Luna County, N.M.) 1911-1920, 1917-06-08
AUXILIARY TO STATE WAR
COMMISSION ORGANIZED

Last Saturday afternoon Columbus
was visited by a delegation Of Dem
ing ladies IN the interest OF the
State War Commisson. Those COM
posing the Sariy were; Mesdamcs
J. q. Moir, sam Watkins, Thurmond,
steckcrt, and Preston. Misses Nc
keyes and Reid.
A meeting held in the N. +.
church was well attended by most
Of the representative ladies Of the
town. The army was represented
by Mcsdames VIM, Higgins, New
man, Andrews, Preston, Mooney and
Warren.
A very interesting address was de-
livered by Mrs. Moir. In which she
explained the purpose Of the AUX
ilIary 10 the War Commission
Much enthusiasm was shown by
those present and an organization
for Columbus was perfected.
Mrs. ,Moir appointed Miss DorI
Burton precinct chairman. and IN,
following officers were elected: sec,
retary, Miss Aosena Patterson: cor,
responding secretary, Mrs. J. II. Cox
treasurer, Mrs. J. n. Blair.
The purpose Of this organization
is TO aid IN the production and con
servAtion Of food; 10 aid red eros
work; encourage the boy scouts II
all their undertakings, and in fact d
foster patriotism and 80 help ou
country bear the burden Of the wal
The Columbus courier. [volume] (Columbus, Luna County, N.M.) 1911-1920, 1917-06-08
JACK BREEN ACCEPTS
POSITION on LYONS RANCH

Jack Brecn, who has been serving
as first deputy for Sheriff Simpson.
for the past year, has resigned and
accepted a job as manager Of the
Lyons ranch al Gila, New Mexico.
Jack has been an efficient officer for
the county, though he has always
been associated with the cattle bus
incss which he thoroughly under
stands. The reader will remember
the account Of the murder Of the
Grant county cattleman m II Paso
o few days ago, who was The owner
Of the ranch on which Breen has
been employed.
The Columbus courier. [volume] (Columbus, Luna County, N.M.) 1911-1920, 1917-06-08
FIGHT n CRYSTAL
REsIITS ~ TWO H. O'S

Big lin Williams knocked out
Rough House Ioh,ou IN the second
round and Jean Cahrll was knocked
out m the second round at a nght
At the Crystal Theatre TUESDAY
evening hid Kane gol a decision
over Joe slcel m siN round bout
which was the most scientific scrap
of the evening Thomas Hayden Of
the eith Infantry fought joe Black
burn of Dcming three rounds Of o
scheduled ten round bout when the
visitor claimed a fowl and the bout
was finally called od without the
referee giving any decision. Henry
Davis was the promoter Of the
contests
The Columbus courier. [volume] (Columbus, Luna County, N.M.) 1911-1920, 1917-06-08
GYMKsNA NINE LOOKS
ENCOURAGING TO OWNERS

The body Of ore found last week
! In an old shaft at the Gymkana
mine is proving TO b. much more
valuable than was al first sntici-
pated.
A cave OF what is known as lead
carbonates with a value Of possibly
$3.50 per ton In large but unknown
quantities Is what they have now.
This is one Of the greatest discov-
cries ever made in this district, and
II is very possible that this nnd will
be the means Of interesting much
more capital.
The other mines now being work
cd are looking good 10 the owners
and some large deals are expected
10 be closed for mining property
In the near future.
The building Of a good road ouI
10 the mountains will be- of great
assistance In developing the proper
ties. The work on the road Is pro-
crossing very rapidly.
This highway Is now travelled
more than the Deming road. An old
rolorod man VIVA asked 10 count
The Columbus courier. [volume] (Columbus, Luna County, N.M.) 1911-1920, 1917-06-08
Hrs \ GOOD CluLONE
DODGER Vt LEAST

= " Blair has iu.t returned from
an extended trip north and ra,t llc
rcporl- pleasant and profitable
irip llrwa. q, far north ~ Iowa aud
report. ihr SEASON backward and
wet iu Iowa. Kansas. Missouri and
oklahoma
E,rr, where %" ha, been The win
ter .. reported a. having been very
dr., n kor,iilr Is reported the
drye,l for my year. Tho oats
north and west of San Antonio was
hcinr plovrd up or po-lurcd. I'm
Iowa the corn was not an planted
june isi
Usually crops look fine but are
late Iowa had frost A. late as Mas
2prh i. ". tells us that people are
sure making gardens a success. that
iu mau, cithe rot oniy the burk
yards we're planted Ia Potatoes and
other garden sluns, hut many time.
they were ~ boz seen m the front
yards instead of flowers. IT, also
reports nearly 1il of the ". n. a /.
railroad rlghl of way through OKLA
homa and also some other rights
Of way planted Boo pnlaioc, and other
crops. Mr. liIair say, that yogrla-
hlc, are cheaper already iu the east
aud believes there Will be- a great
reduction on food prices soon. Hc
made 1t hs business to investigate
everywhere hc stopped
Ou" man told him that Florida
Is shipping joo car load. or polaloc,
north daily
War T. an the talk generally. IL
Kansas Cty, like many other cities
here were recruiting stations IN al
most every principal block.
Mr. Blair reports missing conncc.
lions with two cyclones and ono aw
ful hail storm by only a few hour
The Columbus courier. [volume] (Columbus, Luna County, N.M.) 1911-1920, 1917-06-08
FATHER or s c. PIERCE
PAYS VISIT

Mr., and Mrs. T. n. Pierce. Of Indi-
ana, arrived here for a visit at the
home Of their son, S. c. Pierce, last
Saturday. Mrs. Pierce fcll aud
broke her hip on the way. and had
10 be taken in an ahulancc out 10
the pierecc ranch near suunysidc.
They started out in a machine in
tending 10 drive all the way but
when the accident happened 10 Mrss.
Pierce this plan had 10 be- aban-
doncd and they came through on
the train.
The Columbus courier. [volume] (Columbus, Luna County, N.M.) 1911-1920, 1917-06-08
COLUMBUS WOMEN REGISTER

As a part Of the work Of the Aux
iliary 10 the War Commission the
women Of the state were asked lo
register for homo service an June
Slh A ryem Was provided and dur
ing the day thirty-fvc women reg
istrred Mesdamcs Andrews, Blair.
Mooney and 7 " BLAIR were m
charge Of the registration. Ico
cream was served by the local Rel
CrossWorkcrs and the sum Of si7.3j
was raised 10 this way for Rcd Cross
work
The Columbus courier. [volume] (Columbus, Luna County, N.M.) 1911-1920, 1917-06-08

pass this measure through the Sen
ate as an emergency war measure
and the Job will then be up to Mr..
Walton in the House.
The Secretary Of the Interior has
not been consulted and what view
he will take as regards the amend
ment, is not known but II consistent
he will disapprove Il, as he seems
to have taken the position hereto
fore that New Mexico has received
from the government all the public
lands Rs 10 which il was entitled.
Senator Jones will undoubtly ne
favorable, and use his best efforts
jointly with senator Fall 10 secure
It's passage through the senate.
Senator Fall also will introduce
IN few days another bill TO secure
for the state the remainder Of tho
public lands. lie will offer and at
tach this second bill as an amend
meni to some ono Of the pending
war measures
AT TIE proper time in support Of
his amendment 10 the 6i0 acre bill.
he IA prepared 10 make a strong
The Columbus courier. [volume] (Columbus, Luna County, N.M.) 1911-1920, 1917-06-08
ALBUQUERQUE NAY NOT GET
GUARD CNNp

The ordinance Tor the regulation
of the albuquerque saloons which
was passed at a special meeting last
Monday nighl, and which provides
for the closing of the saloons there
at ~ O'Clock At niFhl, except Sat
urday nights. aud at 1890 ON Satur-
days, and which prohibits the sale
Of liquor to National Guard,mru
when IN uniform is not satisfaction,
To Governor Lindsey, and the ,rlrr-
ton ol some other city Il, M" pIar,
Of mobilization Of the New Mexico
resimcnt o. still a possibility
Tho Governor asks that the So
looms be- CLOSED not later than s,oJ
o'clock, aud that the sale of liquor
to enlisted men whether IN uniform
or not be- prohibited
/ Pending decision ~ la lls tu-
hilltaliou ol the guard, Govcrlol
Lindsey plans Ia distribute SONG ui
the men already recruited at NarRu'
point, lu strategic poslllHu'
throughout the state, and has w)r
ed General Parker now commander
Of the southern department otth,
H. 5 Army for permission dc
50. The Santa Fc and Rock lOanc
railroads have asked for trools iC
guard several Important hridgg anC
other structures, and have otcreC
to provide shelter for them an9fcoc
them while on guard duty, a6 th'
governor proposes 10 send dSdch
P s-----~-H--.--~------ p ~
(Contiuued on page u
The Columbus courier. [volume] (Columbus, Luna County, N.M.) 1911-1920, 1917-06-08

Tho Illicit sale OF whiskcy ns q
business Is M good. There has no
doubt been less intoxicating drinks
sold here during the past tWo weeks
than nj any similar period since the
town was voted dry. and II n the
idea Of the citizens 10 slamp Il out
completely.
the southern department asking
that the federal law making II a
crime io have liquor m Your poss-
essiou, be applied to the town oi
Columbus as well a. the military
reservation
The Columbus courier. [volume] (Columbus, Luna County, N.M.) 1911-1920, 1917-06-08
oO5 YOUNG MEN REGEsTERED
m COLUMBIs TUESDAY

The total registration herr Tues
day was 900, Of which number only
70 are subject 10 draft There were
2ei aliens, which consisted of i6i
Cinnamon, ~ Mexicans and i've Of
other nationali,ies. or the s5 Amer
cans registering only - claimed cx-
cmption from draft.
There were no patriotic demon
strations other than a large num-
ber Of flags. The day passed OF
very quietly, and so far as is known
every eligible In the precinct ap-
pcarcd before the board and regis
tered. Tho number claiming cxcmp-
tion was much smaller than was
really expected.
According 10 the estimates made
before registration day approxi-
matcly ten million men are within
the age limit IN the United states
The first draft is To be- for one mill
ion men, or ten per crnt ~ the
total registration. II thi, Is correct
Columbus should furnish eight men
on thisrsll The government anlic-
ipales a large number of exemptions
and expects TO take 100000 uf the
million drafted, placing i250oO In
reserve. n this is correct the quota
Of Columbus for actual duty would
only be- five, though II Is very like
~ that more or les, would be- taken
from here.
Some Mexican came out from NJ
paso the day before registration aud
told the McNicans IN the mining
camps In the Tres Hcrmana- that
the gringocs would mol hght and
that this registration was rusc
TO set the McxicSns 10 do our nght
ing Most Of the men decided they
had better go hack TO Mexico II
that was the case and most all ol
iheW prepared to go. Those work
ing at the Mahoncy mines could mol
be persuaded otherwise and new
supply had In be- brought In from
Deming before the mines could OPP
crate Bert Rohy persuaded all bul
two Of his 10 return 10 go 10 work
Those that did stay however. dit
not object Ia registering then
names, IN fact several applied that
were over the age limit.
l.. l.. Burkhead, !. \. Moore ant
l., VI. Carl served as registrars. m,
were kept very busy from sever
o'clock In the morning until alic.
dark IN the evening, \ large pal
II the day reminded one Of gen.
eral election, everyone apparent,
being just as much Interested.
The Columbus courier. [volume] (Columbus, Luna County, N.M.) 1911-1920, 1917-06-08
SOMETHING Is UNDOUBTEDLY
UNCONSTITUTIONAL

The Courier Is In receipt Of a copy
Of a recent edition Of the Appeal to
Reason, an organ Of the socialist
party which states that the con-
scription bill Is unconstitutional.
There is NJ doubt about some
thlns being unconstitutional. but Is
1t not possible that the Appeal IT,
self would not come up TO tho
standard Of requirements IN q
pinch' II Is not charged with a
very large amount Of patriotism. to
say the least
The Columbus courier. [volume] (Columbus, Luna County, N.M.) 1911-1920, 1917-06-08
CHINAMEN TRANSFERRED
To FORT SAM HOUSTON

The five hundred and over China
men which have been here since
The punitive expedition came out Of
Mexico, boarded special train ear
ly this week for Fort sam Houston,
Texas. where they will be employed
in the quartcrmastcr department
Of the army.
The Columbus courier. [volume] (Columbus, Luna County, N.M.) 1911-1920, 1917-06-08
PLAN TO FARM MILITARY
HEIGHTS THIS SUMMER

The womans Auxiliary had its
first meeting AZ the Methodist
church Wednesday evening from
$50 10 o.3o Not all the ladies who
had pledged their aid we're present,
The twenty acre tract Of land known
~ Nioary Heights north west OF
town. owned by J. n Blair, was Of
fercd and accepted for cultivation.
The produce will be used by the
city Of Columbus. Tho expenses of
culliyating. etc, 10 b. realized from
the sale Of same. An overseer who
understands dry farming will be sc-
cured and the work will be- donated
The water will be- pumped from The
well on the grounds as soon a.
pumping plant can be- Installed
A resolution was passed to have a
petition sent to our representative,
In congress asking fnr the abolition
Of the manufacture Of liquor which
consumes the grain.
FATHER or 5. G. PIERCE
The Columbus courier. [volume] (Columbus, Luna County, N.M.) 1911-1920, 1917-06-08

The city dad. are having an adobe
wall built around the iail high o.
nouph that people cannot see over
into the ilil Spikes will be- imbcdrd
m cement ON the top. not lu keep
people IN. bul tn Keep people out.
This iail has held some very prpu-
lar men lately iudFinp hv the mum
her uf visitors to the iRil
The Columbus courier. [volume] (Columbus, Luna County, N.M.) 1911-1920, 1917-06-08

Mr. Meadows, owner Of the Mea-
dows Drug Store, is here from
Douglas on buRness visit nd cx-
poets TO be In town for three or
four days.
The Columbus courier. [volume] (Columbus, Luna County, N.M.) 1911-1920, 1917-06-08

The colorcd people hold a Sun
day school at the Methodist church
every Sunday afternoon nj 3 o'clock.
Al the colorcd people IN town are
invited lo attend.
The Columbus courier. [volume] (Columbus, Luna County, N.M.) 1911-1920, 1917-06-08

Mr.. and Mrs. ]. n. Cor entertain
ed with a card party last saturday
evening. The guests were served
refreshments consisting Of water
melon and other fruits.
The Columbus courier. [volume] (Columbus, Luna County, N.M.) 1911-1920, 1917-06-08
LOCCM AND Personal
ITEMS on INTEREsT

The Baptist Auxiliary will hold
their monthly social meeting with
Mrs ]. l.. Walker Thursday after
noon June 18Th
The Columbus courier. [volume] (Columbus, Luna County, N.M.) 1911-1920, 1917-06-08

The Red Cross Society will hold
a meeting at the ME. Church We'd
ncsday evening June 18Th at 500
o'clock.
The Columbus courier. [volume] (Columbus, Luna County, N.M.) 1911-1920, 1917-06-08

II. g. Willnpham has bought Mr..
Middleton SHARE in the Palace Mar
bet aud will handle the business
himself in the future Mr. Middle
ton goes ont on the ranch io take
charge If the cattle.
The Columbus courier. [volume] (Columbus, Luna County, N.M.) 1911-1920, 1917-06-08

Mrs T.. l.. Brringcr and her sister.
Mrs Sh"rrail returned last Friday
from q tvs, weeks visit with their
mother Mrs. !. II. McCuskry, NJ Al
Va. Oklahoma.
The Columbus courier. [volume] (Columbus, Luna County, N.M.) 1911-1920, 1917-06-08
FACE GOOD ron Az
AUTOMOBILE RIDE

Lillian Downs was IN Dcmlng this
week broke and wanting to come lo
Columbus. She approaced iiincy
driver and asked 10 be freighicd 10
Columbus. When this place was
Conlmncd ON nage s
The Columbus courier. [volume] (Columbus, Luna County, N.M.) 1911-1920, 1917-06-08

For Sale: Three and onc-hRlf
miles Of smoolhe wire fence " J.
larbrough N
The Columbus courier. [volume] (Columbus, Luna County, N.M.) 1911-1920, 1917-06-08
ASKS THAT BOOTLEGGERS
BE ENTIRELY CLEANED OFT

The Chamber OF Commerce has
addressed letters In the president,
secretary Of war aud commander Of
The Columbus courier. [volume] (Columbus, Luna County, N.M.) 1911-1920, 1917-06-08

Miss MARY Field Page, who has
been employed as assistant princi-
pal NJ the Ysicia. Texas. school Cor
the past term. has returned home
10 spend vacation