Saturday news. (Watertown, S.D.) 19??-19??, 1917-08-16
DIT @ III L
The Needo f Converting Congress
Into Country Wide Chautauqua

+ - Z
A Washington dispatch states that congress, when it fin
isles its work for the present at the capitol, may turn itself
into a great ehautauqua to enlghten every section of the
country on the need Of prosecuting the war vigorously, not
only for democracy but as a fight for American rights and
preservation The president is said to be contemplating the
delivery Of a few speeches on the subject.
Had this been done at the outset, or even before a state
of war was officially proclaimed, there would have been far less
unrest throughout the country, especially in the great West,
with respect to the war, and opposition to Consumption might
not have been nearly as pronounced in many sections.
That America and its allies must win this war is apparent
to thinking Americans. They as a rule, are in agreement
that America, now that it is an active participant, can not do
otherwise than to prosecute it to theIend with all the vigor Of
WhichFit is capable.
But lest congress and the administration may overlook
the Importance of the step which Washington dispatches say
is contemplated, 1T may be pertinent, as a matter OF empha-
Sis, to call their attention to a few facts that are patent in the.
West to- indicate the necessity of disseminating information
concerning America $ entrance into the conflict and why it is in.
1t, SO that the American people may be the better prepared
lnteligenty to cope with the situation that follows the close
OF the war-a period which, 50 far as America is affected, may
be as important as the war itself, emitting the awful sacrifice
OF human life which the war involves.
The acquainting Of the public with the true conditions
surrounding our entrance upon the war will make no appre-
ciable impression upon those anarchists who are preaching
Opposition to the government, but we fancy that there would
have been q different atmosphere p%ervading the western section
at the country with respect to the war and the wars aims had.
this educational campaign been undertaken Immediately pre-
ceding, or Immediately following, the official declaration with.
regard to the existence of a state Of war. Congress might
have proftably employed itself intthis work instead of fritter-
ing away its time over inconsequential matters.
That there is marked opposition in many parts Of the
country ia conscription is evident. That which naanifests IT.
self il overt acts is famed into flame by agitators who okzi-
ously would dispute Gods right to a seat on the throne in
aheayenEif by chance they should happen to get there.
But we need not be particularly concerned with the pro-
fessional ~agitators, since they may be dealt with through the
operation Of laws now ON. our statutes or that may be placed
there. 1T is the staia, loyal, liberty-1oving American, whose
views may run counter to those Of the settled national policy
IA this crisis, that needs to be reached through avenues Of
public information and to whose reasoning facilities it is al
ways both wise and safe to appeal.
Theresis d deep~-seated convicions in the heart Of many al
patriotic American especially the. western American, that
some sort Of Spohticosindustra legerdemain operated to draw
the4AInerican republic into the awful maelstrom.
This sentiment, which may BE- described as permeating )
large sectionsof the Western regions, not only iii the rural com
asnunities but la the cities and smaller towns as well, does not
outwaTdly manifest itself, except through the bellowings Of
the professional ~agitator, but the resonrceful and researcIful
man may easily discover ~ If Ie carefully and prayerfully
looksfor thu truth.
EssIhe truly successful medical practitioner il he who prop
seEly diagnoses hs ease before applying other than : mere
Astenporary remedy; otherwise the post norteln is likely to
reveal what AZ should have known before prescribing.
ssAnerica especially the great West, may I'D likened unto
sSthe patient INIT Mil survive the waT;Sof course, and e and the
aSalliss Nill VinnE the war, IS course, abut The ultimate recovery-
E@the rssuIp esraAhion foll flowing thee wars one 81 HE things that
Hshoa9d concern psS loW, and ~ invites u full Understanding ~
AakIafS n aanyytAhainngSss ans hhe counntly.
iitieaIsca mpaign been concluded But q brief
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