Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-06-01
COURSE OF GOVERNMENT
IS SEVERELY CRITICIZED
First American Conference on De-
mocracy and Terms of Pearc
In Session In New York.
REFERENCES TO DRAFT LAW
Support Pledged TO All "Conscien.
tious Directors" and Demand
Made for Democratic Control Of
Our Foreign Policy.
tBy Associated Press.J


NEW YORK. May 3l.-A report Of
its Committee on American liberties"
which pledged support to all "consci-
cntious objectors to the CONSUMPTION
law. and telegram from former
United States Senator John ID. Works.
OF California, In which he said 'wc
dishonorcd ourselves by declaring war
without adequate or reasonable cause"
were features of the afternoon session
here to-day OF the so-callcd First
American Conference on Democracy
and Terms OF Peace.
Several speakers severely criticized
the government. one declaring that
within the last sixty days we have
completely transformed our govern
ment and the people have had noth
Ing to say about 1t. SO far have they
been removed from control OF their
government"
The Same speaker. Gilbert T.. Roc
president OF the Free Speech League
OF America. added that somewhere
along the line the voters of this coun-
try must have a chance to express
themselves"
Norman l.. Thomas. addressing the
meeting on transcription ana the Con-
sciontious Director" charged that
tho attempt TO force man TO tish,
is worse than the imposition of chattcl
slavery"
DISHoSoRED OURSELVES
DY DECLARING WAR
Former Senator Works. in his tcie-
gram. said. in part
II ain conscientiously opposed TO the
war and In favor OF bringing II to Il
speedy close by any and every lcgiti.
mate way consistent with tho honor
Of our country. We dishonorcd our
Ee!vcs BY declaring war without adc.
Quatc or rcasona bic cause. VIC should
do tho country tho honor of correcting
that fatal mistake as soon az possible
The people of this country do not
want war. II the issue had been LEFT,
10 them. we would he 1T peace now.
Having been brought into this war
against their Will. they should stand
firmly for peace and use every proper
means to bring it about.
Alliance with foreign nations should
not be tolerated. our hands should be
kept entirely free TO negotiate peace
At any time without regard TO tho in.
terests or desires Of any other nation"
The report OF the committee on
American liberties" which the Rev.
Richard W. Hogue. director Of the Civic
Forum OF Baltimore. is chairman. urged
adjustment Of secret diplomacy" and
added:
We demand democratic control OF
our foreign policy. VIC call for
referendum on questions Of war and
conscription We insist on discussion
in Congress, in tho press and in public
meetings Of tho terms Of all alliances
agreements and treaties"
With reference to conscription and
conscientious objectors." the report
said:
1T is contrary to American ,radi-
ton TO force them TO enroll for war
serNic" against their conscience"
COUNTRY MORE AUToCRATIC
THAN RUSSIA UNDER CZAR
we also DECLARE. the report added.
that all Americans arc entitled tn
passports to neutral countries. Lcsis-
!ation now pending in Congress, IL
passed. Will make this country more
autocratic than Russia under the rule
Of the Gar"
James II. Maurcr. president Of the
Pennsylvania State Federation OF La
Dor. caused stir when he demanded
OF the conference. shall we accept
war" There WAS chorus of No
and shouts of We won't fight"' and
We won't go TO Europe"
Miss Rcbccca shelly. who also spoke,
urged tho formation in this country
Of Peoples Council" to be modelled
after the Council of workmcns and
Soldiers Delegates in Russia.
Miss Fola La Toilette. daughter OF
The Senator from Wisconsin who voted
against the declaration OF war, sub.
mitted report on permanent organ
ization. This. in part. recommended
that the executive committee be in
structed ito see to 1t that legal de-
tense OF all American liberties in war
time is effectively organized through
out the United Statca." and also that
committee he appointed to go at
once to Washington to present the
resolutions Of the conference and ask
the President for the terms on which
the administration would be willing
to make peace.
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