Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1918-05-16

Montpelier. May 1o.-The first Of a series
CT patriotic meetings planned by the
Vermont Public Safety Committee to be
held this year took place this afternoon
and evening In the city hall here. The
afternoon meeting was attended by about
1000 people. Although many invitations
were sent to persons interested In war
work and who are members Of different
commissions but few of these responded.
The Montpelier Military band furnished
music during the afternoon entertainment
and in the evening the Scotch High
landers' band of Barre played several
selections. There was much enthusiasm
during the speech making.
ARTHUR e. BEsTOR.
The first address of the session was by
Arthur T.. Bestor, director speaking
division, Committee on Public Informa-
ton, Washington, d. c., who said at the
outset that the gathering was a citizen
army from whom counsel might be re-
ceived. and laid stress on the necessity
Of mobilizing and creating public opinion.
Conferences Of this kind. with this end In
view. were being held all over the coun-
try. and a few words were spoken of the
Committee on Public Information,
criticism Of which he believed had arisen
from a misunderstanding Of its functions.
It had a record Of achievement worthy
Of the highest need of praise. for 1t had
covered broad field Of work which can
not be expressed in the terms Of organiza-
ton. Its great purpose was to have
machinery in action to keep the morale of
the people at the right pitch. and the
necessity for so doing was dwelt upon.
The baleful influences Of Bolo Pasha
in France were noted. and we hardly
know what the great war means to US.
The psychology Of the situation might be
very different II gun was trained on our
capitol. or enemy guns bombarding our
sea coasts. The war had not been brought
right home to US as had been the case
Of our allies.
Public opinion and morale are great
factors with US and upon our leaders
of public opinion great responsibility
rests. He believed that Germany made
war upon us long before we accepted
that fact. 1t was our leaders of public
opinion, men and women who had come
to accept the contention of the French
ard English. that this was a war for all
the fundamentals Of civilization. and that
II we allowed the great democracies of
the world to 60 down in ruin our turn
would come next. 1t Is perhaps too much
to say that a majority Of the country
was opposed to a declaration OF war on
April last year. but 1t 10 true that fol-
weeks before that time the people who
felt that the war was inevitable. who
urged preparedness were these same men
and women. In a war for which our in
telligence is 80 largely responsible these
leaders Of public opinion must see to
It that America keeps steadfast to her
task.
We must rid ourselves of our heritage
Of laziness and mobilize every man and
woman. Mr.. Hoover is right when he
says Food will win the war" A volun-
tary reorganization of our domestic
establishments Is necessary for 1t Is needed
to bring our strength to bear directly on
the struggle in Europe In the mere mat
ter Of food.
How far a policy of suppression should
go he did not undertake to say. In war
time. Of course. it becomes necessary
to put a limit to some things, and peo-
pie who are seditious must be put where
they cannot do harm. But, however.
much suppression may be necessary,
along with 1t must go the positive task
Of educating the masses Of the people
as to the real reasons for the war and the
part which they can play in 1t.
American public opinion finally adopted
the view that the United States her
self was menaced by the success of Ger
many. We came more and more to be-
lieve the contention Of the English and
French that they were fighting the battle
Of civilization. 1t is impossible to con-
ceive OF a world under the domination
Of the ideals a victorious Germany would
impose.
It is this Interpretation of the war
that should be spread on every corner
OF the country, In schoolhouses and
churches, through labor unions and
lodges. before industrial groups and COM
mercial organizations. Let us adopt
as the inspiration Of our task para
phrase of Lincon's second inaugural ad
dress written In the midst of our great
est war up TO that time. Both parties
deprecated war, but Germany would make
war rather than let democracy survive
than let 1t perish. And the war comes
Yet II God Wills 1t that It continue until
our wealth shall be sunk and all oui
blood be spilled as was said 5000 years
ago, so still 1t must be said the years
Judgment OF the Lord are true and
righteous altogether With malice
towards none. with charity for all, with
firmness In the right. let us strive to
see the right. let US strive on to finish
the work We are called to do from which
we may achieve and cherish n just and
lasting peace among ourselves and with
all nations"
MAJOR RUTLEDGE SMITH
Representing the Council of National
Defense, the second address was giver
by Major Rutledge Smith. who made q
stirring appeal. with the hand of wal
spread over the land. to everybody e
discharge their obligations to their coun-
try that they may continue In the en-
joyment OF the blessings Of civilization
Those who are not at the front but are
left behind have important duties and
II they can't night. they must work
otherwise the finger OF scorn will bs
pointed at them.
Those at the front will watch the
actions of those at home. and those
with money who fail to put It at the
service of the government will be hello
In disgrace. He pictured the return
after the war Of the 100000 young mer
who went across, and said they would
not be made a football Of by any part,
Of men and when they come marching
home those who stand about to welcome