The Oskaloosa herald., 1918-04-18
WINNING OF WAR
PARAMOUNT ISSUE
RAMsEYER ISSUES STATEMENT
TO SIXTH DISTRICT
MOST TRYING TIME IN HISTORY
Congressman Tells of His Efforts in
War Work. All must Sacrifice
and Suffer Confident Vic
tory Will Be Won.

y "
--
Washington. D. G., April 13. Repre-.
sentative G. w. Ramseyer has issued
the following statement to the people
OF the Sixth Congressional district:
For little more than three years |
have served you as representative in
the Congress of the United States. 1t
has been the most trying period in the
worlds history. Although it has been
generally known that would be can
didate for re-nOmination in the Re-
publican primaries, ! have not hereto
fore made formal announcement
Some representations having re
Gently been made to my record. wish
to state that during my first two years
service in Congress | did everything
in my power, that my judgment dis
tated, to keep this country in neutral
course. Then neutrality was not only
the traditional but the oft-repeated
policy OF our Government. The Presi-
dent himself as late, as February IS,
1917, in his message to Congress, said
Il am not now proposing or contem-
plating war or any step that need lead
to it, - No course of my choosing or
of theirs (the people) will lead to war.
AT that time. this reflected the win of
the American people
Record on War Issues
"After that date many things hap,
pened which made 1t evident to my
mind that longer to avoid war was im
possible and at the same time main.
tain our rights and self respect
supported and voted for the resolution
war between the people of the United
States and the Imperial German Gov.
eminent. supported and voted for ev.
cry bi that is now law for the in.
crease and organization of our army
and navy, for every dollar that has
been appropriated therefore and for
every bond Issue and revenue law to
meet the appropriations made. Fur
thermore the laws for the welfare OF
our soldiers increase of pay, insur.
Aaree, care of their dependents, etc.)
and. for the mobilization of our indus
tries have all had my support
and vote. There is no purpose
in congress other than to cooper
ate with the President in every way
possible to bring this war to yictori-
Gus and speedy conclusion, and with
that purpose am in entire and hearty
accord.
All Must Help to Win.
The winning of the war is the su.
preme and paramount issue. All other
issues are secondary and subsewient
thereto. There are many problems that
have arisen incident TO the war and
which vitality affect every man, woman
and child. These problems have receiv-
ed and will continue to receive the at
tention of Congress; for their just SO
luton will tend to that unity and con-
cord OF the people SO essential in the
successful prosecution OF war. Modern
war is contest of economic resources
even as much as of military strength.
Taxes must be equitably apportioned
among the people. Excess wealth and
war profits must bear their just Share
of the burdens of war. There must be
an excess of food for our soldiers and
alton and fair treatment. Labor is just
entitled to living wage and must
have it. The consumer must be pro-
tected against the rapacity of profit
teers. The high cost of living and the
income of the masses must be made
49,. iohf nf ha
average man, without influence or
privilege, must be safeguarded and
protected.
Sacrifice and Suffer
All must work, sacrifice and suffer.
Disloyalty and lawlessness. in every
shape and form must be stamped out
Our government during the past year
has made remarkable progress in war
preparations. Ii is true some mistakes
have been made We must correct our
mistakes, lay aside our differences,
and unite all our strength and energy
on the vigorous prosecution of the
war. Helpful advice and constructive
criticism will aid the Government; but
in time like this, no good comes from
the claim of certain individuals TO in
fallibility of judgment or to civic yir-
tues superior TO those possessed by the
great mass of our loyal citizenship
Actions and productive labor, not
words and bascless criticism, are the
needs OF the hour.
Be Strong and Of Good Courage
We can and we will win the war
Our boys are on the battle line in
France. sacrificing their lives in our
country's cause. More are going over
there" daily. With strength at the
front and unity at home. autocracy
and kaiserism will be eyterminated
for all time. The battle OF the Ages is
now being fought and civilization it.
self is at stake. We are in the right
and victory is sure to be ours. We will
yield to no encouragement; but in the
language of Holy Writ: BE strong
and OF good courage; be not afraid,
. neither be thou dismayedv We will