Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1918-02-20
RESOLUTION.

There is need in Iowa and in the
country of militant, aggressive patri-
otism, the patriotism that will not
tolerate treason in any form or in any
man, the patriotism that will gladly
make sacrifices for our country in
the time of it's great need.
The United States is fighting for
it's very life, for it's right to free ex-
istence German victory means sub
jugation for every country at war
with Germany. Some of our people
have been slow to realize this fact
and have felt free to sympathize with
Germany, a right which ceased to ex-
list April 9Th, 1917. No man can be
loyal to this country who is not
whole-heartedly for the United States
and her allies. There can be no di-
vided patriotism. He that is not for
his country is against it. Those who
have been disloyal or lukewarm must
recognize these facts and have a
change of heart or meet the punish
ment that traitors deserve.
"To give aid and comfort to the
enemy" is treason, according to the
constitution of the United States.
This is time for searching OF
hearts on the part of some who
claim to be loyal and some who real
ly think they are loyal, but who are
acting in such manner as to win ap-
prevail of Berlin. The time has come
when such men must choose-must
be either patriots or traitors. There
is no middle ground.
Loyal citizens should join in max
ing war upon the disloyal to the end
that they either be converted or
stand stripped of false pretense. There
are men who are unconsciously dis
loyal because they fail to realize the
German menace; these should be
see the truth. There are others who
are consciously disloyal; these should
receive the treatment which treason
deserves. If their language is disloy-
al they should be imprisoned. If their
acts are disloyal they should be shot.
Mild measures with men who start
fires or commit other acts to the in
jury of the country are menace to
the national welfare.
Therefore, be it Resolved: BY the
Iowa Council of National Defense:
That we urge upon all public officials
the utmost vigilance in the detection
and punishment and suppression OF
treason.
That we urge upon the people the
necessity of virile, fighting red blood
ed patriotism that there may be an
awakening to the dangers which con-
front us and a realization on the part
of every traitor of the danger which
confronts him.
We urge loyalty on the part of the
church and the school. We invite
the help of all good men and women
in full cooperation in all patriotic en-
deavor. We urge that people living
in the cities and towns invite the CO.
operation and help of all who live in
the country in promoting patriotic
sentiment and Increasing the states
contribution othe food of our allies.
We also urge and invite the continu-
ed patriotic support of the Federation
of Labor, all labor unions, all work
ing men. We realize the necessity
of all lovers of America. without re-
gard to interest or occupation, to CO.
operate toward the winning of the
war
We congratulate the people of the
state on the patriotic services of the
state administration. We thank the
young men of Iowa for their cheerful
acceptance of the selective draft and
their prompt obedience to the law.
These young men are soldiers in spirit
and heart; are soldiers in physical
courage, and will be an indomi table
and irresistible force on the western
line.
We pledge our undivided support
20 the administration of President Will
son in the conduct of the war. We
want everything to be done right and
We pledge ourselves to help do it
light. We shall forgive mistakes. We
hall try to correct them when posi-
lie. All these things we shall do with
tut cessation of patriotic endeavor or
lbatement of our intense loyalty.
We facilitate the country upon the