New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1918-03-14
L|THUANIANS SEEK
new INDEPENDENCE
Adopt Resolution to Be Sent to
Governments Of Allies

New York. March 14.-Lithuanian
delegates from all parts of the United
States met yesterday in the Madison
Square Garden Theater to form a
closer national organization for the
double purpose Of carrying out the
collection and distribution of relief
funds and promoting the movement
which, it is hoped. Will result in the
declaration Of the entire independ-
ence OF Llthuania at the coming
/ peace conference. While the present
council Of representatives Of various
classes in Lithuania itself. with which
the com manders Of the German
armies of occupation have been carry
ing on negotiations. is not suspected
of proGerman 1eannss by most OF
the leaders in this country, it is felt
that men actually in the power of the
Germans are naturally not able to
offer them effective opposition. and
that consequently the leadership in
the demand for complete independ-
ence must be taken by Lithuanians
in this country.
Indications of the feeling Of prac-
tically all the delegates toward the
Germans was given early in the day
when resolutions affirming the right
Of Lithuania to mplete independ-
ence and representation on equal
terms at the peace conference were
proposed. These resolutions we're to
be sent to the governments Of all the
allied countries and all the neutral Is
and a delegate who proposed that
they also be sent to the governments
Of the Central Powers was howled
down amid many declarations that
Germany knew what the Lithuanians
wanted and that there was no use in
appealing to her. Vigorous support
of the war was a feature of the adj
dresses. most of which were in the
Lithuanian language.
Socialists Attacked.
1t was the patriotic spirit. too,
which smoothed over what threat
ened TO be a serious internal diff
Guilty at the beginning Of the after
noon session. Socialists have prac-
tically no influence in the convention
and were attacked by several speak
ers. The delegates are divided into
two groups Of Christian Democrats,
among whom the influence Of the
church is strong, and Liberals, who
are anti clerical in position. When
the afternoon meeting opened Father
Francis Augusaitis of Mahoney City,
Penn, asked that the chairman.
Julius Kaupas Of Brooklyn, have q
prayer offered before the proceedings
began.
This provoked opposition from NJ.
Ninaj aitis, a ibertl who said: we
have not come here to pray. but to
work for the emancipation of an en-
shaved people" Immediately there
was ar uproar of Christian demo-
Gratis. crying sacrilege and liberals
protesting against any religious fea
lures; some delegates ran to the po-
hcemen in the rear of the hall and
asked for assistance in subduing the
trouble. and others started to leave
the hall.
At this point a. soldier delegate
from Camp Dix, representing the
Lithuanian Literary society of the ma
Jional army division in training
there, rushed upon the stage way
ing the green. white, and red flaS of
the Lithuanian Republic and cried:
This is no time for disputes. We
have men in every camp in the
United States getting ready to fight
Tor freedom of our fatherland. Ger
many is the common foe of America
and Iithuania Let those who want
PRAYER have it: let the rest keep 81
lent while they pray
The audience broke into cheers
and at the suggestion CT Father Aug
,.staitis nearly all of them arose for
q moment Of silent prayer. Then. on