The weekly times-record. (Valley City, N.D.) 1912-1922, 1918-05-30
YOUR FRAY AND NINE"

your FRAY AND MINE"
For some time I have bent every
energy to patriotic issues, believing
that politics should be forced into the
background by this greatest National
!ssue-the world war; which means
freedom from or bondage by German
kultur. However, last week J. S.
Johnson of Mckinley, invited US to
to take stand on the political situa-
ton. The article came to our desk
two weeks ago, and since then I've
studied the situation closely. A news
paper owes very serious duty to
its community-noto only to truth1ully
chronicle important events but to
point out the wrongs that may men,
ace its readers. This obligation should
be carried out by an editor regardless
of pecuniary loss, regardless OF
friendships, and regardless of party
lines. Nine years ago, on The Mer-
Ger Telegram, we originated the
heading which appears at the head
Of these columns and under it we ad-
vocated a. popular form of govern
ment which would be more just to the
producers. At that time we were
alone in that line of country newspa-
per editorials in the state, yet lacked
the foresight to see its ultimate pro-
motion and successful organization
of the farmers. Five years ago, we
set this same head on the Pingree Pa
triot and gained some repute there
for reform policies. Coming to Ken
sal two years ago, just at the initial
movement of the Non-partisan
League in it's original motive offered
a wonderful opportunity to give pro-
ducers better market while increas-
ing the prosperity of the West, and
by keeping our wealth at home, and
building up cur own industries, to ac-
complish an era of conspicuous devel-
opment.
We did not forsee the entry of our
country in the chaos Of war, nor later
did we dream that our League would
be used to hinder the government of
our country in the prosecution of its
war activities.
However of late, we cannot overlook
the campaign of A C. Townley's Or
ganizers who presistently court ar
rest by making remarks which are Sc
ditious-handicapping our country in
its struggle with German Imperial
ism.
No patriotic citizen can be loyal to
our nation in this time of dire extrem-
tiles of war, and at the same time
support a political party or candi-
dates for public office who collectively
or Individually support and sanction
continued campaign of sedition.
These socialist organizers and
speakers know they will be arrested if
they make traitorous remarks; yet
they are daily placing themselves open
for arrest by their campaign to sur
reptiously obstruct Unitel States war
activities.
1t grieves US that Gov. Frazier, one
of the best men of the state at heart,
should feel obligated to the head of
these seditionists. It is almost in
credible that he should consider for a
moment accompanying Randall, con-
victed Of sedition, on a campaign tour
and assoc:ating with Horst, a man
under arrest for blocking government
war operations.
1t is slur on a mans intelligence
to tell him that this daily arrest of
league speakers is all the work IF
Big Business. l cannot cause your
arrest unless you furnish some ex-
cuse; and so it seems to me, that these
men, stepped in radical socialism, un-
der gu;se of league propaganda are
Intentionally spreading Pro-German
sentiments. It is matter of govern
ment record that the I. w. WIS. used
German funds, and recent events
point strongly to a coalition of the
l. w. WIS. and the socialist leaders
of the Non-partisan League. Should
we say that these leaders in a sedi-
tious campaign, are spreading Pro-
Germanism because of strong social
list ideas or German "Influence"? Are
the l. w. WIS. a branch of the Boil
sheviki? Are the Socialists in
charge of the league also related to
the Bolsheviki? Can any loyal Amer
lean take the chances of doubt, in
the face of evidence which condemns
and support party or public officers
who stand for disloyalty?
Let's be Pro-Americans and, forget
ting political issues in these perilous
times of war, stand solidly behind our
government until our Boys and our
Allies in the shell swept zone of war
are victors of the most spectacular
war-in the most decisive of all world
battles. Il
w. T. WATSON: