The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1918-01-23

OF Forces in Order to Win the
War.
Columbia, Jan. l7.-"Thcrc is no
middle ground for an American citi-
zen in this war; he is either for or
against the government" is the en-
phatic way in which Robert A. Cooper.
Of Laurcns, candida for governor.
described the attitude OF every citi-
zen toward the government in this
war, during the course Of an inter
view Oh political conditions in South
Carolina, given today.
MI. Cooper who is spending few
days in Columbia, said that Soutl
Carolina should not even during the
period Of the war, submergc the cause
of education, as it is paramount above
all other issues. Mr. Cooper, at this
time. did not discuss the political
phases Of any other problems con
fronting the State, merely saying that
these problems would be developed
during the course Of the political
campaign next summer.
When asked If no had any views
to give to the people Of South Caro-
lima Mr. Cooper said that he had no
especial statement to make at this
time THE one paramount duty, not
only in South Carolina but in Amcri
ca until the end Of the war, stated
the I.aurcnS man, SIS the undcviatcd
direction OF our energies, our re-
sources and our man power to the
successful termination Of the war
Even in a political campaign, We
should keep this matter prominently
before our people to the end that we
may have more thorough under
standing Of the issues involved and
while we arc making the world safe
for democracy we must make de-
mocracy safe for the world"
MI Cooper stated that he consid-
cred it unnecessary for him to make
a statement as to his attitude in this
war, but he reiterated his position of
undivided and unswerving support of
the government in the prosecution Of
the war. He stated that It was the
first duty Of every patriotic citizen to
lend his entire energies to the govern
mcnt that victory TO American arms
may be the conclusion Of the momcn-
tous conflict in which America and
her allies are now engaged.
NJ ,l,,} L.;
condemnation Of those sinister forces
which are making for the undcrmin-
ing Of the American peoples conf
dence in the government and are en-
dcavoring to foster premature peace
ideas, which. ho said. is an insidious
species Of German propaganda, which
should be condemned by the Ameri-
can people as an effort to bolster
Kaiserism.
'In my opinion said Mr.. Cooper.
there Is no middle ground for an
American citizen In this war; he Is
either for or against the government
II he is against the g0velnmen he is
just as truly stabbing our boys in the
back, who arc now on the battle-line
in France. as if he were behind the
lines weapon in hand. lighting for the
Kaiser whom he represents. Every
such un-Amcrlcan person should re-
ceivc tho severe condemnation Of
every patriotic citizen, and should
ho scnt to Germany whore no
belongs"
Mr.. Cooper said that he would en-
doavor during tho political campaign
to urge upon the people tho adoption
OF an educational program which
would enlarge tho field Of operations
and usefulness OF all OF the States
institutons OF learning.
"Wc cannot afford while using all
Of orr energies for q military vic
tory" continued Mr. Cooper "to over
look the inevitable situation which
VIII confront us when tho war shall
end and rcadjusimcnt begins"
'or@t. Harry Thames, Of Camp s
piNr tho wonlk- I'm ihn pity