The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1918-01-23
No MIDDLE GROUNDS,
COOPER OF LAURENS TALKS OF
ISSUES.
Schools Must Go On--PrOgram for
Education to Sc Outlined and Kepl
Before People in Campaign.

Columbia, Jan. 1S.-''There is n,
middle ground for an American citi-
zen in this war; he is either for oi
against the government" is the EN-
phatic way in which Robert A. Cooper
OF IMurens, candidate for governor
described yesterday the attitude o.
every citizen toward the govern
ment in this war when discussing po.
liiical conditions in South Carolina.
Mr.. Cooper, who is spending few
days in Columbia, said that South Car
oina should not even during tn,
period of the var, suhmerge tht
cause of education, rs it is para
mount above all other issues Mr.
Cooper at this tine did rot discuss the
political phases Of any other prob
lem confronting the State, merely say
ing that these problems would be de
veloped during the course of the po
litical campaign next summer
When asked if he had any views
give to the people of. South Caroline
Mr.. Cooper said that he had no es.
pecial statement to make at this time
THE one paramount issue not only i.
South Carolina but in America unit
the end of the war is the undeviatin
direction of our energies, our re
sources and our man power to tn
successful termination of the war
Even in a political campaign, W.
should keep this matter PROMINENT!
before our people to the end that w
may have more thorough under
standing Of the issues involved, an
while we are making the world saf,
for democracy we must make de
mocracy safe for the world"
Mr.. Cooper said that he considere
IL unnecessary for him to make p
statement as to his attitude in this
war, but he reiterated his position o.
undivided and answering support
The government in tie prosecution O.
the war. He said that it was tn,
! first duty of every patriotic citizen t.
lend his entire energies to the gov
ernment that victory to America /
arms may be the conclusion of the
momentous conflict in which Americp
and her allies are now engaged.
Mr. Cooper was emphatic in his
| condemnation of those sinister forces
which are making for the undermin-
ing of the American peoples conf
dence in the government and are en-
deaVoring to foster premature peac.
ideas, which, he said. is an insidiou
species OF German propaganda, which
should be condemned by the Ameri
can people as an effort to bolste
kaiserism.
I'm my opinion" said Mr. Cooper
there is no middle ground for al
American citizen in this war; he i.
either for or against the government
II he is against the government, he
rs Just as truly stabbing our boy,
in the back. who are now on tn,
battle line in France, as if he wer,
behind the lines, weapon in hand
fighting for the kaiser whom he rep
resents. Every such un-America,
person should receive the severe con
demnation OF every patriotic citizen
and either should be placed in an in
ternment camp or sent to German,
where he belongs"
Mr.. Cooper said that he would en-
dnavor. during the political campaign
to urge upon the people the adoptio,
Of an educational program, whicI
would enlarge tho field Of operation.
and usefulness Of all Of the State
institutions Of learning.
1--WE can not afford while using al
Of our energies for a military vic
tory" continued Mr.. Cooper, ito over
look the inevitable situation whicl
will confront us when the war shall
end and readjustment begins"