Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1918-04-09
Loyal Support Of Administration.
Editor Democrat:
Il has been hard tough winter fol
New England and tried the flbre Of oul
patriotism - In frey furnace. but We
must

cannot imagine war exists. Let us be-
lieve it foretokens better things. Our
trouble q . people shall be remedied,
and the weak places made strong.
/ am sending an article recently print
ed In Lynn Evening News, but I feel 1t
10 not needed In patriotic old Maine as
much 40 here. / am proud OF the loyalty
of my native state, and of the helpful.
ness and splendid Red Cross work of
people In the towns like West Paris from
which came. II our whole country be
as faithful, our victory in war is assured.
STAND BY NATIONS HEAD, HEB APPEAL.
(From Lynn (Mass.) Evening News, March 9o)
To the Editor of the Lynn Evening
News:-Having been reporter some
years back know how valuable your
time is and will be a. brief ~ possible.
For some time I have wanted to call
and tell you how much liked the
editorials In the News.
For five years have been . constant
reader of your paper and more especially 2
since the war started I have considered
your war editorials the equal II not
superior of any published.
assume that like myself, your SYM
psthies are politically Republican and
Progressive, but your party affiliations
are submerged In loyal patriotism as
should be the attitude Of every American
citizen.
Though only woman, therefore not
representative voter In this common
wealth, yet my heart burns to the core
with the fire of devotion to flag and
loved native land, and II We % American
people do not still further arouse our
selves to the demands of the present
war crisis We shall fail to sustain the
character bequeathed by our ancestors
as q rightful heritage.
There 10 still too much selfish indiffer-
ence among us that We should strive to
overcome; then real sacrifice, akin to
the noble spirit of France, might be
possible to America II needed. Much of
the warning and advice given By our
valuable newspapers falls on some
hearts like good seed on barren ground.
1t is wearisome to study war problems,
therefore let us 60 to the movies and for
get; there is no personal danger In
America.
Will nothing arouse our selfish indif-
ference but that the wrath Of God shall
send us submarines to sink our ships
and drown our sons, and wicked air
ships to drop poison bombs and destroy
our women and innocent babes?
SOUL ARISES IN PROTEST.
Perhaps then some of the reasonable
criticism of our government would turn
to piteous pleading for time In time OF dire
distress. My soul rises in protest against
some of the public criticism Of our presi-
dent and government officials.
Our boasted personal liberty aud
freedom of speech 10 misused to publicly
stab In the back some who are doing by
every means ut their command, their
utmost to serve the United States and
her people. Slander of our president,
and other high officials, when not proven
or needed, should not be credited but
buried in tho wrath of our people.
Shall We put to shame before the
people across the sea, that We do not
honor, respect and esteem the chosen
representative Of our great republic as
much as theyP
There may be mistakes; 1t Is our
privilege as people, to protest, to
suggest If We have the ability, but away
with the venomous public criticism
which leaves public official helpless to
prevent the evil of Its poisonous in
fuepce.
So often our superficial criticism 10
both unfair and unjust. II some of our
citizens feel they must exercise their
much vaunted right to their own opinion
let them at least keep 1t buried in
their own heart until they observe II
time shall justify it.
KNIT THOUGHTS OF LOVE.
Some one has suggested that the
mothers and sisters knit into the sweat.
ers and socks thoughts of love, cheer
and courage as messages to our soldier
lads across the sea. It Is no longer non.
sense that thoughts may travel-we
know not where.
So why should not the American
people send kindly thoughts, courage
and cheer to the heavily burdened, sDx-
ious hearts of the administration at
Washington that they may really feel tho
great mass of the people are backing
them.
We need to uplift and sustain our
president In the stress aud strain Of these
trying days for no man can be his best
when depressed by critical fsult-fnding
or worse. Lot him have proof Of our
patriotism. II We have just and nm.
selfish complaints let rs voice them
reasonably and with decency that they
may be overcome and remedied.
Respectfully yours,
MRS. JENNIE B. DUNHAM.
Springdsle Avenue, East Saugus.