The menace. [volume] (Aurora, Mo.) 1911-1920, 1918-07-13

ordinance was passed in one night and placed on the
statute book in due course Such action was wholly un
iar 10 you and to me- These aldermen represented us
yet our opinions not even considered nor were
we granted hearing when this business was rairoaded
through in hurry. Again, if The MENACE, as is
claimed, blackens the character of and priests
surely they have the protection afforded all American
citizens by the courts of this land and THE MENACE
can be made to pay heavily for defamation of charac
ters II was once done in the history of THE MENACE
why not instead of the action that has been taken?
In view of these facts declare that the common cou
ell acted in wholly unjustifabe manner. Yet again.
their action was un-patriotic The proposed amend
ment to the constitution of this state having to do with
the question of attendance at public schools of all chill
dren between the ages of five and sixteen years has
been repeatedly and bitterly attacked by Catholic speak
ers as being unpatotc in its nature They have raised
their voice against its introduction at time when their
boys are at the front fighting kaiserism want to ask
them II they have any right to introduce kaisersn in
Detroit while our boys also fighting in France?
Such action they have taken ought to stir every real
M true patriotic American to the depths Of his heart
There are battles to be fought right here at home as
well as abroad and eternal Wgence is the price of our
continued religious freedom.
It is claimed by Catholics that they have 80 per cent
Of the soldiers in the army and so per cent of the per-
sonnel Of the navy Give them every credit due to them
but must condemn the un-pariotc spirit that would
put thing like this across at such time Even if
there were 30 per cent Catholics in the army and there
are not there are 65 per cent Protestans Let them
not overlook that fact Yet do not plaster the front
Of it..
Lastly and most important, their action was wholly
un-Amercan and unconstitutional. Long ago when
the American constitution was framed our forefahers
wove into that constitution the right of freedom Of
speech and press in these words: Congress shall
make no law, abrdging the freedom of speech or of
the press Our city fathers in face Of that pronounce
nent have tried to switch from us the boodbough rights
guaranteed to by that constitution. This principle
Of freedom Of speech and press is not only written on
statute books but also in the heart Of ever real
American whether Catholic or Protestant and as Amer
lean citizens will stand for such conduct ON
the part of city fathers We have come to America
from every cline under Gods heaven and here we have
felt that the Star Spanged Banner guaranteed us cer
tain rights and privileges and the action Of the
council of this city has endangered these rights and
privileges Of ours and feel that the result will be
the unqualified condemnation Of their conduct at the
proper place when the proper time comes
anks Rev Quarrgton for his fearless stand and will
principles he may care to lead. As for THE MENACE
pit but do say that the priest preacher who will
tees and aid in protecting them from the assaults of
less parasites who wish the protection this country af
one word in defense Of all that has made it worth ing
istence Of THE MENACE THE MENACE happens be
can principles and because it is the last nationally
assaults Of Rome 1t is ready to lead the fight for its
oud be egated out Of existence by ordinances or laws
would be just ready to defend this principle for our
ch have made this the greatest nation under the shining
OF subvert American principles to prevent Romes
quickly won, but the principles of this nation will
OF all opposition. Rome cannot succeed under our
ton by first choking out all criticism so long as Amer
sion without snbyerting single American principle
es which is fighting on the side Of democracy.