New-York tribune., 1918-06-29
He Resigns After Criti-
cisrn Caused by Use
of His. ''Whitewash"
Of Publisher
Urges Strong Fight
On Disloyal Press
Gives Warning That
Hearst Will Advo-
cate Peace at
Any Price

S. Stanwood Menken yesterday re.
signed the presidency Of the National
Security League.
His resignation followed extensive
criticism directed against him for his
so-called "letter" whitewashing GER
tain phases of Hearst newspaper ae-
tivities.
In severing his connection with the
league Mr.. Menken said his useful
ness as an Official had been impaired
since his name figured in Hearst's eff
ferts to clear his publications Of the
ta;nt Of dis:oyalty.
His final word was that the league
and other patriotic societies should
make a strong fight against the dis
loyal press of the country as the only
means of opposing organized, profit
seeking newspapers" under one con-
troll
Points Out Hearst Menace
Outlining his attitude toward Mr..
Hearst Mr. Menken said:
II am totally opposed to pacihsm
and pro-Germanisrn and all that Mr.
Hearst has striven for toward weakssa
cning and causing dissension in the
progress of the war, either in our
own country or among our allies.
with this creed / have written
and spoken against Mr.. Hearst's
policies consistently.
II believe the greatest danger
this country will have to confront
will be drive by the Germans for
a premature peace, and that. on
their record, Mr.. Hearst's papers
may be fairly expected to act as the
most subtle advocates for peace at
any price,"
Mr.. Menken's resignation was ac-
eepted by the executive committee Of
the league at hastily called meeting,
and Charles E. Lydecker, New York
attorney, was elected to succeed him.
To Counteract Mischief
The committee adopted a resolution
approving the executive change as the
best means of counteracting the "mis-
ehievous effects Of discussion concern
ing the misuse" Of the Menken inter
view as printed in "The New York
American
The "Menken display" was carried in
the issue of "The American" published
on June 1S. On the same day Mr.. Men
ken repudiated the interview, assert
ing that his statement, printed in fac
hmIie, had been obtained through mis-
representation. He said he had no in
,shtion of standing in approval of the
nearst policies. save in the single re-
apect that the Hearst papers had con-
slstentiy advocated universal military
service. He made it clear that any
statement of his was pusely personal
snd in no wise representa- the senti-
"emis OF the National Security League
when asked for a statement last
night Mr.. Menken displayed reluctance
teik. My letter will have to speak
,or ITSELF" he said. "I've decided late
to go very slow in giving verbal in
Mrviews to newspapers. But I've really
resigned, and am out for good"
Text of Menken's Letter
MY Dear Mr.. Remington:
peg 10 tender my resignation as
PRESIDENT OF the national organize
Ilon OF the National Security League.
ana would ask that my frienda accept
lae same without delay--a condition
make because it is my absolute de-
termination to surrender the Office
irrespective OF many kindly REQUESTS
Fnaf do not do so.
am as keenly interested in the
Welfare of the league, which found
60 and to which have devoted nv
sen Tor three and half years. A
ever have been. and have been
largely prompted to take this step
ssea9se OF its effect on my plan for
yopuiar education in patriotic sub
s1us.s' u' which hasy now been SO geper-
i1;ny accepted by educators. / be-
Ss ve tnat to be the most important
MIN the league or any other public
nody can engage in, provided thew do
70 With understanding and vision.
am totally opposed to pacifism
fnu pfo.Germanism and all that Mr..
.n;a ;scs mas striven for toward weak.
lug and causing dissension in the
progress Of the war. either n onr
"n country or among our allies. It
aas Tor that reason that / said in NV
spsnfnS statement, which Mr.. Hearst
puohshed, that was 'unAiterabIy, on
Rvseo' 70 many Of his foreign and
internal policies.
with this creed. l have, as ynu
low. written and spoken against NJ.
mesrst,s policies consistently, and
rsmpnists written by me in direct
pfosl1on q, 70 hts views have been cir
& ~-.-ss0 20 an extent which might
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