Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1918-01-07
PUSSYFOOT
PATRIOTISM
(By Virginia Frazer Boyle.)

10Y vll8Aul6 EIdACT oOybOsI
At one time we were told to be neu-
trail, but some have forgotten that the
embargo was removed on April 6,
1917. Shame to them that there are
ears which must be assaiied by crier
and bell with the news, but 1t is true.
Their lethargy or indifference might
have met with tolerance prior to that
date, but today these same ears must
no, with the ringing challenge, PRO
German or Americana There can be
no middle ground-no side issue. Be-
fore our declaration the attitude de-
nominated as "pussyfooting" for want
of a more expressive word, might
have proceeded from laziness, SELFISH
ness or the shrinking from facing dis
crime. But it has stalked before
trusts willing to risk the loss of a ma
ton for present gain. 1t has been the
propaganda of wild-eyed dreamers
who would see the situation. not as it
is. but as they would have it; and
veneered with. peace at any price" it
has dared to garble the words Of holy
writ.
With this menace in our midst shall
we be as slow to wake up as was Eng
land? Shall we not heed her clarion
call to profit by her example? Shall
we wait for the best blood Of our ma
ton to be spilled upon the fields of
France before we can grasp h crux
of the battle to be waged at home by
every man, woman and child who is
American? Ours is not a fight Of ava
rice or conquest. We have not set up
a pagan god to war with the Kaiser's.
Thor. Jehovah, the God of Battles,
still is ours, and it shall be ours to
win for christianity, civilization and
liberty for all men If we do our duty.
But there are other things necessary
to solidify the nation along with con-
servation. Hooverizing. and allied
sonal loyalty to the test before we
can TRY out" for the other fellow.
Are you, manufacturer of necessary
war materials. "pussyfooting'' around
the disloyal utterances of q business
associate because he is adding dol
lars to your Golfers? Are you, club
man, treating lightly what that mar
has said in the smoking room about
your government because you know
him as a Jolly good fellow" and you
would not hurt his feelings?" Are
you, club woman. passing over sedi.
tious ~utterances of a woman across
the table who is defiant because she
is a woman, because she believes tina,
she can not be held responsible? Are
you, little society coward, minimizing
what you have heard today because
the offender was on your visiting lis
prior to April 6 and you are "toe
much of a lady, to be rude? Botf
trousers and p%etticoats have otter
concealed jellyfish. and a ramrod is
suggestion for the Strengthening O,
your ~backbones. These offender.
would not require the offices of sec,
ret service men If they had the earn
est consideration Of the loyal privat,
citizen. In this grave crisis the gov
eminent has not established militar,
law nor defined lese majestic; it ha,
believed in the sincerity and patriot
ism of all its people. 1t is not enough
that they have sent their sons t,
France. that they have bought libert,
bonds, have contributed largely to tn,
war library fund, and have worke,
to make the red triangle a success. AL
this service and activity avails moth
ing for the great finality without per
sonal loyalty, that loyalty, armored
ready to serve against any thrust O
innuendo aimed in any manner what
soever against the integrity of thi
country.
Old Glory has trailed sine
the first stars were sown upon it
field, and it is your duty, my dut,
the duty of every man and woma,
under it, please God! to see that
never shall!