Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1918-05-24
DANGER IN GERMAN PEACE
Paris Pastor Says Rule Of violsnee
Must be Overthrow.

mu6t DC SNcTtHTo~h.
German lust for world domination
has evoked from Pastor Charles
Wagner OF Paris. author and one Of
the worlds leading opponents of the
simple life" a message to the Ameri-
can people in which he warns against
n German peace and declares that TO
90 on leading a quiet life when ini-
uuity is flooding the earth is TO be-
come an accomplice of iniquity." The
message makes n special appeal TO
pacitists.
Doctor Wagner was invited recently
by the national committee on the
churches and the moral aims OF the
war to make a tour Of the United
states for the purpose Of inspiring
churches to more effective patriotic
efforts. His health prevented him
from accepting and he sent his "Mrs-
sage to Americans" instead.
All religious and moral motives
unite to make us the defenders OF
right" the message reads. "Therc is
neither excuse nor escape: the man
Of violence must be overthrow ii We
would again lead n quiet and free
life. If We offer peace. he will be- our
master. The world will bow before
Goliath If he does not encounter his
David. But that shall not be. The
spirit of David is making steady pre-
grcss: il il winning the nations. They
understand the only way to save the
liberty of the world is to say to vio-
lcncc. Halt
1T appears more clearly every day,
by the acts of our enemies. that they
are rndcavoring to achieve a world
wide domination. They cover the
falscncss of their designs with the
cloak of pity. II is in the name Of
God that they want to impose their
tyranny and make everything give
way and bow before them. What we
have to face now IL a fearful attempt
to reduce mankind to slavery by
usurping divine power itself. When
they have covered the earth with
blood and ruins, and contrivcd a
wholesale corruption of conscienccs.
they show us in one hand a glitter
ing sword. and in the other an olive
branch, the symbol Of peace.
"Who are they, those who are prof
rcring peace? They are. the men who
let loose war. believing they would
surely conquer. who violated the
treaties they themselves had signed.
who ransackcd unoffending countries,
who pillaged and burned towns, who
dealt ruthlessly with the civilians Of
the invaded countries. including the
aged people. women and children.
They need peace In order to profit by
their booty. Those who are Offering
us peace are highly organized gang
of highway robbers who have secured
enormous plumber and want to keep
il under the cover of treaties.
"You men of peace, are you the
men of such n peace? Is II the peace
Of brave hearts. of honor and Justice.
of truth. Of brotherhood? No! 1t Is
the shameful peace of surrender un-
der threats. OF connivance with evil
doors, peace which means the for
saking of the oppressed. crimes un-
punished and the triumph Of the lower
instincts.
at is against such peace that we
ought to make war. Never has a
more sacred duty rested WITH the
men Of any age: Iren toy are
ready to enchain liberty in bbds and
spirit. Peace under these conditions
means acceptance of the Prussian
military system in trade. industry,
education. in the language we speak
and the prayers we utter. Look at
Poland: hook at Alsace and Lorraine!
Is il for this that the Pilgrim Faith
ers left everything? Is 1t for this
that Washington and Lincoln fought
the good fight? Is II for this future
the American mothers wish to rear
their sons7 No, a thousand times
no. With such possibility hanging
over us like n threatening cloud. no
peace Is possible. Every upright man
ought to say:
Here stand. l cannot do other
wise. God help mel"