The Farmington times. (Farmington, St. Francois County, Mo.) 1905-1926, 1918-11-01
Who Do You Want?

Candidates of both parties who have
been out among the voters say there is
less interest being taken in politics
this year than ever before This lack
of interest in party politics is easily
accounted for. We are engaged in
war that is of chief and vital concern
to every citizen of America. Both of
the leading parties favor the prosecu-
ton of the war to a successful conclu-
sion, and have said so in their plat
forms. The majority of both Demo-
crat and Republican Senators and
Congressman have stood Loyalty by
the Administration in rendering ser
vice that insures and proves that
Democracy can wage war as effective
ly as an autocracy. The Senators and
Congressman who did not support the
measures intended to strengthen the
military branch of Government in this
crisis are being retired to private life
as fast as their terms expire. Such
action on the part of the people is re-
assuring and encouraging. 1t shows
that the majority of the people put
country above party, and patriotism
above party success. Party labels are
counting for less today than ever be-
fore, and the candidate of any party
whose past record shows that ne has
truckled for the support of an element
or an organization inimical to the in
terests of this country should be beat
en-, regardless Of the party to which he
belongs.
The war has opened our eyes to
many things that were taking place in
this country that were calculated to
destroy our unity and independence as
nation. Chief among these organi-
cations was the German American AL
lance. This alliance was formed for
the avowed purpose of Germanizing
America. In the last campaign this
organization boosted of a voting
strength Of three milion'votes. 1t be-
came so strong in many States and
counties that, as an organization, it
dictated nominations and controlled
elections. This activity along political
lines can best be judged by their own
statements. As late as 1916 we find
official bulletins and reports of the
German-American Alliance which say:
(These reports are from evidence
iiASu WIN VI
the United States Senate.)
an the hours that look so dark for
Germanism, we must use our votes to
the best of our ability. We must,
without regard to previous intimations
and desires, vote only for those who
are friends of Germanism. Page 81.
"The delegates of the German-Amer-
lean central organization of Essex
county, New Jersey, have received the
watchword, Everybody against Roose-
vent, Root and Wilson."-Page 81.
an German-American circles in
Pennsylvania, not only are German
ideals and customs being faithfully
maintained, which have contributed so
much to the ethical development of
nation, but, through united co-opera-
ton, under aegis of the German
American citizens have become po-
litical factor with which the ruling
powers must deal.
Gust as Europe has fallen upon
Germany, so America is now falling
upon German-Americans, or attack
ing them; but we have a weapon which
we can use to good effect, namely, our
ballots; and in these days so dark for
Germanism, we must use our ballot |
for our Germanism. Page SO.
Suddenly in the hour of need and
peril of their old home, they rallied,
and 10 and behold, it is seen that they
are a political power of first rank in
American life. For those German
Americans comprise three million vot-