The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1918-02-09

1--WE GOmnlLTee or the state C0umc1k
Of defense. replying to the offer of
the services Of the Nonpartisan
league Of Nebraska, criticizes the
league on account OF statements con-
tained in its circulars.
letter from the committee to o.
s. Evans, state manager, Of Lincoln,
says:
Reports we have received concern
ing the work OF some of the organic
ers OF the Nebraska Nonpartisan
league, taken in connection with it's
literature. are not reassuring from
the American standpoint. Some Of
the private conversations of these
organizers are not Of the character
that should be INDUCED in by
thorough going Americans at this
time. Some of. them seem to be
much more interested in the success
of the Socialist party than in the
triumph Of Americas cause.
Distinct Embarrassment.
Organized efforts to divide Ameri-
cans. separating men in the country
from men in towns, when they should
be united in one common purpose is
q distinct embarrassment to our gov
eminent. We have the pitiful tragedy
of Russia with the consequent dam
age done ITO the cause for which we
are fighting as a startling object les
son along this line.
1--WE recognize the patriotism of
most OF the men who have Joined
your organization in Nebraska. We
feel assured, however, that these men
have not carefully read and analysed
your war program and statement. OF
principles"
The letter criticizes numerous
statements contained in literature or
the league, and adds:
Matter Too Pro- German.
Permit us to call your attention to
the fact that while in your war pro-
gram and statement Of principles you
make many demands upon our asso-
ciates in this war across the seas, you
make no requirements of Germany.
One who reads your war program and
statement of principles might readily
infer that Germany is a greatly abus-
ed nation, not at all responsible for
this terrible war and ready and 'anxi-
Gus for peace if only the American
government would consent to peace
The fact that you make so many de-
rnands upon the allies and no de-
mands upon Germany may explain
the reports we receive that many men
of known pro- German leanings have
been very quick to join your organiza-
ton and are very conspicuous in its
meetings"
The councils letter follows:
o. s. Evans,
State Manager and Secretary Ma
tional Nonpartisan League.
Lincoln. Neb.
Dear Sir: The Nebraska state coun-
ell OF defense has received your let
ter Of recent date, offering the serv--
NnnnaTfiE9n
league in the work which the state
council is carrying on in Nebraska.
In reply we beg leave to say that the
state council would be glad to accept
the aid and cooperation OF all
organizations and individuals who |
are working in harmony with tins |
governments purpose and under |
stand that the winning OF the war |
is the paramount duty of the day.
In this connection we desire to call |
your attention to the fact that some |
Of the literature your organization Is
circulating in Nebraska is not in har- /
lnonv with the CONCERTED effort now |
being made by Americans of all po- !
litical parties and of all classes or |
occupation in support of the great en-
terprise in which our country is now
engaged.
Recognize Patriotism Of Members.
we recognize the patriotism or /
most of the men who have Joined /
YOUR organization in Nebraska. We
feel assured, however, that these men
have not carefully read and analyzed 1
your war Program and Statement
OF Principles" which so long as IL
remains in its present form VIII
greatly hinder patriotic effort In
we respectfully call your attention
to the booklet now being generally
circulated by your organization
Nebraska, and entitled
war Program and Statement OF
Principles"
on page twenty-one OF that book
let YOU say: The league took oe-
cided stand upon the war question,
and YOU will find in this pamphlet
the league resolutions on the war ana
the statement of the hrst league con-
vressman elected from the First
North Dakota district at special
election on July 10, 1917. Read these
and you will see that the
league takes a sound stand on these
For the reason that we
feel that the league has not taken
! sound stand on these questions, we /
cali your attention to some OF the II
things which we regard as untimely
and wholly out of place.
In the first and second paragraphs
of the Resolutions on the war Dy II
fbe National Nonpartisan league II
,,o1, declare the leagues loyalty and h
saw that il Stands unreserVedly
pledged to safeguard and defend and
preserve our country" You immedt-
atelv follow this by the declaration:
eve stand for our country right or
wrong, against foreign governments
with whom we are actually engaged
IN war. Still we hold that when we
believe our country wrong, we should
sndeayor to set her right. Here is
me question mark that has no place
NJ this time in American literature,
ana which does, in the light OF the
pure purpose of our country, great
Injustice to its cause.
HWar for Annexation"
In the fourth paragraph you de-
clare that you are opposed to 'wag-
NJ war for annexation" and you have
permitted this paragraph to stand in
he face Of the fact that over and
over again a has been made clear
hat this is not a war for annexation.
You have permitted to stand the
1fth paragraph wherein you plead for
4 policy that will be In harmony.
With and supporting the new democ-
-acy of Russia in her declaration Of
these fundamental principles. II
must be clear to every thinking man
hat organizations which tend to d.
vide the people Of America upon
class lines win sooner or later bring
America to the very unhappy condi-
.ion in which THE new democracy of
Russia" finds itself today.
In the sixth paragraph you say:
The secret agreements Of kings,
presidents and other rulers, made,
or kept without the knowl-
EDGE of the people constitute con-
lnual menace to peaceful relations.