Evening capital news. (Boise, Idaho) 1901-1927, 1919-01-17


be no sagging back III the fight for Amer-
canism merely because the war is over,
and that there are plenty of people who
have already made the assertion that they
believe the American people have a short
memory and that they intend to revive all
the foreign associations in America III or
der to hinder the complete Americaniza-
ton OF our people, 1t seems strange that
we should have to fight for what is one of
our most precious possessions, but so it is.
For years there was determined effort to
impose German culture-or rather kul-
tur--on this nation. There was the most
vigorous sort Of campaign against what
was announced as Anglo-Saxonism. 4" We
can easily enough trace this anti-Americn
movement in society, politics and educa-
ton. That there will be efforts again to-
startthe campaign just where it left off canl
not.be doubted.
1t is true that the American people are
always disposed to forget unpleasant
things, and to make friends promptly with
even their worst enemies. They prefer that
things should go smoothly, and do not often
fight till the issue is forced on them But
the greater danger is that politicians will
again begin dickering for the German vote,
and that much Of this vote will be east for
men and organizations that arc subservi-
emit. No nation has been fairer or juster
than this to citizens Of foreign birth.
Doubtless our people have thoughtlessly
been somewhat neglectful of the imml
grant. If so they must wake up 10 their
duty. But the foreign-born, and their de-
scendants also have a duty. Each one Of
them must, as Mr. Roosevelt said, become
Tin fact an American and nothing but
American To our foreign-born. and to all
who would cater to them as voters, the fol-
lowing words from the message may be
heartily commended:
There be divided allegiance here, Any
who says he is American. but
thing else isn't American We
for but flag the American flag place for
the red flag which symboizes ali against liberty
and Justice much it excludes any foreign flag
Of nation to which hostile
for but one language here ana thar Is the English
language. intend the cruciblo
people ont Americans of American national
have for but soul. one loyalty, that
is loyalty to the American people,
We cannot have a real nation on any
other terms, cannot even enter league of
peace-as nation. The doctrine is also
applicable to those who, in scorn Of our
splendid American tradition, would have
lis look to Russia for light. It may be said
also that not even Americans Of the old
stock can be truly American unless they
know what American tradition, institu-
tlons and principles are. There is thus
much educational work to be done among
all classes. Instead Of sagging back, " we
must press steadily forward in our efforts
to realize the ideals Of the great fathers of
this republic. Henceforth American cleo
tions must be decided on strictly American
issues.
The kaiser's fourth son is said to BE-
working for an automobile concern. IF all
reports are to be believed, any member of
the family should be experienced in any
wheeled business.
How slight thing divides Germany from
the allies! There are the allied nations, and
the allied Germans. Only one letter and
yet what an of a difference it makes!
Boxing and wrestling are to be encour-