Perth Amboy evening news., 1919-03-14
APPROXIMATION AND FOREIGN PRESS

Tho EVENING NEWS has received the following letter from
Rev. Joseph Urban, pastor of St. Stephens Polish Roman Catholic
church:
stYour editorial of March 18th has been a great surprise
10 man readers of foreign birth. AS a remedy to stop Bolshe-
vism. you suggest the suppression OF the publications. II any
magazines T newspapers in any foreign language
'Do all foreign papers advocate Bolshevism? How can
you without the help of foreign publications explain to the
millions of foreigners who are unable to read English the
dangers of Bolshevism and teach them the principles OF
Americanism? Your assertions have been too broad ana l
hope that you r acquainted with the fact that all Pohsh
publications have remained loyal to the United States and
are continuing to do so.
''The Poles after many years of persecution in Europe
came to this country to enjoy the Liberty and Justice which
this country offered. As an appreciation for this many
thousands of Polish boys had sacrificed themselves for these
same principles of democracy. As a reward for this n fair
minded citizen should suggest the suppression of any inno-
cent foreign publication. Many Of the boys who fought
for the principles of democracy read these very papers and
would you deny them that privlege9
Prohibiting the printing of any newspapers in any for
egn language would necessarily prohibit sending mail in
foreign language and finally to pray in their language. If
your conception of Americansm is that of Liberty and Justice
surely you would not deny them that liberty.
"Non stunt Hacienda mala ut eveniant BONA
No one, as far IS we have heard, has even minated that all for
ein papers advocate Bolshevism. The report submitted by the in
vestgators of the Post Office Department, however, shows that the
foreign language press is being utilized largely by the l. W. w. and
other radical organizations in the furtherance of their propaganda
schemes. 1t is a question whether their propaganda conducted in this
manner does not more than offset the work done by the foreign Ian
gnage press that is absolutely loyal to America-that there are many
such loyal papers we have not the slightest doubt.
The point is, the great number of foreigners who are in this
country who are loyal to America could serve this country a great
deal better if they understood the English language. Once they I'M
derstood English they would not be dependent upon the foreign
language press to explain to them the dangers of Boshevism and they
could learn the principles of Americanhm in the language of Amer
lea, as they should be learned.
We cannot conceive of anyone eomprehending the full meaning
OF the Declaration of Independence the Constitution of the United
States, Washingtons Farewell Address or Lincoln's Gettysburg Ad-
6rss$ n any other language but English.
America, it is true, has received with open arms the millions of
oppressed peoples from all parts of the world. The Poles, the Ial-
ians, the Hungarians, the scandinavians, the Slav-every race and
nationality has been equally welcome to come to these shores and en-
joy the liberty and justice that this country offers. But they have
been welcomed with the idea that they were to become good, loyal
American citizens if they do not intend to settle here permanently
and become a part of our great national life they are not welcome. We
want each one to become an American in every sense of the word.
But how can these newcomers become good, loyal American cti.
zens and take their part in our national life if they do not understand
the language of this countryf
Some of our best citizens right here in Perth Ambov are nor who
have come here from foreign countries. We would not ask for bsttsr
Americans than are to be found among the members of St Stenben 3
rohsh church. Why have they become such good Americans9 Re-
cause they have learned English; they can read and write English;
"ey can take part IN public affairs and have really become of rs
When a committee of citizens is appointed to carry mt ono mil
he work who is it that is named to represent the Poles the Italians
N N""s 'e huhsarlans n any other nationality Invariably the
men OF those hauonallties who understand and can read and write
Ign are chose1L They are the useful citizens and they are well
coined associates with every other American
what men among the foreign born get the hest ;ors IN ann ~
a@'reSf who are advanced the more RAPIDLY and who command tho
'sees. pay Always 1t Is those who talk English, read English and
write English. PNh AN
ihus IL IS PLAN that not only is the country benefited bv bav.
Ing all foreigners learn to use English, but the foreigner himself is
heiped wonderfully and really ceases to be a foreigner any longer
he is an American.
We eh appreciate tn usefulness of a publication in a foreign
language TO the newly arrived immigrant. But if that publicatior i
10 make 1t easy for the new arrival to continue to use his mother
tongue exclusively so that he does not feel the necessity of LEARNING
.nsihh men ina publication is serving no useful purpose, neither
from the eountrys standpoint nor from the point of view of the i'm
migrant.
While the new arrival may need a foreign language press 70
assist him get a start, it ought not to be many months before the
new conner can get along without such a press. The desirabiltv of
learning English should be impressed upon him from the moment
be sets foot on American soil. With this desire 10 help the immi
grant make the most of the opportunities offered in this country
the foreign language press ought to be willing TO carry ont the sg
gesnSn " e made in our previous editorial, that is, publish in
parallel column the English translation of every word published in
a foreign lan0uape Tins from tba vary start tho naw arrival