The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1919-04-18
Grange Opposes Military Autocracy

Washington, April l5.-(Special
correspondence. Full recognition of
the danger of autocracy in America
is shown in an address which the
National Grange is sending to all
subordinate oranges with the request
that it be read in every local grange
organization in tht United States. 1t
is an address by DIR. Geo. M. Twitch-
ell, formerly overser of the State
Grange of Maine, and a lecturer of
nationwide standing. In the course
of his address, DR.. Twitchell says:
with the cessation of hostilities
and the promise of peace, the claims
signs fail this is to be no excep-
attention. 1t is here that nation
meets its supreme test, and unless all
the government has radically chang
tom. Because of war the policy of
ognition, each demanding control. The
ed from an extreme individualistic to
supreme socialistic. That this is
claimed to be temporary in no way
changes the relations affecting all
classes. The passage from simple
democracy to the most absolute au-
tocracy tht world has ever known,
has brought into activity factors not
easily thrown off when attempt is
made to again place this government
where its founders established it-for,
Of and by the people. Autocratic
power wisely or unwisely fostered has
grown, exacting, and, united by self
ish interests, will refuse to surrenger
what are now termed rights.
Three important, well-organiztd
kn ha ss, q
ed reconstruction, each exacting rec
labor organization may be expected,
enormous profits of war contracts
have closely united the capitalistic
element of the country. the greatly in
creased power granted the military
promises a centralized political ma
chine. and the anxiety of our political
leaders to surrender to every dtmand
of labor organizations has awakened
a lust for power and demand for
recognition based on might not right.
Naturally. the last two bodies will
gravitate, towards n given center and
combined political. military, and
sponsible for the future. A nation
the purpose being to perpetuate the in
terests of both with little regard to
the rights of others.
sour neglect in the past is re-
sponsible for the futurt. A nation
founded on the rights of the people is
strong in proportion as that people
realizes and maintains those rights,
From being the most individual
istic nation. we have become the
most socialistic. Is this to continue
or shall we seek to return to the for
mer conditions and relations? Shall
we go on takin" over industries. fix
ing prices. debating wages, establish
ing food standards and centralizing
power in the hands of a few at the
expense of the many, thereby creating
nation of dependents1 What is to
be the limit of government control
over your time. your products. your
life1
these are questions which face
thinking men today and they must
be met and solved after calm delib.
Grafton. Remember this. there car
be no substitute for self government
and this rests upon the intelligent
thinking of the masses. Centralized
government is certain to dwarf in,
dividual thought. purpose. aspiration
Its whole plan centers in control ant
must result inevitably in depend
ence.
! "In the new era upon which W,