Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1919-12-25

printed in circus type on the front
pages.
1t seems to me that an overwhelm.
ing preponderance Of military
strength is a great danger to the
people OF the earth. Peace under
these conditions would be the peace
OF chains and slavery. How do we
know that the mighty hands of those
representatives Of that secret coun-
Gil. sitting in Paris or Geneva would
direct that mighty military machine
along the path OF justice and right
eousnesss Shall we look at the peo-
pie Of Korea for an example, The
entire history OF militaryism has
been one of cruelty and oppression.
| III you do not think so read the hts
tory of Andersonville and Libby pris-
ons.
Disarmament.
Our good people have been mis-
led to believe that this agreement Of
a League of Nations provides for uni
versal disarmament. II so Il Is TN
fortunate for it does not provide for
decrease Of armament OF all nations.
Its purpose was evidently to manipu-
late us into a position of disarma-
ment while England and Japan would
be left free to increase its ships and
troops as they saw fit. The theory OF
this arrangement was that the
strength and security OF the United
States would not stand on us and our
congress and our laws but he left
To the will of this council. Where we
could not be in position to defnd
ourselves but leave our defense to
that body of foreign statesmen.
There is but one council mentioned
in that League of Nations agreement
please remember that. And that
council may be composed largely Of
representatives from the British en-
pire. Why should that empire have
so large representation i'm that
mighty council? | had rather trust
the cause Of humanity to smaller ma
tions like Holland and Sweden than
to nations that seek world supremacy
like England and Japan. Since the
members of this mighty council are
appointed rather than elected hold
that the representatives of the Brit
ish colonies would be under the d.
rect influence OF the English states
men. l may he mistaken but why
should we speculate in any such un-
certainty as that?
Cn.Amcrican.
The whole document Is founded on
principles that are wholly contrary
to our form of government and our
traditions. The people of the Unit
ed States would have nothing to say
about the selection OF our represen-
tatives of this council. He Is TO he
f. mi.
way provided for his removal. bur by
death. He Is not even required to
he an American citizen. II England
had sufficient influence in our con-
gress she might get Lloyd George ap-
pointed as our representative. II we
are to turn this country over to that
Of kingdom let us have the right
at least to nominate and elect our
king. Let US select our representa-
tive by election and for term OF
years. II we ever enter such an agree
ment as this. Why are we urged to
sign ut once. Let those nations pro-
coed i'm their own way for few
years and show their good Intentions
have no doubt they will take us in
at any time we wish to join. especial
~ when their bills come due.
An Intensive Alliance.
II regard this League OF Nations
agreement as in the nature OF an Of
fensive alliance. Where we agree to
do everything and they agree to do
little or nothing A one sided ar
rangement by which we have been
committed to policy against world
domination hut leaving England and
Japan free to conquer the world.
with our help II they can. 1t was
clearly explained that we wanted
nothing for our effopts. in the war.
What did England and Japan get? II
seems to me as If they got all they
wanted. for the present at least.
II am unable to find one word In
that agreement. from hack to- back
that prevents England and Japan
from continuing their brag in China
and Russia. IF their secret policy
were known think you would find
it included the conquest Of Russia
and China That Is one reason, ! be-
lieve. why those nations do not con-
template universal disarmament. Can
you tell me the object Of holding our
troops I'm Russia? Can you tell me
why Japan Is constantly increasing
her army in Russia Can you tell
: me why the navy OF Great Britain is
blockading the ports Of Russia? Can
you tell me why there is such o
mighty propaganda in this country
against the Russian people? II IL to
stir up hatred for them so as to get
|; our help to effect their subjugation.
Why not let the people OF Russia
choose the sovereignty under which
they shall live, according to the fav-
orite point of President Wilson apd
! the democratic platform? Poor Rus
STA, the nation that remained so
friendly to us during our Civil war
when the sympathy Of England was
with the rebels.
~ am informed that our war de-
partment has been planning a stand
: ing army Of 100000 men, subject Ia
foreign service. What Is the object
OF this army and where IL 1t going?
Is 1t destined to Russia. China or
Africa to serve under the many col.
ored standards Of internationaIism